Alex Bishop Guitars

15/06/2026

Some instruments don’t just need a setup; they need a second life.

This month’s project is a mid-60s Höfner violin bass with a badly collapsed neck and some serious structural issues. A careful, methodical restoration begins on the bench, starting with preserving what’s left of the original finish before tackling the neck reset.

Full write-up in the link in bio.

08/06/2026

Tone: part science, part storytelling, part stubborn myth.

This month I take a run at the big question: what actually makes a guitar sound like it does? From tonewood legends to design choices that quietly do most of the heavy lifting, it’s a look at what really matters when you plug in or sit down to play.

Spoiler: it’s not just the wood.

Full article via link in bio.

22/05/2026

These tired old plastic bridge pins had become loose and poorly fitted over years of restringing, affecting both tuning stability and how securely the strings seated against the bridge plate.

In this video, I’m replacing them with a properly fitted set of rosewood bridge pins. Using a tapered reamer, each bridge pin hole is carefully adjusted to achieve a precise fit, allowing the strings to anchor correctly and seat firmly where they should.

Clean fit, better stability, and a much more satisfying finishing touch to the instrument.

Follow along here and over on YouTube for more guitar repair, restoration and lutherie workshop content.

21/05/2026

to some tasty shots of 's Cherry OM. Since the photos this guitar has been upgraded with a pair of pickups for isolating the bottom two strings to create some massive bottom end when they are performing live.

Most of the UK-grown fruit woods make exceptional sounding guitars. If you're considering getting a one-of-a-kind custom made instrument just get in touch to arrange a workshop visit and we can help guide you through the process of tonewood selection. 🪵

19/05/2026

Removing the neck from a vintage archtop is one of those jobs where patience matters far more than force.

In this video, I’m removing the neck from a Gibson L-7 using the traditional steaming process. By carefully introducing steam through small access holes beneath the dovetail joint, the old animal glue slowly begins to release its grip. A specialised clamping jig then applies steady pressure at the heel, allowing the neck to separate cleanly and safely from the body.

It’s a delicate process, but incredibly satisfying when everything moves exactly as intended.

Follow along for more vintage guitar restoration, repair techniques and lutherie workshop content here on Instagram and over on YouTube.

18/05/2026

A well-played guitar always tells a story.

In my latest blog post, I take this road-worn axe through a full restoration: fret levelling and crowning, fingerboard restoration, bridge adjustments, relocated fret markers and a handmade pair of moustache ends inspired by the original Selmer guitars of the 1940s.

Sometimes the most rewarding repairs aren’t about making a guitar look new — they’re about preserving the character that made it worth saving in the first place.

Read the full story now: https://www.alexbishopguitars.com/post/stairway-to-selmer-heaven

14/05/2026

to the last series of ... I've been wondering, who wants to see a season 3? Who NEEDS to see a season 3?

Who has some juicy chords they'd be kind enough to share to my inbox? Hit me up! You'll get credit, maybe....

12/05/2026

Some headstock breaks can be glued. Others need rebuilding from the ground up.

This repair involved grafting an entirely new headstock onto a badly damaged neck, carefully matching fresh timber to restore both strength and appearance. A delicate job, but one of the most satisfying kinds of restoration work. Watch the process unfold in this .

Got a guitar in a similar situation? Get one of your beloved guitar restored by one of our master luthiers by booking in here: https://www.alexbishopguitars.com/book-online

11/05/2026

What happens when a guitar maker starts questioning traditional tonewoods?

My latest blog explores British-grown timber, alternative woods in lutherie, and a long-term project inspired by the UK’s 50 Great British Trees. From Cedar of Lebanon to elm and redwood, I’m looking at how locally sourced materials might help shape the future sound of acoustic guitars.

I'll be bringing one of these guitars to . Read the full article on the website here:

https://www.alexbishopguitars.com/post/the-future-of-tonewood

10/05/2026