David Antony Reid is a true hand maker of bespoke acoustic guitars. As an award winning luthier David has gained recognition as one of the UK's finest makers.

Currently for sale

The aptly named 'Gent': This cedar toped, parlor sized acoustic guitar features a cantilevered neck for incredible lower register access, while still managing to locate the bridges saddle in the exact centre of the lower bout of the main body; maximising the resonant responsiveness of the soundboard. It has a short scale of 630mm/ 24.8", a slim neck of 44mm at the nut, 54mm at the 12th fret, and is strung with 11's in conjunction with the short scale to achieve that vibrato feel my more mature customers so often request. It has my 'RealWood' finish, a 'thuya' burr head plate, set on a flat headstock which houses 'Schaller' mini machine heads. The back and sides are beautifully figured 'service'. The fingerboard and bridge are of 'Indian rosewood'. And for the rosette and bindings I have used 'purple heart'. To view many more images have a browse in my gallery under, "The Gent". Hiscox flight case included: £2700.

What makes these guitars special?

Each one is constructed as an individual using tap tones & my own tried & tested bracing pattern. I tune each component of the body to a certain musical note making sure that the top, back & full body resonance are tuned to be at least a tone apart! Usually, Top A or B, Back D or F, Body G or G#.

This in union with my own bracing pattern consisting of thin, high & sharp braces on the treble side of the instrument, then low, wide & rounded braces on the bass side ensure an even tone production across the spectrum.

On the bass side of the main X brace I form a bridge over the scalloping, this acts like a spring that drives the top, giving added bass & sustain.

“I believe the aesthetics of an instrument are very important but tone and feel are my ultimate interests”

David Antony Reid

“These guitars truly are the work of master luthier. Come try one for your self you won’t be disappointed”

Mac Ogawa, manager, Ivor Mairants

“UK maker David Reid’s auditorium-size Vault Back is a masterpiece of handcrafted precision. David Reid’s Vault back is phenomenal. Taking into account the added build complexities, the result is, frankly amazing”

Jerry Uwins, Guitar Magazine

If you’re in London we strongly suggest you check out one of our finest makers. Like us, you won’t be disappointed.

Guitarist Magazine