Journey of Wood:
The Art of Handmade Guitars

In the heart of South London, hidden within the confines of a converted church hall, lies the workshop of Nick Branwell, a luthier with a fascinating story.

His journey from a philosophy student to a craftsman of bespoke guitars encapsulates a life lived with passion, creativity, and a pursuit of mastery in the art of guitar making.

As avid music lovers, we were both naturally drawn to Nick’s story, not just for its passion and creativity but also because it tapped into our creative journey, which started with playing instruments and making music. These days, despite busy work schedules, the guitars never gather too much dust as we continue to play, albeit not together as we once did. That’s another story about us for another day, perhaps.

However, after all these years, it never occurred to us to think about the intricate craft that shapes our beloved instruments, until we embarked on this documentary project. Nick’s dedication to perfecting his craft and turning raw wood into singing instruments was eye-opening. His story helped us appreciate the artistry, mastery and commitment involved in making handmade guitars.

Nick’s story isn’t one you’d typically associate with a guitar maker. In the early ’60s, he crafted two electric guitars for his school band, marking the beginning of his lifelong relationship with this instrument. After abandoning his philosophy course, life took him down various paths — from playing in various bands, to working in carpentry and landscape gardening. He even wrote gardening articles and a book on organic gardening. Eventually he realised he was playing less and less and decided if he wasn’t playing them, he was going to make them.

“…my way of staying involved with guitars is; if I’m not playing them, then I’ll make them…”

It wasn’t until after decades of playing and tinkering with guitars that Nick decided to formally dive into luthiery. With a background in carpentry and a combined understanding of playing the instruments, Nick was equipped with the foundation to seamlessly transition to the precision and artistry required.

He embarked on an intensive journey of learning, studying under several esteemed guitar makers. Each mentor imparted distinct techniques and philosophies, enriching Nick’s own approach to his guitar making.

The Philosophy Behind Branwell Guitars

Nick’s approach to building guitars is deeply personal and reflective of his life experiences. He values the tactile sensation of his hand tools and the freedom of working freehand, believing it adds a unique touch to each instrument. His guitars are a blend of traditional craftsmanship and the insights gained from a lifetime of playing and interacting with a wide array of guitars.

Handcrafted Instruments

Nick produces about eight guitars a year, each entirely handmade with meticulous attention to detail. His guitars reflect a commitment to producing hand-crafted instruments that are both high in quality and still accessible to musicians. What Nick treasures most is the sound of a musician playing and coaxing the very best from one of his unique creations. Nick’s ability to ‘hear’ the wood, shaping it into unique instruments that resonate with both the player’s touch and the ears’ desire, truly sets his work apart.

We truly believe that our passion projects should never really be about us, but about our subjects, so we take great pleasure in putting these crafts people / artists / specialists centre stage of our video productions.

We can’t thank the people involved enough for sharing their time and giving us a true insight into the journey;

Wood supplier David Dyke (@luthiers_supplies) has incredible passion for what he does, reflected in one of our favourite quotes from the film: “Almost anything I do with wood, including sawing up the firewood, is a joy,” he says.

Paul Gregory (guitars-maestosomusic.com) accomplished guitarist and instrument importer, has enthusiasm and knowledge that goes above and beyond. When he says, “the great guitars are the ones that really speak,” we know immediately what he means.

Then there was incredible musician Zoe Barnett (@zoebarnettguitarist) sums up the relationship between maker and player perfectly. “They feel the vibrations through the wood and choose what they want to build, and you share that beauty with the maker.”

And, of course… Nick Branwell himself. We are truly thankful for this extraordinary craftsman’s patience and goodwill throughout this project, as he let us into his home, his workshop and his life.

“Good guitars are made to be played…where as works of art are made to be looked at. That’s the thing, that’s what it’s about.”