UK builders?

[Matthew Sarad]

When I was serious to get fine acoustics, my goal was to save 10% of my monthly salary over 2 years.

Brondel, Franklin, Mustapick, Kinnaird, Wingert,
Merrill, Santa Cruz, Northwood, Lowden, Kenny Hill.
Retirement killed that off.

I only have 2 left.

[islandguitar]

In my limited experience, if you were to purchase a used/pre-owned guitar, you could still make contact with the builder for questions, examination of your instrument, or possibly some adjustments, or set-ups and create/maintain that relationship.
Builders I've worked with have been happy to do this and help in any way, despite your not being the original owner. They seem always to be interested in their guitars and how they're doing!

[boombox]

Originally Posted by Jwills57

Richard Meyrick. Looks to be making lovely instruments at your price point and design specifications.

I played one of his early parlours. which was gorgeous, but I was looking for something bigger. As I got more into acoustic playing after years of electric, I realised it was a steal and still regret not buying it.

[itsLars]

Have a look at Lakestone!

[soma5]

Ralph Bown is a luthier of the first class.
Rory Dowling (Taran Guitars) is one of the best in the next generation after Ralph. He worked (works?) closely with guitarist Martin Simpson to refine his designs.
Tom Sands is another who is gaining recognition. He was an apprentice of Ervin Somogyi.
Rosie Heydenrych (Turnstone Guitars) builds with native woods. She is really up and coming.

I think that's a good start.

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by soma5

Ralph Bown is a luthier of the first class.
Rory Dowling (Taran Guitars) is one of the best in the next generation after Ralph. He worked (works?) closely with guitarist Martin Simpson to refine his designs.
Tom Sands is another who is gaining recognition. He was an apprentice of Ervin Somogyi.
Rosie Heydenrych (Turnstone Guitars) builds with native woods. She is really up and coming.

I think that's a good start.

All excellent choices, but I think they will all be beyond the budget stated.

[jonnymosco]

Sam McClaren's guitars are in your budget. https://mcclarenguitars.co.uk/guitars/ He studied with one of the greatest living classical guitar makers, Christopher Dean, and offers steel string, hybrid and classical models.

Jonny

[borborygmus]

I think it might be tough to get a hand-built instrument for under £3,000. Even some of the really good younger people are more than that these days - I am thinking about Swannell Guitars or Oska Burman Guitars, for example. There are others.

But there's hope! The secret is to look around for a young builder at the beginning of her/his journey, trying to get going, and selling one of their first instruments. In 2021 I bought a young luthier's 11th instrument for just over £2,000. They sell for £5,000 now. It might take some research and time, but it is possible. The previously mentioned Sam McClaren is one such possibility.

If you are going to commission one, be prepared to keep it simple - if you want fancy cutaways or special timbers, it is going to cost more.

If you can find someone near enough to visit during the build process, it will make it more special.

Good luck!
Peter

[waterboy]

While I have not seen one in the wood, I have been following some of the builds that Jake Menear has been doing on YouTube. They look pretty fabulous, and come with a starting price just under £3k. He spent 7 years at Lowden….
https://www.jkmguitars.com

https://youtu.be/v6-skfZhdvE