In 2001 his wife bought him his first guitar – an Epiphone Les Paul™, it wasn’t long after that he was planning strategies for how he could build his own. Karl has always had a passion for how things worked and how he could improve them.

Never asking “why”, always “why not”.

With over 30 years in woodwork and joinery, it seemed like a logical step. Around 2004 he stumbled upon Melvyn Hiscock’s book “Make Your Own Electric Guitar” and that filled the gaps of knowledge that were not so obvious to an experienced wood worker. And from there it started… Karl Longbottom Guitars.

Our guitars are yours to do with as you please, offering the best possible tone woods, hardware and pickups available. We aim to use one-piece bodies in all our custom builds where possible. Everything is customisable, hardware, pickups, colour, finish and specs. Finished in high gloss nitrocellulose lacquer and come with a Hiscox case.

From £1900