From a workshop in East Sussex, Philip Woodfield has spent more than three decades quietly building some of Britain's most admired classical guitars — instruments that look and feel traditional yet hide thoroughly modern engineering.
A lifetime in wood
Woodfield has loved fine woodworking since childhood, and over thirty-plus years he has built more than 350 instruments. His method is deliberately hands-on: he works mainly with traditional hand tools and finishes in French polish, seeking a personal connection with each guitar rather than a production line. His eye for tonewood is famously exacting — only a small fraction of the wood he examines ever meets his standard.
Traditional looks, modern voice
Woodfield builds fan-braced guitars — his Torres and Series One models — but his recent focus is fine lattice-braced instruments. His aim is subtle and clever: guitars that look, feel and sound traditional, while actually being contemporary lattice guitars underneath, with the power and clarity that bracing brings. It is a very British balance of restraint and innovation. Read more about lattice and double-top construction →
Played by leading artists
Concert players who perform on a Woodfield include Scott Tennant of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet, the Italian virtuoso Giulio Tampalini and the British guitarist Raymond Burley, among others — a roster that speaks to the consistency and quality of his work.
FAQ
Who is Philip Woodfield?
A British luthier based in East Sussex, known for finely handcrafted classical guitars built largely by hand.
What kind of guitars does he build?
Both traditional fan-braced models and modern lattice-braced instruments that retain a traditional look and feel.
Who plays his guitars?
Artists including Scott Tennant (LA Guitar Quartet), Giulio Tampalini and Raymond Burley.
