Guitar Maker
What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?
My biggest achievement so far is being awarded the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship.
Talk us through your career path since graduating
After graduating I set up a small workshop to take on commissions and repairs part time whilst managing a local pub and hosting live-music.
At the end of 2021 I was approached about taking over a reputable Fender guitar dealership called Main Street Music in Pembroke, South Wales. I bought the business soon after and opened in March 2022. I gave the shop a full refurbishment and introduced a bespoke guitar making service, along with an in-house repair shop where I now work full time.
What projects are you currently working on?
Since opening I generally work on between 10-20 instruments per week… but my favourites are two telecasters made from pine pews that came from Studiowz, a local recording studio that was converted from a chapel.
Do you have any tips for recent graduates?
Keep your tools sharp and your instruments in tune.
How do you think studying at West Dean College prepared you for what you do now?
My studies at West Dean introduced me to a professional standard of working at a quick pace that is needed when establishing your own business, and my tutors taught me an extensive amount of knowledge about the craft of musical instruments which I am extremely thankful for.
What's your favourite memory from your time at the College?
My favourite memory has got to be performing Sosban Fach at the secret tiny workbench gig.
