Please note: due to changes in regulations and constant design developments, we sometimes need to change details such as binding and inlay materials.
Fylde Guitars, led by Roger Bucknall hand make English guitars, mandolins, bouzoukis and citterns ~ in the Lake District.
Instruments made by Roger and his small team of master craftsmen, have an unrivalled worldwide reputation for tone, playability, quality and style. Chosen by many of the world's leading musicians and serious amateurs ~ for over forty-five years.
The number of instruments made is small, and they are only available directly from the workshop, (often with a long waiting list). A one to one relationship with the customer, whether they are professional or amateur, is the essence of the business.
Roger Bucknall is one of the most experienced and respected guitar makers alive in the world today. His client list is a who's who of professional musicians from every area of music, and his friendship with those musicians has produced iconic guitar designs that have helped to shape the guitar playing styles of the British Isles - and beyond.
In the 2016 New Year's Honours list, Roger was awarded the MBE – "Member of the British Empire", for "Services to Guitar Making, Music, and Heritage Crafts".In a purpose built workshop on the edge of the Lake District of Northern England, Roger and his team build the wide range of "Fylde" instruments, alongside a constant flow of special orders.
At Fylde we make guitars by hand, on the bench, with traditional tools. I work with a small team, we have excellent facilities, proven designs and unrivalled stocks of beautiful, seasoned timber, BUT the skills, and the attitude of the people I work with are the most important things of all. Alex Reay, Paul Ferrie and, of course, my wife Moira are my team. They are superb. They make everything possible, and nothing impossible.
Alex has been with me for 12 years. A lot of his work is in the final stages, which require long periods of concentration without interruption, so his patience and calm nature make it possible to get everything right.
My own work is largely on individual custom orders, neck shaping and final assembly, in between overseeing everything else and talking to customers..
Paul has been here for 10 years, his work is largely in the earlier stages, where a lot of the precision woodwork will be hidden inside the guitar forever, so his pride in his work and attention to detail are invaluable.
Guitar making is hard physical work, and not at all romantic, the pleasure comes from a job well done, and seeing the final result in the hands of a satisfied customer. .
Moira runs the office and protects me from the outside world as much as she can, so that I can continue working,
She keeps everything organized, looks after customers, and will often be your first point of contact when you call.
A big part of our business is direct contact with customers, and they are welcome to visit, but It is very important to make an appointment first.
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