About Us
Dave King Acoustics LLP is a partnership of Dave King and Bob Long
We make acoustic and electric guitars; we repair, set up and renovate guitars and other stringed instruments; we are UK dealers and authorised repairers for National Reso-phonic and Santa Cruz, authorised repairers for C.F.Martin and we buy and sell interesting vintage and second hand guitars.
Based in Kingsclere, near Newbury, Berkshire, our facilities include workshops for making and repairing guitars, a spray shop and polishing room which allow us to finish or re-finish instruments to the highest standards.
Dave
Dave King has been making guitars now for over 20 years. At the age of 9 he saw a picture of a parlour guitar on the cover of a Bert Jansch album and fell in love with them. Since that time Dave has designed and built not only "parlours" but also a wide range of guitars of exceptional quality.
All of Dave's "Signature Model" guitars are unique; each instrument having something like 170 hours work in it. Attention to detail is meticulous. Along with this attention to detail comes a clear loud and evenly balanced sound, suited to all styles of guitar playing.
Construction methods and materials used are constantly being modernized and improved. Dave believes that there is always a better way of achieving an end result. Along with this, Dave has also made and repaired guitars for some of the UK's greatest guitar players, as well as managing to lecture at the London Metropolitan University (formerly the London College of Furniture) in the art of Lutherie.
Bob
Bob has recently joined the new partnership after early retirement from a career in the consultancy business. He has been playing guitar for forty years and has an abiding love of the instrument. His particular speciality is acoustic blues from the 1920s and 1930s. He is currently having fun learning how guitars are made and helping with marketing and promotion.
Testimonials
Dave King guitars are played by many well-known musicians. Here's what a few of them have to say:
Quote from Eric Bibb:
"Dave King makes wonderful guitars with a unique almost piano like quality, with lots of warmth and punch. His smaller ragtime model is particularly suited for my repertoire. The workmanship is superb down to the smallest detail, resulting in a great guitar for the touring musician. For an instrument that feels looks and sounds beautiful I strongly recommend Dave King Acoustics."
Quote from Richard Evans, Peter Gabriel's acoustic guitar player:
"If I was left with one possession this would be it... Thankyou."