In 2001, Karl’s wife bought him his first guitar—an Epiphone Les Paul™. It wasn’t long before he started thinking about how he could build his own. Fascinated by how things work and how they can be improved, Karl has always approached design with a "why not?" mindset. This philosophy has driven him to develop his own original shapes while refining classic designs from the past.

With over 30 years of experience in woodwork and joinery, guitar building was a natural next step. In 2004, Karl came across Melvyn Hiscock’s book Make Your Own Electric Guitar, which helped bridge the gaps between traditional woodworking and instrument crafting. From there, Karl Longbottom Guitars was born.

Today, our range has grown to 15 distinct models, each thoughtfully designed to enhance playability, tone, and comfort. Whether you prefer solid or hollow-body guitars, every instrument is built with careful attention to detail, ensuring a unique and inspiring playing experience.

Karl’s deep understanding of wood is at the heart of every guitar he makes. Each instrument is crafted from hand-selected tonewoods, chosen for their resonance and character. Our high-gloss nitrocellulose finishes not only bring out the natural beauty of the wood but also allow the guitar to age gracefully, developing that sought-after "played-in" feel over time.

We’d love to meet you at one of the UK Guitar Shows, but if that’s not an option, we’re always available by phone or email to chat about your dream guitar.