Simon Ambridge – 2016

Description

Simon Ambridge was born in 1951 in London. He comes from a family with a long tradition of cabinet making dating back to the 18th century. Although a keen woodworker from an early age he decided to study graphic design before setting up a successful furniture making business in London. In 1978 he made his first acoustic guitar based on a Martin 0045, then soon after I made a small Torres style classical with help from Kevin Aram who has since established himself as a leading luthier. At this point his path was clear; he was hooked. However, it was a further ten years before it was possible to devote himself to guitar making full time.
Becoming a full time guitar maker coincided with his move to Devon in the southwest of England, thanks to a setting up grant from the Crafts Council of Great Britain. He was particularly honored by this grant since the selectors included Jose Romanillos, David Rubio and Paul Fischer. In 1991 he received awards from the David Canter Memorial fund and Southwest Arts. In 1995 he moved into a studio on the Dartington estate in South Devon, home of the renowned Dartington International Summer School.
Over the years he has enjoyed a growing international reputation with customers in North and South America, Canada, the Far East and Australia as well as mainland Europe and the UK.
His concert guitars (like this one) owe their inspiration to the instruments of Antonio de Torres, the early 20th century Spanish makers. By combining design elements from wonderful makers with his own ideas he produces instruments which are traditional in style, lightly built and very responsive. He’s aiming for a sound which has real beauty, with the notes evenly focused and well balanced across the whole musical spectrum. This guitar has Satinwood back and sides and a spruce wood top. The tuners of this guitar are made by Klaus Scheller. A hardshell case is included.