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Recommended Luthiers


Hamster

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I've searched around this forum and our previous home and have come up with the following luthiers.

They have all at some time been personally recommended by forum members who have had work carried out by them.

As this is a living document, if you have any amendments / additions then post the details on the thread and I'll add it to this first post.


Hamster smile.png&key=3bad52c92bd9c5a3c81700d0f90cd8ac98f83f4b770513b58193583051bc4050


In a rough North -----> South order:

Alan Cringean 07754 502 366 www.acguitars.co.uk Moffat
Joe & Dave 07896759715, 07918646359 Austin Guitar Shop [email protected] Blyth
Dave Wilson 07951 710626 http://www.dwilsonguitars.com Haltwhistle
Chris and Laurence 01228 590591 www.overwater.co.uk Carlisle
Nigel Stockbridge 01748 824700 http://www.nigelsguitarworkshop.co.uk/ Richmond, N Yorks
Steve Suggitt 01723 859176 http://www.chapelguitars.com West Ayton, Nr Scarborough
Jim Fleeting 01765 607761 07792 457 741 http://www.guitarrepairman.co.uk/ Ripon, N Yorks
Phil Hartley 01204 592373 http://www.guitarsetup.co.uk/ Bolton
Steve Robinson 07776 434987 www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk Manchester
Keith Bennion 0151 647 3268 http://www.kgb-music.co.uk Birkenhead
Jack Ellis 07706 828122 http://jacksinstrumentservices.com/ Salford
Ged Green 0161 4289098 www.gedgreen.co.uk Manchester
Jon Shuker (Shuker Bass) 0114 2582555, 07901 896021 www.shukerguitars.co.uk Sheffield
Dan 01159 784403 http://www.themusicinn.co.uk Nottingham
Colin Staples 01159 417955 www.davemann.co.uk Nottingham
Nigel Roberts 01530 454945 www.leicestershire-luthier.co.uk Thringstone, Nr Loughborough
The Guitar Workshop 01530 267324 http://www.theguitarworkshop.co.uk Ibstock, Leicestershire
Howard Smith 01162 706862 http://www.howardsmith.co.uk/ Leicester
Ian Hancock - 01733 565099 Peterborough
Jon Haire - 01733 348661 Peterborough
Duncan Wales - 01354 652231 www.organicguitars.co.uk Peterborough
Rob Williams - 01686 689120 www.robwilliamsguitars.co.uk Newtown Powys
John Diggins 0121 7735711 www.jaydeeguitars.co.uk Birmingham
Andy Guyton 01986 896689 http://www.guytonguitars.com/ Bungay Suffolk
Paul 01604 460848 www.arrowheadguitars.co.uk Northampton
Pete Allen 01926 499012 http://www.guitartec...lservices.co.uk Warwick
Colin Fulton 07913 797193 Glemham, Suffolk
Kim Seabourne 07974294681 http://www.bassurgery.com Worcester
Andy Viccars www.andyviccarscustom.co.uk Milton Keynes
Robbie McDade 07915 075077 www.rimcustombasses.co.uk Luton
Dave Dearnly 02920 462953 Cardiff
Mark Percy 07956 611811 / 07804 289794 http://www.markpercy.co.uk London N19
Dave Wild 0208 3407766 http://www.wildguitars.com/guitars.htm London N6
The Bass Gallery 0207 2675258 www.thebassgallery.com London NW1
Chris McIntyre 07764747450 http://mcintyreguitars.com Unit 228, Blenheim Court, Blenheim Grove, London SE15 (new address)
Bill Puplett 0208 9541965 [email protected] London Harrow
Paul Herman 0208 9731441 www.guitarexperience.co.uk London Hampton Wick
Andrew Scrimshaw 07941 434650 http://mbwebs.co.uk/scrim/ London
Martin Phelps 0208 6809747 http://www.martinphelpsmusic.com/ Croydon
Feline Guitars 0208 6809131 www.felineguitars.com Croydon
Simon Law 07786 563214 Swindon
Eltham Jones 07971 240296 http://www.edgeguita...co.uk/index.htm Bristol
Oli Foxen 07884 371559 http://ampstack.wordpress.com/ Bristol
Jonny Kincade 01179 243279www.kinkadeguitars.co.uk Bristol
Frank Aust 01179 603589 Bristol
Tom Waghorn & Dave MacLean (Waghorn Guitars) 01179 272111 http://waghornguitars.com/ Bristol BS1 4AJ
The Guitar Klinic 01761 419199 www.guitarclinic.co.uk Midsomer Norton
Mike Walsh 01376 500820 www.zootbass.co.uk Witham
Barry Palmer 01279 432900 http://www.giggear.c.../home/index.php Harlow
Bob Johnson 01702 558890 http://www.legraguitars.co.uk Leigh-on-Sea
Mike Seal 07906 354339 Northfleet
Tom Anfield 0845 2268175 http://www.ukguitars.com/ Ripley
Joe White 01252 520911 www.jwhite-guitarworkshops.co.uk Farnborough
Ben Fleetcroft 01483 427444, Godalming
Martin Sims 07768 401186 www.simscustom.com Ashford, Kent
Ben Crowe 01963 364101, 07799 003701 http://www.crimsonguitars.com Henstridge
Nick Benjamin 01273 480907 www.benjaminguitars.co.uk Lewes
Bernie Goodfellow 01273 220055 www.gbguitars.co.uk Brighton
Graham Wheeler 01903 893029 Worthing

Shane Haigh The String Surgeon www.thestringsurgeon.co.uk  01924 277930 Wakefield

New Ireland Section!
Chris Larkin +353 66 713 9330 http://www.chrislarkinguitars.com Co.Kerry

New Germany section!
Rüdiger Ziesemann +49 2151/736496 http://www.bassline-bass.de Krefeld

New Australian Section!
Brian West (+618) 8231 8588 www.fretco.com.au Adelaide
Tim Wright (+618) 8398 5551 www.wrightguitars.com.au MT BARKER (Acoustic & Electric guitars)

Edited by Sibob
added contact
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  • 2 weeks later...

My personal favourite Adelaide Luthiers

Bass & Guitars
[b]Brian West - Fretco - 25 years and only perfection[/b]
122 Gilbert Street Adelaide, SA, 5000 Phone:(+618) 8231 8588


Acoustic and electric Guitars
[b]Tim Wright - Wright guitars[/b]
16 WALKER ST MT BARKER SA 5251, (+618) 8398 5551

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Cheers Hamster!

I had no idea I had a luthier near me. Do you think they'd do a setup. My friend's bass has gone seriously concave and his action is ridiculously high. Do you think they'd sort it all out and re-string?

This is like...epihpany.

Thanks again,

Paul.

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FC - added into new Australian Luthiers section!! - Thanks

Paul - I presume you're looking at using Ben Crowe at Crimson Guitars, It's only up the road from you so pop in and see if he can do voodoo on the banana bass.

Hamster

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[quote name='Hamster' post='9926' date='May 31 2007, 03:06 PM']FC - added into new Australian Luthiers section!! - Thanks

Paul - I presume you're looking at using Ben Crowe at Crimson Guitars, It's only up the road from you so pop in and see if he can do voodoo on the banana bass.

Hamster[/quote]

:)

You sir, are a one in a million.

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  • 3 weeks later...

One for our Northern England readers...

Dave Wilson, The Haltwhistle Custom Shop, Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

Previously at Overwater, has been independent for the last few years, as well as working with Stefan Sobell. Specialises in bass, but excels at all stringed instruments.

The man is a genius at set-ups, major & minor repairs, refins, etc... I won't go anywhere else.

PM me for his contact details.

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[quote name='wateroftyne' post='21342' date='Jun 21 2007, 12:54 PM']One for our Northern England readers...

Dave Wilson, The Haltwhistle Custom Shop, Haltwhistle, Northumberland.

Previously at Overwater, has been independent for the last few years, as well as working with Stefan Sobell. Specialises in bass, but excels at all stringed instruments.

The man is a genius at set-ups, major & minor repairs, refins, etc... I won't go anywhere else.

PM me for his contact details.[/quote]

Thanks - added

Hamster

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  • 3 weeks later...

A very useful list!

Some additions from me:

Ged Green, [url="http://www.gedgreen.co.uk/"]http://www.gedgreen.co.uk/[/url], Manchester
Bob Johnson, Legra Guitars [url="http://www.legraguitars.co.uk"]http://www.legraguitars.co.uk[/url] Leigh-on-Sea Essex
Andrew Scrimshaw, [url="http://mbwebs.co.uk/scrim/"]http://mbwebs.co.uk/scrim/[/url] London
Simon Jones, [url="http://www.sglguitars.co.uk"]http://www.sglguitars.co.uk[/url] Swansea

All great professionals and a pleasure to deal with

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[quote name='Villex_Europe' post='28531' date='Jul 8 2007, 10:56 AM']A very useful list!

Some additions from me:

Ged Green, [url="http://www.gedgreen.co.uk/"]http://www.gedgreen.co.uk/[/url], Manchester
Bob Johnson, Legra Guitars [url="http://www.legraguitars.co.uk"]http://www.legraguitars.co.uk[/url] Leigh-on-Sea Essex
Andrew Scrimshaw, [url="http://mbwebs.co.uk/scrim/"]http://mbwebs.co.uk/scrim/[/url] London
Simon Jones, [url="http://www.sglguitars.co.uk"]http://www.sglguitars.co.uk[/url] Swansea

All great professionals and a pleasure to deal with[/quote]

Have you actually had work done on your basses by these guys, or are they just business contacts?

Thanks

Hamster

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[quote name='Hamster' post='28889' date='Jul 8 2007, 11:26 PM']Have you actually had work done on your basses by these guys, or are they just business contacts?

Thanks

Hamster[/quote]

Hi Hamster,

Andrew Scrimshaw set up my bass and installed pickups and booster in it. Ged is already on the list. Bob is working on a guitar of mine at the moment - happy so far. I guess that leaves Simon out for the time being, hope someone else from the forum can vouch for him - I am certain that anyone here would get a great service from him if that matters.

Tigran

Edited by Villex_Europe
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[quote name='Villex_Europe' post='28919' date='Jul 9 2007, 12:37 AM']Hi Hamster,

Andrew Scrimshaw set up my bass and installed pickups and booster in it. Ged is already on the list. Bob is working on a guitar of mine at the moment - happy so far. I guess that leaves Simon out for the time being, hope someone else from the forum can vouch for him - I am certain that anyone here would get a great service from him if that matters.

Tigran[/quote]

Thanks Tigran - added to list :)

Hamster

p.s. - Has anyone used Simon Jones and can give a thumbs up?

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Hi Hamster,

Could you please add to the list the Bristol based guy I use; Frank Aust 0117 960 3589.

Nice bloke, very experienced & reasonably priced - makes an excellent cup of tea. Quick turn-around too.
Does Hugh Cornwall's (Stranglers) guitars - so thats's good enough for me!

Many thanks

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[quote name='nick' post='32495' date='Jul 16 2007, 01:27 PM']Hi Hamster,

Could you please add to the list the Bristol based guy I use; Frank Aust 0117 960 3589.

Nice bloke, very experienced & reasonably priced - makes an excellent cup of tea. Quick turn-around too.
Does Hugh Cornwall's (Stranglers) guitars - so thats's good enough for me!

Many thanks[/quote]

Added. Does he have a website?

Hamster

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One to add to the list!

To save me the journey of travelling up to Sheffield to see Jon Shuker for 'Doodle's first service, I have enlisted the extraordinary talents of Mr Andy Guyton, who is based in East Anglia. This chap is the very same chap employed by Brian May to build his replica 'red specials' - no, not the cheapy ones from soundcontrol.. the ones with 3 noughts after the price tag!

Well.. I figure that if Mr May can entrust his personal guitar to the man.. thats good enough for me!

Anyway.. top bloke.. check him out..

www.guytonguitars.co.uk

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[quote name='dood' post='33041' date='Jul 17 2007, 01:49 PM']One to add to the list!

To save me the journey of travelling up to Sheffield to see Jon Shuker for 'Doodle's first service, I have enlisted the extraordinary talents of Mr Andy Guyton, who is based in East Anglia. This chap is the very same chap employed by Brian May to build his replica 'red specials' - no, not the cheapy ones from soundcontrol.. the ones with 3 noughts after the price tag!

Well.. I figure that if Mr May can entrust his personal guitar to the man.. thats good enough for me!

Anyway.. top bloke.. check him out..

www.guytonguitars.co.uk[/quote]

Has he done the work on your bass yet? - he seems well acquainted with those other '6-string soprano bass' things like what Mr May plays. I expect he'll be good - but at what price for a setup (if you don't mind me asking?)

Hamster

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He is in the process of doing the work at the moment. To be honest, the prices are reasonable. I think it would vary from job to job.. but my 7er isn't your usual 'set up' in terms of what most bass players want, so I'd expect it to cost a little more I guess. I'm not sure what the going rates around the UK are, but he's cheaper than rsome idiculous london prices!

When the 'red special' was being 'cloned' by Andy, the guitar was actually X-Ray'd in order to find out the exact size of all the acoustic compartments and and other parts of the build that couldn't be 'seen'. Now, thats attention to detail! I was amazed! Apparently, the company that Andy has used to make bespoke metal hardware uses designs with a tolerance of up to 100th of a mm!!!

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[quote name='dood' post='33117' date='Jul 17 2007, 04:07 PM']Apparently, the company that Andy has used to make bespoke metal hardware uses designs with a tolerance of up to 100th of a mm!!![/quote]

Crumbs! - that's tiny even for a gnat's little gentleman :)

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  • 4 weeks later...

Is it cheeky to add myself? :) I am without a doubt my favourite luthier.. I also build Charlie Jone's of Goldfrapp/Siouxie Sious fame.. anyhow, check me out at www.crimsonguitars.com 01963364101 .. oh, Ben Crowe's the name.. the next best bass builder in the country is definitly Bernie over at GB guitars.. but he's listed already.. still, the man is a genius!!

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[quote name='Crimson Guitars' post='44002' date='Aug 10 2007, 09:36 PM']Is it cheeky to add myself? :huh:[/quote]

Yes it is very cheeky :huh:

But someone beat you to it and has already recommended you - you're on the list :huh:

Hamster

Edit: I see you've moved, I'll change your website address and contact numbers :)

Edited by Hamster
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A couple of new guys to watch out for are Joe and Dave @ 'Austin Guitar Shop'. They have started a new business off producing guitars (KS Guitars) but are obviously also running repairs, maintenance, custom paint and finishing. They are based in Blyth, Northumberland and at the moment are contactable via email [email protected] or mobile +447896759715 +447918646359 They've just dressed and set up a couple of my basses and I'm well impressed, they even go to the trouble of taking every customers bass set up measurements which they keep on file for future reference. Prices are very reasonable to start with but even better as they are initially offering 10% - 12.5% off work in lieu of a favour to Basschat (for the discount mention warwickhunt when you contact them). The favour is that they intend producing a bass, they have their own stamp on what it should look like and be spec'd with but would like some feedback from bassists... watch this space.

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