Welcome to my page here on Vintage and Rare - I hope it gives you an insight into my work

I have been hand building guitars since 1967. I do as much hand work as absolutely possible. This way I feel connected to the instrument through the whole process. I can hear, see and feel it evolving in my hands. 

Most of the science in my luthiery is that of experience and intuition. I gaze at classic work, in any kind of artefact, and I try to absorb the configurations of nature.
I've hand built about a thousand guitars, lutes, mandolins, dulcimers, and a variety of multi necked and multi stringed instruments. I enjoy the conversation between maker and player. Understanding their needs and being able to realise their dream instrument. I have built guitars for notables such as John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Ian Anderson, Andy Summers, Mike Oldfield and Joshua Homme among others.

I recently relocated to Portugal and have my new workshop up and running. We are really happy to be here. I have always had an affinity for the European way of life and weather ! 
The conditions here are perfect for guitar making. I feel the space and calm will bring out the best of me and inspire good work. 

My stepson Seth has been with me in the workshop now for sometime building custom solid body electrics.
Seth was the manager of my brother Hugh's shop - Manson's Guitar Shop for a number of years and also John Paul Jones' co technician on several tours and the Led Zeppelin reunion show. We have been developing ideas and he is designing his own electric models based on his vast experience at the shop.

We are very much enjoying working together, the symbiosis is exciting.

If you are you interested in the possibility of me making an instrument for you please feel free to send me an email through this website or the contact page on my website so we can discuss it further. I can offer you an instrument based around my existing models or if you have some ideas of your own I can help you turn them into a reality.

You dream it, I'll build it !