Martin's Story

I was first introduced to Tom via his Mum with whom I worked on a Charity committee and our initial friendship centred around a common passion for craftsmanship, woodworking tools and guitars in general; a search for a new guitar wasn’t even on the agenda!

Over the course of a year which consisted of nerdy conversations about tonewoods, woodworking tools, malt whisky and Leeds United and oh yes, trying some of his guitars, I succumbed to the magic and committed to a build. Above all, it was the responsiveness of his guitars coupled with the superb design and workmanship that sealed it for me.
 
There were then long conversations about what tonewoods I liked in a guitar, the sort of sound I was after, and Tom watching and listening to see my style of play. I was after a more mellow sound typical of something like a cedar top and Tom was able to make various suggestions based on our conversations and what he had seen and heard. Eventually I settled for a redwood top with ancient fenland oak for back and sides. Aside from the oak’s tonal properties, the idea of having a native wood from a tree that stood 5,500 years ago was pretty mind-blowing!

 Throughout the build process, Tom kept me fully updated and there was a full and steady flow of photographs from the workshop as the build took place so I really felt a part of it.
 
When it came to choice of finish I had proposed a high-gloss lacquered finish but Tom came back with an alternative suggestion of a hand-rubbed raked finish. My first question was “what on earth is that?” There then came a flow of photographs with Tom showing me samples. Although initially apprehensive I was  won over and decided to trust his judgement, which was an easy thing to do having got to know him. I have to say I was SO glad I made that choice – not only have I got a guitar that absolutely sings but visually the tonewoods just jump out at you.