Hand crafted guitars by Alex Willis
All of the instruments that I make are hand crafted from the finest of hand picked materials. Each part is fashioned with the love and attention that produces the fine instrument that the discerning player desires. Remember the instrument that you order is hand made just for you.
The process of creating a new instrument usually begins with the customer visiting the workshop to select the timbers and other components of their instrument. At this time the final dimensions and specifications are settled and a non refundable deposit of 25% is paid.
All Classical Guitars, Steel String Guitars, Mandolins and Ukuleles are available in left and right handed versions. The steel stringed guitars are additionally available in either 12 or 14 frets to the body. All guitars can be made with a cut-away for an additional charge.
Each instrument is custom made to the requirements of the player
Scale length, fret board width and cross sectional shape of the neck is tailored to the player's own playing style during the final stages of construction.
Selection of materials
There is a wide selection of timbers available, including AAA Brazilian Rosewood. There is also a choice of shellac or lacquer for the finish.The finishing materials used on my instruments, whether it is lacquer or shellac are supplied from Morrells, the pre-eminent manufacturers of wood finishing products the UK.
Every instrument is fitted with Rotosound strings and is supplied in a Hiscox flight case where available.
Willis Guitars can now supply the full range of Rotosound strings and accessories along with Hiscox flight cases to suit most musical instruments. I recommend Headway pickups for my own instruments and can retro-fit them to most instruments.
Read more about material selection >
Guitar repair services
I also offer a full workshop service for the repair and renovation of stringed instruments. Servicing includes neck re-sets, bridge repair, body repair and re-lacquering/shellacking and fitting of under saddle pickups for most instruments. Pricing is commensurate with the work to be done.
Steel String Guitar Plans and Kits are now available
with Classical guitar and ukulele plans soon to follow and of course my book. Please e-mail Willis Guitars for more information.
All stages fully illustrated with colour photographs, clear drawings and detailed plans for each part of the instrument.
Copies of my book are also available at all the shows I attend. Please check the news section to find out where I will be next.