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Stringed Instrument Makers

John Marlow Stringed Instruments

John Marlow Stringed Instruments is a renowned company based in Dewsbury, England. They specialize in crafting high-quality stringed instruments and are known for their exceptional craftsmanship. As passionate creators, they are dedicated to the art and creativity of their work. With years of experience, they have established themselves as one of the leading stringed instrument makers in the industry.

Introduction to John Marlow Stringed Instruments

John Marlow Stringed Instruments is a company located in Dewsbury, England that specializes in creating handcrafted stringed instruments. The company was founded by John Marlow, a skilled luthier with a passion for music and craftsmanship. What sets this company apart is their commitment to using only the finest materials and traditional techniques to produce instruments that are not only beautiful but also have exceptional sound quality.

Services & Products

John Marlow Stringed Instruments offers a variety of services including custom instrument building and repair work. They create a range of instruments including guitars, violins, cellos, and mandolins. Each instrument is made with care and attention to detail, ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality.

Location

The company is located in Earlsheaton, a charming village in Dewsbury with a rich history of textile and mining industries. The area is now home to many small businesses, including cafes and antique shops. The nearest public transportation options are the Dewsbury railway station (2.5 miles), the Dewsbury bus station (2.1 miles), and the Earlsheaton bus stop (0.2 miles).

Benefits

Customers should choose John Marlow Stringed Instruments because of their dedication to quality and craftsmanship. They use only the best materials and techniques to create instruments that are not only beautiful but also have exceptional sound quality. The company also offers custom instrument building services, allowing customers to create an instrument that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Good to Know

Customers should be aware that due to the handmade nature of the instruments, there may be a waiting list for custom builds. However, this ensures that each instrument is given the proper time and attention to detail to ensure its quality.

Reviews

Customers rave about the quality of the instruments produced by John Marlow Stringed Instruments. Many comment on the exceptional sound quality and beauty of the instruments. Customers also appreciate the personalized service they receive when working with the company.

Amenities

  • amenity
    guitar
  • amenity
    violin

FAQ

What types of instruments do you specialize in making?

We specialize in making stringed instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. We also make custom guitars and mandolins upon request.

Can you provide references or samples of your previous work?

Yes, we can provide references and samples of our previous work upon request. We take pride in our craftsmanship and would be happy to showcase our work to potential clients.

What materials do you use to make your instruments?

We use high-quality materials such as spruce, maple, ebony, and rosewood to make our instruments. We also use traditional techniques to ensure the best sound quality and durability of our instruments.

How long does it typically take to create a custom instrument?

The time it takes to create a custom instrument varies depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used. However, on average, it takes around 6-8 weeks to create a custom instrument.

Do you offer maintenance or repair services for the instruments you make?

Yes, we offer maintenance and repair services for the instruments we make. We understand that instruments require regular upkeep and occasional repairs, and we are happy to provide those services to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of our instruments.

Reviews

  • Ros Kimber

    In 1994 I had beautiful guitar hand crafted by John Marlow. It has been my pride and joy for almost 30 years and I’ve gigged around the world in a semi pro capacity with it on 4 different continents. I took my Marlow guitar back to John for fettling and adjusting and also took my Taylor for a clean up and adjustment and to have a new Fishman pickup fitted. I left them both with John for a couple of weeks whilst I went on holiday and collected them promptly 3 weeks later. The work done by this craftsman was superb and I was highly delighted with the new set up on both guitars. I’ve subsequently gigged my Taylor at a 5 day festival in Belgium and my Marlow in Wales last weekend and am over the moon how good they both feel and, more importantly, sound. If I could give John TEN stars then I would both for workmanship and reliability. I swear my wife thinks I’m in love with my Marlow guitar ( she’s probably right ) and that love hadn’t waned in nearly 30 years. Thank you, John, Neil Kimber

    12-06-2023
  • Jack Crilly

    John is a true professional at what he does, and explains in full along the way at why he needs to do certain things in order to make them right again, also before going ahead with the fix tells you the price that its going to be before just going ahead with it. So yes, i can't thank him enough for the work he has done 👏 Would recommend to anyone that needs some work doing

    11-06-2023
  • Fiona May

    We contacted John Marlow to restore our grandfather's mandolins. They both needed extensive repairs. John is very professional and answered all our queries. His original quotation for the work carried out was spot on and the quality of workmanship is fantastic. Highly recommended.

    18-05-2023
  • John Kemp

    I consulted John regarding some finishing issues of my qualiy Classical guitar which was purchased from a different Luthier. He was immensely helpful and honest with his assessment of the problems, and showed a clear understanding of the underlying reasons for them. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone requiring the making or repair of a stringed instrument.

    18-04-2023
  • Lee Murphy

    My son's guitar had developed a weird twanging sound, so I got in touch with John for advice. He took it in and got straight back to me within an hour with a clear explanation of the problem, an explanation of what needed doing and a rough price for the repairs. Although the guitar was only a cheap starter guitar, John was very helpful, quick and efficient with the repair. The guitar now sounds better than it ever did. Thanks John, great job.

    18-02-2023
  • Kenneth Kaye

    18-01-2023
  • Craig Hemingway

    Johns skill is second to none . If you play guitar then you need to know this man . His prices are fair and he gives a prompt and well priced service

    18-12-2022
  • AndrewT

    I approached John with a pretty modest acoustic guitar I'd been unsure about for a while and asked about fitting a new nut and saddle along with looking at the overall set-up. He asked me a few straightforward questions about how I play and the kind of sound I might want. The results are fantastic. The playability, the tone, the projection and the whole personality of the instrument have been brought to life. I can't put the thing down. Absolutely worth the cost - a genius of his craft and a really good man too.

    18-11-2022
  • Sarah Page

    John has recently rebuilt my husbands grandfathers favourite violin which was in pieces. He was a professional musician and this violin is of great sentimental value to the family. John gave a detailed quotation before starting any work and there was a considerable amount of work to be done. The end result is wonderful. It has been restored with such skill and care and we are absolutely delighted that it can be played once more. John has also worked on another violin that I have been gifted by my father-in-law and again the work is of such a high standard. I would not hesitate to recommend John’s services and will be calling on him again in the near future!

    18-11-2022
  • Josh Dwyer (Josh)

    John recently repaired my 1956 Gibson LG1 acoustic which was left to me by my Grandfather. The guitar had not been played for over 30years and was in disrepair. John repaired broken bracing, splits in the soundboard and even built a new saddle in keeping with the original. He did a beautiful job at a reasonable price, the guitar now looks and plays beautifully. Would highly recommend John Marlow.

    18-11-2022