Some years ago I discovered a Romanian made Irish bouzouki in a music shop in Leeds. I was rather intrigued by the look of that unusual instrument. Like many of you, I wasn't born a millionaire, and always found it hard to get my hands on an instrument that would suit my pocket and wasn't, at the same time, a piece of junk. I went inside the shop and bought it without a second thought. It was cheap, it was playable and it sounded alright. I didn't know what it was called, a couple of years later I had to leave it behind and never saw it again... I had fallen in love with that droney sound.

My aim as an instrument maker is to create a series of affordable instruments, using quality woods and solid timbers, achieving an excellent tone. Each of these instruments is designed with the professional musician in mind. There are indeed a lot of quality instruments out there at reasonable prices. However, I understand the difficulties of finding the "right one", so each of my instruments will be made to the requirements and specifications of the customer, as long as it does not compromise or seriously alter my basic designs and standards. There is no reason nowadays -the age of the Internet- why the exchange of ideas shouldn't be made directly between the craftsman and the final customer. All instruments are made by me in my small workshop in Badalona (Catalonia).

My regular timbers include spruce or cedar for the tops, mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides and mahogany for the necks. For the fretboards I use rosewood or ebony. Other timbers can be used if required. I usually make my own tailpieces out of brass, only suitable for ball-end strings, as these are easy to find. All instruments are finished by hand with French polish for a natural look. I like the feel and look of natural wood and the French polish method seems to "respect" these qualities. It also gives the instrument a lovely vintage look. The design of the body follows the traditional Irish bouzouki chestnut shape, borrowed from the Renaissance cittern and the portuguese guitarra. This kind of bodyshape seems to enhance that woody and nasal sound that is expected from these instruments. Please note that the pictures you see on this website are examples of instruments designed for the specific needs of the musicians that commissioned them. Again, the idea is to work together with the final client to create a unique and personal instrument.

I do not ask for deposits in advance. Instead, I prefer to agree the price with a customer when an instrument is ordered and that is the price payable on completion, prior to shipping.

At the time of order, I will give as accurate an estimate of delivery time as possible, but since I work on my own, it is difficult to be precise. I will contact a customer prior to beginning to build their instrument and at that point I should be able to provide a more reliable estimate.
 
I'll be glad to answer any questions regarding my work, the instruments, materials, specs or any other enquiries. These, as well as ordering, can be done via email, over the phone or even meeting in person, whatever is best for you.