David Antony Reid Guitars
ActiveOverview
David Antony Reid Guitars is a bespoke luthiery operation specializing in hand-crafted acoustic and electric guitars, as well as repairs and custom setups. The brand focuses on innovative construction methods, including the vault back guitar, double-edged-scalloped fretboard, ergonomic neck, dual compensated saddle, multiple frequency soundboard, and multiple diffraction/reflection back, using rare and reclaimed woods like bog oak and sequoia. It targets a niche market of custom instrument enthusiasts with labor-intensive builds taking up to 400 hours per guitar.1234
History
David Antony Reid began by reverse-engineering a friend's acoustic guitar in the mid-1990s after pursuing music and DJing. He studied guitar making in Glasgow for one year, followed by two years at London Guildhall University, then established his business in London. The operation specializes in making and repairing acoustic and electric guitars, with a shift toward bespoke set-up services as the core focus today.2
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Vault Back Guitar (signature acoustic model) | Smooth and balanced tone profile | $10,000 - $30,000 |
| Bespoke Acoustic Guitars | Custom hand-crafted with innovative bracing | $15,000 - $40,000 |
| Bespoke Electric Guitars | Contemporary fretted instruments | $12,000 - $35,000 |
| Custom Repair and Setup Services | Specialized adjustments for existing instruments | $500 - $5,000 |
Manufacturing
All guitars are hand-made by David Antony Reid in his London workshop using traditional, self-developed, and scientifically-based methods. Each instrument requires up to 400 hours of crafting to maintain constant material interaction. Rare and reclaimed woods such as 3000-year-old bog oak and century-old sequoia are incorporated.1234
Notable Products
- Vault Back Guitar - Signature model with smooth, balanced tone developed by Reid.
- Double-Edged-Scalloped Fretboard Guitar - Innovation credited to Reid for enhanced playability.
- Ergonomic Neck Guitar - Modern ergonomic design for improved comfort.
- Dual Compensated Saddle Guitar - Construction feature for precise intonation.
- Multiple Frequency Soundboard Guitar - Advanced soundboard design for tonal complexity.
Reputation
Enthusiasts and professionals regard David Antony Reid as a multi-award-winning luthier for his bespoke craftsmanship and patented innovations in guitar construction. His use of rare woods and 400-hour build process is praised for quality and uniqueness. The niche focus on custom work limits broader market presence, with primary recognition among high-end custom guitar buyers.1234