Fylde Guitars

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Overview

Fylde Guitars is a British manufacturer of handmade steel-strung flat-top acoustic guitars and mandolin family instruments. Founded by Roger Bucknall, a master luthier, the company has built a reputation for producing high-quality, individually crafted instruments in Cumbria, England. The brand is known for its meticulous attention to detail and use of quality tonewoods, serving professional musicians and serious enthusiasts globally.

History

Fylde Guitars was established in 1973 when Roger Bucknall, with help from friend Bob Astley, set up a full-time guitar-making business on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, which inspired the company name. The operation later relocated to Cumbria where it continues production. Roger Bucknall was awarded an MBE in recognition of his contributions to guitar making. The company has maintained its commitment to handcrafted production for over five decades, with a small team of skilled craftspeople.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
Steel-Strung Flat-Top Guitars	Handcrafted professional-grade acoustic guitars	$2,500 - $5,000
Mandolin Family Instruments	Handmade traditional and contemporary mandolins	$1,500 - $3,500
Custom Commissions	Bespoke instruments tailored to individual specifications	$3,000 - $6,000

Manufacturing

All Fylde guitars are handmade in-house at the workshop in Penrith, Cumbria by a small team of master craftspeople led by Roger Bucknall. The company maintains complete control over production, from wood selection through final finishing, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail in every instrument.

Notable Products

Fylde Steel-Strung Flat-Top - The flagship handcrafted acoustic guitar known for balanced tone and responsive playability
Fylde Mandolins - Handmade mandolin family instruments combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design
Custom Commission Guitars - Bespoke instruments built to individual player specifications and preferences

Reputation

Fylde Guitars is highly regarded among professional folk, acoustic, and traditional musicians for producing instruments of exceptional quality and tonal characteristics. The brand is respected for its unwavering commitment to handcraftsmanship and the personal involvement of master luthier Roger Bucknall in each instrument. Instruments are sought after by discerning players who value heritage and individual character over mass production. The relatively small output and high prices reflect the artisanal nature of production rather than any quality concerns.

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