Guitar Luthier Alex Bishop Guitars specialises in the construction of finest quality hand-crafted and custom-built gypsy jazz guitars.
I predominantly build Selmer-Maccaferri style guitars, I offer a range of contemporary design features. These include side sound ports, chamfered arm rests, custom rosettes and inlay work. I also build contemporary '000' and 'OM' folk guitar models.
Such a fun repair. Restoring an 1830s Honoré Derazey Romantic guitar.
Almost two centuries old, and worth every hour of careful work.
Taking a look back at a few memorable moments from the workshop. 👆
24/08/2026
Shimmering Pelham Blue. Carved mahogany. A gleaming Bigsby. P90s, humbuckers and a nest of electronics beneath the pickguard.
This month we're stepping into the world of boutique electric guitars for Confessions of a Luthier.
A chance to explore a very different approach to guitar design and finishing — while still applying the same principles of thoughtful, hand-built instrument making.
www.alexbishopguitars.com/post/acoustic-habits-electric-ideas
21/08/2026
Exciting news! We are thrilled to be part of the recent launch of , a gorgeous new boutique of guitars and craft beer based near our workshop in Bath. Always keen to help to be part of the ever-growing musical community in the south west, this is the currently the ONLY shop anywhere in the UK with an Alex Bishop custom guitar in stock - and it is available now!
So if you're in the area this weekend, why not go check out the shop, try out some extra-special guitars and pick up a few craft beers in the process? Sounds like a fun day out to me...
A throwback to giving this ’40s Gibson L-7 a new lease on life. Regluing the neck and lots of patience. 😁 Stay tuned if you want to see the rest of the restoration.
New Sunday guitar making class in Bristol starting up - sign up now! https://www.guitarmakingschool.co.uk/service-page/sunday-morning-guitar-making-classes?referral=service_list_widget
Kit Hawes performing Jack Hall on one of our handcrafted guitars. Built with a Lost Tunnel redwood top and back, wrapped around a western red cedar core, this combination delivers warmth, clarity and a responsiveness that lets every note breathe.
Every instrument we make is individually crafted around the player, creating a guitar that's as unique as the music it's made to play.
If you've been thinking about commissioning a custom guitar, we'd love to hear what you're looking for and help bring your ideas to life.
https://www.alexbishopguitars.com/team
Almost 200 years old and still holding its story. This Honoré Derazey Romantic guitar (c. 1830) came in for rosette restoration. Here's the process of hand engraving mother of pearl to match what was already there. ✨
🔧 Full fretwork on this Gibson L-7 from the 40s. Levelled, crowned, polished, and brought back to life. There's something special about bringing an 80-year-old archtop back to life. More of the process coming soon...