# Ian Chisholm

> Maker of guitars mandolins and similar instruments


## Posts

- [Wild Folk](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/wild-folk/): A few years ago I made a guitar for George Bloomfield. He’s just composed the music for a lovely film about Marcus Tribe, a man who cares deeply about our woodlands. As well as the guitar I made for him he used my mandolin and the banjo which belonged to the late Andy Warburton, compiler of the Lewes Favourites tune collections.
- [The Combolin](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/the-combolin/): (in fact it’s a sympitar …) When I was a teenager in Edinburgh the top act on the folk scene was the Corries. They went on to major success as a duet and to write unofficial national anthem “Flower of Scotland”. (A bit militaristic for my taste but that’s something else) One of the Corries, Roy Williamson, built them a pair of instruments, the combolins. One combined a mandolin and a guitar along with four bass strings tunable with slides, the other combined guitar, a set of sympathetic strings and a bandurria, the latter being an instrument Williamson had played […]
- [Sold](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/sold/): I mainly make instruments to commission but I do occasionally have instruments for sale, often instruments I’ve played myself for a few years. I’ve played Jumbo #34 for the past 10 years and I’ve just sold it to the very excellent Ben Featherstone. He borrowed it for the weekend and took it for a trip to London to visit a shop full of classy guitars. I’m pleased to say it passed the test. He says: “I played Ian’s guitar next to some legendary Martins, Gibsons and Taylors, some of which were in the 15k price bracket, when the guitar tech […]
- [Three Shades of Grey](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/three-shades-of-grey/): A virtual lockdown trio, Mike Ainscough, Doc Rossi and myself. Why do I look so grim? Because I find the whole business of wearing headphones and hanging onto a guide track pretty painful. Oh to be back in a pub session playing a few tunes with my musical chums while downing a pint or two of Harveys! All of us playing Chisholm instruments, guitar (Mike), baritone cittern (Doc) and mandolin (Me)
- [Corona Virus Lockdown!](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/corona-virus-lockdown/): My old friend Doc Rossi has been making very good use of his isolation time. Locked down in Portugul he’s been recording multi track performances. Check him out on YouTube but here are a couple featuring my instruments. First, a whole quartet of Chisholm instruments: And some very accomplished ragtime:
- [Richard Durrant introduces the Tenor Guitar](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/richard-durrant-introduces-the-tenor-guitar/): Some beautiful playing by Richard on The Uffington Tenor – the Uffington Horse inlayed in silver on the ebony headstock – which I made for him in 2016. Richard plays The Skye Boat Song and the Two Minuets from Bach’s 1st Cello Suite in G.
- [Richard Durrant Ditchling Recital](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/richard-durrant-ditchling-recital/): Virtuoso Richard Durrant will be playing one of my instruments at a recital in Ditchling on Friday March 2nd. This concert will be performed on a Gary Southwell concert guitar crafted from 5,000 year old English oak and on the Uffington tenor guitar which I built in 2016.   The old meeting house is a beautiful 18C Unitarian chapel with lovely acoustics and was the first venue in which Richard performed his Stringhenge show in early 2017. Tickets from richarddurrant.com. The Old Meeting House, 30 E End Lane, Ditchling, Hassocks BN6 8SX
- [Authenticity and a Baroque Guitar](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/authenticity-and-a-baroque-guitar/): I make all sorts of fretted instruments.  In fact since most people who want a regular six string guitar will go to a shop and buy one it’s often the more unusual things I get asked to make.  Since I was first asked to make a tenor guitar there’s been a clear revival of interest, maybe baritone citterns will be next.  However one thing I tend to shy clear of is early instruments.  I aim for the best in sound and playability, the early music market is very concerned with authenticity and although these things overlap they are not the […]
- [Baritone Cittern recordings by Doc Rossi](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/baritone-cittern-recordings-by-doc-rossi/): A selection of recordings featuring Doc Rossi playing his Baritone Cittern As well as his baritone cittern Doc also has one of my guitars, a short scale model G, and a two point mandolin.
- [Tenor Guitar videos](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/tenor-guitar-videos/): My old friend Will Fly and I got together to try out a recently completed tenor guitar before I shipped it off to its new owner.  It’s maple and spruce with Waverley tuners on a slotted headstock and some rather nice vintage inspired fingerboard markers. Here’s Will playing Josefin’s Waltz by Roger Tallroth, I’m accompanying him on a Martin O28 made in 1900 – a lovely battered old relic. And then I get a bit of a blues jam.  Will is playing a 1917 Gibson L1 archtop. Tenor guitar tuned C G D A. Just before I shipped this guitar […]
- [No 21, spruce and English Cherry, 2009](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/no-21-spruce-and-english-cherry-2009/): The very first post I made in this blog featured a guitar made from English cherry.  Doc Rossi has just posted a video where he plays this guitar.  Sounding even better than I remember.
- [Tenor guitar refret](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/tenor-guitar-refret/): I’d barely heard of the tenor guitar until my old friend Mike, aka Will Fly, asked me to make him one back in 2009.  7 years later it came back for a refret.  I think he must like it!  It’s always satisfying when an instrument gets well used.  I’ve known Mike for something like 40 years, ever since playing with him in The Egbert Souse All Stars, so he hung out in the work shop and we chatted while I worked on his guitar.  He recorded the work and the conversation and has now edited it (if that’s the word) into […]
- [Blue Shed Exhibition 2016](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/blue-shed-exhibition-2016/): This year at The Blue Shed I have five different steel strung guitars including a 12 string, a parlour guitar and this long scale 6 string.  It’s currently strung as a baritone tuned to B.  Redwood front, Imbuya back and sides and figured ebony fingerboard.  Benjamin scoop semi cutaway. As well as my guitars the exhibition features: David Browne: work includes a series of drawing, prints and reliefs inspired by a small hillside town in Italy. www.dmbartist.co.uk Martin Spencer: contemporary chairs, inspired by a recent commission of Sally Williams Architects,  hand made from English hardwoods. www.martinspencerchairs.co.uk/ exhibition sponsored by sally williams architects […]
- [Baritone Cittern Audio Clip](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/baritone-cittern-audio-clip/): This is a brief audio clip from a forthcoming CD of Greek and Corsican music by Doc Rossi.  I conceived this instrument to be tuned with the bottom course a low C, like a cello.  Doc tells me that over the years he has had it he has dropped the tuning and for this recording the bottom course was tuned to F.  He says “I don’t remember whether I’m using a capo on this song, but it’s tuned F (like first fret on a bass guitar) C G C F, with octaves on all pairs. It has a pickup, but […]
- [The Good Blonde](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/the-good-blonde/): My old friend Doc Rossi has posted a Facebook album of photos of a guitar I made over 25 years ago.  Recently I visited Doc in Alsace and had the chance to see and play it for the first time in many years.  A bit rough round the edges and some evidence that I’d struggled with that cutaway but playing well and sounding better than ever.  It also confirmed my feeling that maple is an underestimated tonewood for steel strung guitars.  As Doc says it has clarity and richness, makes for a very nicely balanced guitar.  
- [Blueshed Exhibition May 2015](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/blueshed-exhibition-may-2015/): This year I have 2 guitars for sale: Model ‘O’ parlour guitar in rosewood and bear-claw sitka, extremely light, currently strung with 010 gauge strings Model ‘G’, cherry and sitka, scoop cutaway, experimental bracing pattern. As well as my instruments the exhibition includes: David Browne: work includes a continuing series of sculptures that explore a recurring interest in the sea. Also being exhibited are recent drawings and prints inspired by an overgrown olive grove in Lazio, Italy. Martin Spencer: hand made chairs exploring the textural contrast of paper and wood. Exhibition is sponsored by Sally Williams Architects. Open 11 – […]
- [The Twagger Band at The Old Meeting House](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/the-twagger-band-at-the-old-meeting-house/): On Friday 15th May 2015 The Twagger Band are playing at The Old Meeting House, The Twitten, Ditchling, BN6 8UJ.  Starts at 7:30, £6 on the door, including a glass of wine!  We’re not robbing you are we? The Old Meeting House is a beautiful Unitarian Chapel with wonderful acoustics for playing.  I’ll be playing a few of my instruments in the company of: Derrick Hughes:  Northumbrian small pipes, serpent and every kind of whistly thing you can imagine. Joy Lewis:  Hammer dulcimer, celtic harp and vocals Sue Evans:  Hammer dulcimer and concertina Will Duke:  Concertina and vocals
- [The Scoop](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/the-scoop/): I’ve long been an admirer of Nick Benjamin’s Scoop semi cutaway.  When I was asked if I could make one I went and discussed it with Nick who not only was happy for me to copy his idea but gave me a lot of help with how best to implement it. photos by Kris Pawlowski This guitar is in Ziricote and spruce with, as usual, a mahogany neck.  Ziricote is a Central American timber that looks stunning – look at those ribs where they meet the tail graft – and sounds pretty good too with the bright richness of high […]
- [Long Scale 12 string](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/long-scale-12-string/): Long scale – 688mm, 1 fret longer than standard 650mm scale.  Tunes to D. English cherry – I’ve nearly got to the end of it now, I’ve really loved that wood Sitka spruce front , mahogany neck. The “horny halo” logo is from the musician who commissioned it. See The Halo Project. photos by Kris Pawlowski
- [Blackbird](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/blackbird/): I was commissioned to build this as a 21st birthday present.  “Blackbird singing in the dead of night” inlay in pearl, abalone and brass. A tribute to the enduring power of a Beatles song – and a nifty bit of finger picking.  
- [My 50th, an archtop](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/my-50th-an-archtop/): Recently completed, my 50th instrument, an archtop guitar for Di Plumer.  I’ve made a few carved top and back mandolins now so I was somewhat prepared for the journey.  Very different to making a flattop.   Although this instrument will mostly be used electric I’d still like to play with different bridges and tailpieces before I see it on its way. Set up as shown in the photos the acoustic sound is loud and bright, lots of middle for that punchy archtop sound and with more sustain than I was expecting. This guitar is on show during weekends in May […]
- [Blueshed Exhibition May 2014](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/blue-shed-exhibition-may-2014/): I’m showing a few of my instruments in The Blueshed as part of the Art in Ditchling Artists Open Houses trail.  Includes my first ever archtop guitar.   A converted builders workshop in the heart of Ditchling Village the Blueshed opens for its seventh year. Caroline Todd Paintings and drawings Martin Spencer Chairs Mark Owen Landscape paintings Simon Klein Paintings and drawings Ian Chisholm Lutherie David Browne Sculpture Open 11 – 5 weekends in May including Mondays May 5th and May 26th The Blueshed 6 East Gardens Ditchling East Sussex BN6 8ST www.theblueshed.org.uk info@theblueshed.org.uk
- [Will Fly's skinny electro acoustic](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/will-flys-skinny-electro-acoustic/): This one really started with a pickup, a nice old – 60’s – DeArmond pickup for sound hole fixing.  Will ended up commissioning a slim line flat top guitar to go with it.  The result is a sweet sounding guitar that is amazingly comfortable to play. Hear it on YouTube  (Will calls it The “Verithin” which actually was a Hofner 60’s model, something like a Gibson 335.) That old pickup has a lovely vintage jazz or blues sound.  The rest of the guitar’s not bad either!    
- [Last of The Bull sessions](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/last-of-the-bull-sessions/): After over ten years we’re moving to The White Horse, just across the road. Good turn out and some great music for the last night at The Bull, even the barmaids were dancing.    Next Ditchling session at The White Horse, Sunday April 27th starting at 8pm.
- [Scotch and Soda](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/scotch-and-soda/): A little after dinner music making, just one of those perfect moments.  Lucie Broadbent singing, I’m playing #34, rosewood and bearclaw jumbo.  Lovely song, beautifully sung by Lucie, finally got my head round that chord progression ….
- [If you like to have the workshop ankle deep in shavings ....](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/if-you-like-to-have-the-workshop-ankle-deep-in-shavings/): Archtops (and backs) are the way to go.
- [Blue Shed Exhibition May 2013](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/blue-shed-exhibition-may-2013/): Weekends in May between 11 and 5.  Not open bank holiday Mondays. Exhibition of sculpture: David Browne lutherie: Ian Chisholm chairs: Martin Spencer design: Sally Williams. 6 East Gardens Ditchling Sussex BN6 8ST I’m showing the following instruments: Walnut / Cedar cutaway guitar                    £1350 Flat front mandolin                                     SOLD Lyon and Healey style archtop mandolin     NFS 12 string guitar in rosewood and sitka         NFS
- [There is hope in honest error](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/there-is-hope-in-honest-error/): We’ve just been up in Glasgow enjoying a weekend the Celtic Connections music festival.  Paid an all too brief visit to Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s astonishing College of Art.  For many years I’ve had this piece of his calligraphy on my workshop wall.  It has certainly looked down on a few honest errors!
- [Lyon and Healy style two point archtop mandolin](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/lyon-and-healy-style-two-point-archtop-mandolin/): This is only my second attempt at a carved front and back instrument and it’s been a long time in the making.  Built under the expert eye of Richard Osborne it has turned out extremely well.  All thanks to Richard.  I’ve been playing it for a couple of months now and the sound has taken some time to develop.  It started of quite “woody” but has now acquired a real sparkle, a bright clear tone and plenty of volume.  Everything I’d want from a mandolin.  And very pretty. Loosely based on a Lyon and Healy design from the early 20th […]
- [The 5 string Mandocaster](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/the-5-string-mandocaster/): I just completed a 5 string mandocaster for Will Fly.   The original Fenders which inspired it were Strat style instruments with 4 single strings, and were made between 1956 and 1976.  A 5 string version was made in Korea between 2000 and 2002. I made mine with a mandolin scale length of 355mm.  The obvious tuning is in fifths, C G D A E (or rather: c  g  d’ a” e”), a mandolin with an extra low C.  Or a mandola with an extra top E.  But this instrument has single strings so perhaps it should really be thought of […]
- [Tonewood](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/tonewood/): I was alive in the woods I was cut down by a hard axe. While I lived I was silent Now dead I sing sweetly I’m sure I first saw this on a harpsichord at Fenton House in London but I can’t confirm that.  I should try and get there some time and have a look.  Google tells me the verse is associated with the 16th century instrument maker Kaspar Tieffenbruker.  The Latin version Mortua Dolce Cano is also the title of the blog of Wm. R. Cumpiano to whom we are all indebted for writing the standard work on […]

## Pages

- [Rude Mechanicals Tune Library](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/rude-mechanicals-tune-library/): Full library – alphabetical
- [Session Tunes](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/music/session-tunes-2/): A selection of tunes and sets of tunes often played at The White Horse session. Favourite tunes come and go – I’ll try to keep the list uptodate. Many of the notation files come from Barry Ruffel’s tune library, others come from The Lewes Favourites.
- [Document Library](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/document-library/)
- [Weird Stuff](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/weird-stuff/): I like the unusual projects that come my way from time to time … The Combolin / Sympitar Graeme Ross’s mando bass And this one for me, the third mandocaster … this time a twin neck If you’re looking for something unusual and you know you’re not going to find it hanging on the wall in the music shop, get in touch
- [CFX RIP](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/cfx-rip/): CFX RIP Computer FX was founded in 1982 by Craig Zerouni, Andrew Berend and myself, Ian Chisholm.  Andrew fairly quickly left to found The Computer Film Company with Mike Boudry. CFX’s initial raison d’etre was the ability to animate wire frame images in real time using a vector display device called an IMI500.  This was the first real time animation system in Europe.  The image quality was limited but the interactivity was incomparable for the time.  Output was produced by filming mutiple passes on to 35mm movie film through coloured filters, a technique pioneered by the late Robert Abel. CFX […]
- [a long time ago ...](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/a-long-time-ago/): Facebook gets a lot of well deserved stick but just occasionally it works in the most amazing way. Here’s a story. A while ago a friend posted a wonderful tale about how he was at The Manchester Free Trade Hall for Dylan’s famous 1966 concert. He mentioned a couple of people he was with including one Rick Sanders. I was a student at Manchester Uni at the time, I sadly missed the concert, but the name Rick Sanders rang a bell – I remembered selling him a 12 string guitar, one of my early attempts at instrument making. The guitar […]
- [About](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/about/): I had an engineering education, an artist / craftsman family background and for nearly 40 years worked as an engineer in the film and television industry (brief CV). Since I retired from full time work in 2004 I have had the time to develop my life long interest in making guitars and similar musical instruments. I currently make around six instruments a year in my workshop in Ditchling as well as carrying out repairs and customizations. ~ My uncle Ted was a cabinet maker and wood carver. After serving in the far east in WWII he came to live in […]
- [Brief CV](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/brief-cv/): brief CV In 2004 I retired from full time work as an engineer in the film and TV industry.  Since then I have had the time to develop my life long interest in making guitars and similar musical instruments.  I currently make around six instruments a year in my workshop in Ditchling as well as carrying out repairs and customizations. Before I finally left the film and TV industry I provided the technical content for the IMIS (formerly BKSTS) Digital Intermediate wall chart.  In October 2006 the BKSTS gave me The Roland Chase Award. 1998 – 2004 Double NegativeTotal responsibility […]
- [History of Instruments built](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/history/): Instruments before labels: 1.    Old No 6, the Shouter, C1972 2.    Celia’s C1975 – now (2018) in Vancouver 3.    12 string  (Keith Willson) 1977 4.    LCF (was in college 1979 – 82) course guitar (Janet’s) 1980? 5.    Bouzouki  (given to Richard Durrant) (660 scale) 1981? 6.    A-style mandolin, 1982 – 5 (LCF) (now belongs to Amy Reed) 7.    Lute, 1987  8.    Docs cutaway guitar, “The Good Blonde”. 1992 9.    Red guitar, O-style, maple, 1995 (failure, destroyed) 10.   Mike O’Shea’s first mandolin, 2002 12.   Horny bouzouki, 2004 13.   Green guitar, 2005 (started in 1997ish)  Sold to Julian King 15.   Cherry cutaway […]
- [Gallery](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/gallery-2/): GALLERY WORKSHOP VIDEOS YouTube Channel
- [Workshop](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/workshop/)
- [Videos](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/videos/)
- [Ian Chisholm](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/contact-2/): ianchisholmguitars@gmail.com83 Lewes RoadDitchling, Sussex, BN6 8TYUK0(44)7740 929 256
- [News](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/news/)
- [Landing](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/)
- [Archtop Guitars](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/archtop-guitar/): Archtop guitars in spruce and maple, hand carved front and back
- [Commissions](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/contact/commissions/): If you decide to commission an instrument we will have a conversation, sometimes a very long conversation – I can talk about guitars till the cows come home – ideally face to face but often by email and we agree on a price and a specification.  Nothing hand made to this quality will ever be cheap but I don’t think my instruments are expensive in terms of what they deliver.  I require a deposit of one third of the price of the instrument before I start, with the balance to be paid on delivery.  I’m happy to involve my customer […]
- [For sale](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/contact/for-sale/): I mostly make instruments to commission but I do sometimes have them for sale.  These could be instruments I’ve made for myself and played for a while.  There’s a limit to the number of guitars a man can own – I know it’s hard to believe but it’s true.  Very occasionally I will have a new instrument available for immediate sale.  I’ll list instruments here or contact me to see if anything may be available. If I hear of an instrument available second hand I’ll list it here as well but people seem to like them – I’ve made over […]
- [Mandolins](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/mandolins/): 2 point archtop mandolin, maple and Englemann spruce with sycamore bindings, 2012.  Body shape based on an early 20th century Lyon and Healey instrument. 2 point F hole mandolin, maple and sitka spruce with rosewood bindings, 2013 2 point flat front mandolin in cherry and spruce, 2013 Will Fly plays his mandolin
- ["G" guitars](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/g-guitars/): About the size of a classical guitar, small jumbo shaped.  380mm wide.  Bright and clear, ideal finger picking instruments. 12 string guitars are often made very large. I feel that the stringing of a 12 string with octave strings on the lower courses is naturally bright and jangly. The model G 12 fret 12 string is loud bright and clear without the boominess that I sometimes hear from larger 12 string guitars.
- [Style "O" guitars](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/style-o-guitars/): Guitars inspired by a Martin O28 made in 1900. My favourites, very sweet versatile guitars.Can be made for steel or nylon strings.
- [Electrics](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/electrics/):   Fve string Mandocaster.  Tuned c  g  d’ a” e” –  so maybe that’s an electric tenor guitar with an extra top E …. Played by Will Fly.   Electric Cittern, 2010   Electric Mandolin, 2009   The Frankencaster, a Telecaster Variax hybrid   Semi acoustic flat top 2014 flat top semi acoustic
- [Citterns](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/baritone-cittern/): Baritone Citterns Baritone Cittern 2021Indian rosewood and redwood ~ Baritone Cittern 2009.  This was the first one of these, made for Doc Rossi who as part of the brief pointed me at “The Duet” painted by Cornelis Saftleven c. 1635. Rosewood back and sides, sitka spruce front, mahogany neck. 5 courses tuned C G d g c’. Scale length 670mm. The instrument could also be described as 10 string mandocello or a liuto cantabile. Audio clip of Doc Rossi playing his Baritone Cittern “Although it is simply entitled The Duet, the picture is a self-portrait of the artist Cornelis Saftleven, […]
- [Tenor Guitars](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/tenor-guitar/): The tenor guitar is an interesting byway of instrument history.  As Dixieland gave way to big band jazz, banjos went out of fashion and guitar players were in demand.  The origin of the tenor guitar is a banjo neck on a guitar body, saving the banjo player the trouble of learning a new instrument. Insert the banjo joke of your choice here.  However this hybrid has a rather unique sound of its own.  It was used by The Delmore Brothers in the 30s, The Kingston Trio in the 50s and is played by contemporary British folkie Seth Lakeman and many […]
- ["J" Jumbo Guitars](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/j-jumbo/): Great volume and projection.  Great for acoustic session playing, ideal for a large 12 string. No 18 (2008) in Indian rosewood and lutz spruce with maple bindings.  Played here by Will Fly.  Jumbo style guitar, 410mm body width.
- [The Ditchling Session](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/music/ditchling-session/): An all comers acoustic music session at The White Horse Ditchling on the last Sunday of the month, 7 till 10.  The session is usually led by members of Unreel and The Twagger Band.  Derrick might be there with his Serpent or Barry from The Rude Mechanicals with his Nyckelharpa, there will be fiddles, squeezeboxes and more.  Add this to being in the public bar and it can get noisy so perhaps it’s not ideal for introspective singer song writers.  Nevertheless, good singers can and do bring the pub to a hush.  We play tunes for any and all to […]
- [music](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/music/): The Ditchling Session In The White Horse Ditchling on the last Sunday of the month, start 8pm though sometimes it’s good to get there early if you want a seat.  Acoustic session led by members of The Unreel Ceilidh Band and The Twagger Band.  You never know who’ll turn up. ~ The Rude Mechanicals Playing from a huge repertoire of mainly traditional tunes …Mick Parker, Ian Chisholm, Ray Chandler and Barry Ruffell.Playing on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at The Wellington, Brighton Road, Shoreham. ~ dance you socks off to … The Unreel Ceilidh Band The Sussex […]
- [links etc.](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/links-etc/): The Unreel Ceilidh Band ~  Barn dance music with pub rock attitude. –The Twagger Band ~ mostly traditional music from five superb musicians playing too many instruments to mention.  CD “Sound the Bugle, Blow the Horn” now available. –Members of The Unreel Ceildh Band and The Twagger Band host a once a month acoustic session at The White Horse in Ditchling.  Last Sunday of the month except for Bank Holiday weekends when it’s on the Bank Holiday Monday.  Come and join in or just enjoy the music. –I’ve learnt from many guitar makers, notably: Nick Benjamin Richard Osborne Pablo RequenaI […]
- [about](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/about-2-2/): brief CV In 2004 I retired from full time work as an engineer in the film and TV industry.  Since then I have had the time to develop my life long interest in making guitars and similar musical instruments.  I currently make around six instruments a year in my workshop in Ditchling as well as carrying out repairs and customizations. Before I finally left the film and TV industry I provided the technical content for the IMIS (formerly BKSTS) Digital Intermediate wall chart.  In October 2006 the BKSTS gave me The Roland Chase Award. 1998 – 2004 Double NegativeTotal responsibility […]
- [contact](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/contact/): Ian Chisholmianchisholmguitars@gmail.com83 Lewes RoadDitchling, Sussex, BN6 8TYUK0(44)7740 929 256 Commissions Occasionally I have instruments for sale.
- [gallery](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/gallery/)
- [instruments](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/instruments/): Every instrument is an individual build.  Details such as 12 or 14 fret necks, headstock style, 6 or 12 strings and stringing geometry, cutaways and trim styles can all be decided on when an instrument is commissioned.  However I am set up for certain body shapes and have developed a number of specific styles of instrument: Archtop guitars Steel strung, jumbo style body, 405mm wide Steel strung model “G” Small Jumbo style, 380mm wide        This one with double cutaway Guitars inspired by a Martin model “O” made in 1900. Parlour guitar, 350mm wide. Steel or nylon strung Tenor guitars, […]
- [home](https://ianchisholm.co.uk/home/): I made my first guitars when I was a student nearly 60 years ago.  I really began to learn about lutherie – the art of stringed instrument making – sometime in the ’70s by taking classes at the old London College of Furniture taught by Tony Smith where I built a steel strung guitar and an archtop mandolin.  At about this time I also met Stephen Delft, then living in London, who was very helpful to a beginner luthier.  I built a lute at a Morley College class run by the late Stephen Barber.  After moving to Ditchling I built a […]


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