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Peter, Ben & Drew ... 'The Youngs'
Ever since my school days I have chopped away at making things from wood. The thought of making a guitar has always been with me but I always believed that the skills required would be too far beyond from my capabilities.
My eldest son Ben has made the same styles of guitar using the same timbers. Ben's a carpenter, taught by Maurice Howlett, and is also a founding member of GS Lutherie, and we constructed our first instruments under the tutelage of Alan Warburton. Ben and I then decided to consolidate our learning & skills by constructing a baby (half sized) guitar for (i) my youngest daughter, and (ii) the number one son/grandson - Billy, as both would struggle with full sized instruments. As well as this my younger son Drew, also a Howlett-taught carpenter, has started constructing his first guitar ... he's the better player amongst all of us!
Together we've embarked on our luthiers’ journey to make fine instruments for our own use and for the family - great stuff for a father and his sons to be involved in together and as a result, some years down the road, we are actively engaged in the lore and lies of lutherie in a modest workshop set up at home. No piece of wood is safe from scrutiny, and our conversations are inevitably drawn to tone, shape, design, tools, jigs and endless pondering.
Over the years I've played in & out of the music scene and owned a range of guitars. Some of them good ... some bad, and so far our instruments have exceeded expectations both in sound and quality of construction. Thanks need to go to Ray Tuckey, who made the initial approach to Alan, whose skills and patience have steered us down the road to success.
Also, thanks to Maurice Howlett who, of us all, has truly become a luthier and continues to share his time & talents with everyone. Thanks John Maddison ... the great 'webmaker' who's making this site happen. We've all learn a lot and gain much from each other during the shared experience and the camaraderie that is developing.
I believe that we've found something that we can continue to do that engages us intellectually, physically and emotionally. Personally, as an immediate family and an extended group of makers I believe that Lutherie will continue to have a profound affect on all of us.
Thankfully, the quest for the perfect instrument and sound is eternal ...
Email Pete, Ben and Drew
The Number 1 Grandson :: Billy Young
with his own Baby Classical

We invite you to view a Gallery of some of our earlier works by clicking here.
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