I have been interested in woodworking since I was boy at school. I started building and flying model aeroplanes at the age of 10yrs. I have carried this on up to the present. In 1976 I became interested in aerobatic competitions and since then became a British team member in 1979. I have been British Champion 8 times and have been an active team member with some high places in European and World champs in that time.
I took up music at the age of 19yrs and was a member of a folk band for two years. I have played guitar since then with many breaks.

I always wanted a Martin guitar, but never did make the decision to buy one. I decided instead to use my wood working skills and make a Martin copy. Producing two 6 string and a 12 string in the standard dreadnought pattern.

Dave Hutchinson of Nebula had approached me with a request for a stage guitar slightly smaller than a dreadnought. I drew up a cutaway small bodied guitar for him and subsequently built it for him. From the first moment it was strung up, it was apparent that this was something special. Everyone who hears it falls in love with it.

Mike Silver heard this at a club in Harrogate and immediately called me to see if I would build him one. I duly started this and when the body was complete Mike called to ask if it were possible to produce him a 16 fret to the body guitar. No small feat concidering the body was already finished for a 14 fret guitar. I worked out a scale length and then produced a16 fret neck. The result was outstanding, this guitar has an enormous sound. Mike likens it to playing a grand piano.

Mike can be found on Mike Silver.

I have now made the decision to produce guitars to order and will concider anything from solid body electrics and bass guitars to my own small bodied guitars. Cost will be agreed at the time of order. Orders will be taken in and guitars built in line with the position on the order book. You may have a long wait but it will be worth it.

 

Thanks, Barry.