I make guitars in the traditional Spanish way with the sides fitted into slots in the end of the neck producing a strong and stable joint. Most of the work is carried out with hand tools, I only use machines where accuracy is essential such as the fitting of machine heads.

I have experimented with many different strutting patterns for the top. In my opinion there is no one single strutting pattern which works better than any other. The struts have to support the soundboard and assist in its movement. Invariably I end up using a variation of Torres’s fan strutting. The exact arrangement depends on the particular top and what I am trying to achieve. The arrangement of the struts will affect the sound of the instrument.

I use cedar and spruce for tops. I have a personal preference for spruce which has an inherent musical quality and is properly described as “tonewood”. I purchase only spruce that comes from forests which meet the approval of the Forestry Stewardship Council.

Tropical hardwoods are in short supply due to very high demand and poor forestry management in the past. They are not an infinite resource and not always sourced from sustainable forestry. These woods can produce beautiful instruments and should be treated with respect.

Other timbers are available and quite suitable for instrument making. When requested I am very happy to use woods such as Yew, Cherry, English Walnut and Pear. Guitars made from these woods can be just as good as Rosewood guitars, Commercial availability of these woods is limited.