Query failed: connection to localhost:9312 failed (errno=111, msg=Connection refused). Best guitar builders for pickup fitting in London/South East England - Acoustics Discussions on The Fretboard
›
UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45

Best guitar builders for pickup fitting in London/South East England

What's Hot
virgultvirgult Frets: 2
in Acoustics
Hi all,

Sorry I haven't introduced myself in the appropriate thread, I'm pleased to meet you all! I play acoustic in a variety of styles, jazz, percussive, folk and some ventures into classical too. I'm based in London and gig regularly in the south-east.

I have a relatively new Lowden F25C that needs quite some TLC from the best luthier in the world. In addition to the usual setup, I'd like to fit a Highlander IP-2 pickup in there too; it sounds marvellous but apparently it's a total pain to install, especially on split-saddle instruments, more so than other piezos.

Please, suggest builders and repair shops in the area you had very good experiences with! I know plenty of people who would do a terrific job but they're all based in Bristol, Wales or Scotland... evidently the south-east prices guitar builders out like many other folks too. Atkin is the only name I can think of. Any other candidates? I'm not trying to cheap out on anything, I would really like a first-time-perfect job this time around.

Thanks very much to everyone!
0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 0reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter

Comments

  • artiebearartiebear Frets: 810
    Wish I could help, the only guys I know and would trust are at the wrong end of the country, all split saddle installations are a buggar due to the dreaded hot E/B and a drowned out G, snake pick ups even more so due to the threading through the channels. On the plus side they can be done and sound great when done right. I have a Highlander in my Sobell done by the man himself and a Headway split saddle by HJ Williams, which are both perfectly balanced. 
    Hope you get sorted with someone who understands the correct routing of the slot to get it right.
    0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 0reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter
  • EpsilonEpsilon Frets: 531
    Kenji Okumura is good and is an authorised Lowden technician. Not necessarily the quickest turnaround time but you can rely on him to do a good and thorough job. Based in Battersea.
    0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 0reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter
  • FunkyGibbonFunkyGibbon Frets: 14
    I have used Julian at the Sevenoaks Guitar Centre. He’s excellent and has worked on all 4 of my Martins, an Ovation Adamas, made a new biscuit bridge for my bro in laws handmade boutique resonator uke and rescued a friend’s 40 year old round-backed mandolin. 

    Hope you find a suitable person close by. 
    0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 0reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter
  • GoldenEraGuitarsGoldenEraGuitars Frets: 8207
    tFB Trader
    Well... the best man for the job is Ernie Mcmillen but he’s based over here. 

    I’d suggest Montys.
    • website - https://goldenera-guitars.co.uk/

    • Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Goldeneraguitars


    0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 0reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter
  • KebabkidKebabkid Frets: 3178
    Speak to Charlie Chandler at CCGX. If he can't do it, which I'd be surprised at, he may recommend someone
    Feedback - http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/57885/
    0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 1reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter
  • virgultvirgult Frets: 2
    Thank you all! I'll be writing to them and see what they come up with. Someone had already recommended Kenji Okumura, but I'd forgotten! Good thing it's popped up again.
    0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 0reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.