This book is the product of a long project between photographer Dave Best and myself. Dave visited the workshop many times to try and capture the essence of what it is I do for a living. I think he may have succeeded. His excellent images follow the story of the raw timber being worked and fashioned into musical instruments, documenting the many stages, methods, tools and techniques that I use. His sharp eye for composition has picked out may beautiful details and facets of the process that I had failed to notice myself!

In addition to the many superb photographs I have included a series of essays on subjects that I hope are illuminating to those interested in my trade. This is not yet another "How to make a guitar book" There are enough of those. The inspiration for this was Jose Ramirez III excellent little book "Things about the guitar" which I know is a favourite amongst many luthiers. This is my "Things about the guitar." The subjects covered include: sound, design, timber and timber selection, construction, beauty, longevity, playability, intonation, the battle between hand and machine work as well as the motivation and rational behind my work and experiments.

The book is available from YPD online bookstore click on the link to order your copy.

Expertly laid out and designed by old friend Ben Tibbs (who designed my original flash web site), the  270mm x 210mm soft-back book is 136 litho printed pages, and costs £18.00 plus £ 2.75 postage and packing. My intention was to make the book affordable so as many of you can enjoy it as possible. I hope this will be the case.

Nigel