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Alan Warburton
 I started making my own instruments when I could not afford to buy the ones I wanted. After making one or two very average guitars I was hooked.
I’m concerned now with making instruments that combine good aesthetics and quality of sound. I use hand tools for most operations but not being a professional builder means I am not constrained by deadlines, so the extra time needed is inconsequential.
This reliance on hand tools links me to historical aspects of instrument making and I enjoy feeling that link with the craft.
Most of what I know I have learned in discussions with other makers and through information shared freely by other luthiers in written form.
The guitar that I showed in the Playmakers Exhibition in 2008 exhibition continued this link for me. It is made from timbers that remained in WA luthier Andries de Jager’s workshop after his death.
 The top had been inlaid with his own rosette so I assume he intended to use it. The rosewood back and sides are not matched, the back being made from three different pieces of wood.
When I was lucky enough to get some of this material I made measurements and looked closely at how he had worked the material. I learned much from Andres, despite having never met him, through his material and a few artifacts that I received from his workshop.
I hope that Andries would approve of that instrument and that maybe it has a little of us both.
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