I started making modern guitars in 1992. In 1994 I began a three year apprenticeship at West Dean College under the supervision of Martin Haycock and Roger Rose. During this time I acquired many skills and much knowledge in the making, history and styles of the lute family, renaissance and baroque guitars and other early plucked instruments.

        The majority of my time at West Dean was spent either working at the bench either making, repairing or setting-up instruments. I also spent time visiting museums and private collections both in the United Kingdom and Europe studying original instruments.

Most of my time at West Dean was spent working on new instruments, where a lot of attention was given to the playability and sound quality. I also had the opportunity of restoring an original 1721 Smorsone  mandalino.   

        I have now setup my own workshop in East Sussex specialising in the making of fretted instruments, some of which can be seen on this web-site. I have also under taken repairs, alterations and restoration of lutes and 19th century guitars.

All the instruments I make are based on instruments in museums or collections around the world and any repairs, alterations or restorations are made in sympathy with the style of the period. Where no instruments survive then instruments are based on iconographic and other evidence plus skills acquired during the making of many instruments.

Instruments I have made have been sent across the United Kingdom (UK), Europe, the USA and Canada.

A brief biography

© Bruce Brook 2023