Brian Cohen is a South African-born classical guitar maker who has worked in England since 1974, today in Guildford, Surrey. He is known for guitars in the Hermann Hauser and Antonio de Torres tradition and for his long collaboration with Julian Bream.
At a Glance
- Born in: South Africa; a professional guitar maker since 1972, working in England since 1974
- Workshop: an old glassworks in Guildford, Surrey (since 1997)
- Mentor: David Rubio, for whom he worked for some 25 years
- Tradition: Hermann Hauser and Antonio de Torres models
- Julian Bream: built eight Hauser-model guitars for him in the 1990s and serviced his instruments, including the “Rose Augustine” 1940 Hauser
- Also builds: lutes, theorboes, chitarrones, violins, cellos and violas da gamba
Brian Cohen: A South African-Born Maker in England
Although Brian Cohen is originally from South Africa, he has lived and worked in England since 1974 and has become known as one of the best contemporary builders working there – arguably the most respected in England. A professional guitar maker since 1972, his instruments have a reputation for their gorgeous quality of sound and easy playability. Since 1997 his workshop has been in an old glassworks in Guildford, Surrey, which he restored himself.
Training in England: David Rubio and Early Instruments
Brian had already started making and repairing guitars in South Africa, and he came to England looking for an apprenticeship. He had hoped to train with David Rubio; that never happened, but Rubio became a close friend and mentor, and Brian went on to work for him as an outside maker for some 25 years. Along the way he taught himself lute making, worked at the Early Music Centre in London and, in 1986, received a Crafts Council bursary to study classical Italian violin making.
Julian Bream and the Hauser Tradition
Brian has dedicated his life to guitars in the Hermann Hauser and Antonio de Torres tradition, and he is known for his history of working with Julian Bream – both servicing his vintage instruments (including the “Rose Augustine” 1940 Hauser, which he serviced regularly over a ten-year period) and building Hauser-style instruments for him. In the 1990s Brian built eight guitars for Bream, all Hauser models of ever-increasing refinement under Bream’s exacting standards. Working with a player who had a deep understanding of guitar construction and knew exactly what he wanted in sound was a profoundly important experience for Brian.
Guitars, Lutes and Bowed Instruments
Although Brian’s focus has been primarily on guitars constructed in the Torres/Hauser tradition, he has also built a variety of other stringed instruments, including violins, cellos, lutes, theorboes, chitarrones, violas da gamba and even an accurate copy of the ivory “liuto attiorbato” by Sellas.
“The Six Strings of a Guitar”: John Gallo’s Photo Essay
Fine art photographer John Gallo spent months working alongside Brian to tell the story of how a guitar is born, following a 2014 Brian Cohen modeled on the 1940 “Rose Augustine” Hauser from raw wood to finished instrument. Gallo came away as impressed by the man as by the maker, and describes Brian as the longest-established independent classical guitar maker in the UK. The full essay is on our blog: John Gallo’s “The Six Strings of a Guitar”. The portrait of Brian at the top of this page is also by John Gallo.
Brian Cohen Guitars at GSI
Many Brian Cohen guitars have passed through our doors over the years, including faithful copies of Hauser I guitars from 1935 and 1940 – and, in 2026, the first Cohen lute we had ever seen. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Brian Cohen build his guitars?
In Guildford, Surrey, England. Born in South Africa, he moved to England in 1974.
What kind of guitars does Brian Cohen make?
Classical guitars in the Hauser and Torres tradition, including close copies of specific Hauser I guitars.
Did Brian Cohen build guitars for Julian Bream?
Yes. In the 1990s he built eight Hauser-model guitars for Bream, and he also serviced Bream’s instruments, including his 1940 Hauser.
Does Brian Cohen make other instruments?
Yes – lutes, theorboes, chitarrones, violins, cellos, violas da gamba and even a copy of the ivory “liuto attiorbato” by Sellas.
