Related Websites of Brian Cohen, Luthier: Violins | Lutes and Early Instruments | Rare and Unusual Instruments for Sale

Brian Cohen, Guitar Maker

I became a professional guitar maker in 1972, and am now the longest-established independent classical guitar maker in the UK, specializing in traditional Spanish guitars, made in the authentic Torrres / Hauser 1 'Spanish model' style. I accept special commissions for many other types, including flamenco, requinto, multi-string, steel string 'acoustic' guitars, archtop, and historic reconstructions. I have also specialised in conservation and restoration of fine original examples, for museums around the world.

Update (May 2024) for Brian Cohen Guitars:

Please Note. The studio is open, but with some limits in place, ie max 2 persons at a time only, and by appointment only. Please e mail for contact, the phone is no longer answered. Thank you for your co-operation.

Background and 'Ethos'

I build mainly 'Concert Guitars' which are firmly based in the Torres/Hauser 1 'Spanish model' tradition: These are lightly built using the traditional Spanish method. Maximum attention is given to every aspect of construction, including the method and sequence of construction, design, aesthetics within the traditional constraints, and above all, each guitar is tailored to the individual.

Each guitar is conceived as an individual creation in itself, and at all times the players' tonal, physical and visual requirements are foremost. Power, volume, sustain, projection, rich tonal colour, textures, clarity, voice separation, conceived within the format of these old master guitars are some of the qualities present in all 'Brian Cohen' guitars.

New Guitars for sale: While there is continuing demand from private clients for commissioned guitars, I now sometimes also have finished guitars in stock, ready to sell immediately, (subject to CITES permits being obtained). Please refer to the 'Sale' page for updates on this. New guitars are no longer supplied to dealers in the UK or worldwide, so if you want a new guitar, they are only available directly from me. I prefer to work directly with my customers, who then benefit from the 'bespoke custom build', and the 'lifetime warrantee' and full support that comes with all my guitars, available to the original purchaser only. In this way you may even be able to acquire a new guitar more or less immediately. New commissions welcomed!

Sale of materials, tools etc: Over the last 50 years, I have built up a stock of the finest tone woods, (including some from the studio of the late David Rubio, ) and some additional surplus tools, and I realise now that I have more than I can ever use, and have decided to offer some to other makers: To this end, I have begun to offer for sale selected wood, tools and other items. Please visit the 'Sale' page for details

Opening times and all contact details, directions etc. on our 'Contact' page. Visitors welcomed, but strictly by appointment only.