Christopher Dean is an English classical guitar maker who has worked in his own workshop in Oxfordshire since 1985. Trained at the London College of Furniture and as assistant to Paul Fischer, he builds beautiful traditionally-inspired guitars with roots in the Spanish tradition of Santos Hernández and Hermann Hauser I.
Christopher Dean at a Glance
- Workshop: Oxfordshire, England (since October 1985)
- Training: Musical Instrument Technology, London College of Furniture (three years)
- Apprenticeship: two years as assistant to Paul Fischer
- Influences: Santos Hernández, Hermann Hauser I
- Players: Tillman Hopstock, Eleftheria Kotzia, Simon Dinnigan, the Vida Quartet, the Eden Stell duo
- Featured in: Orfeo Magazine No. 11, England Special
From the London College of Furniture to Paul Fischer's Workshop
Christopher Dean studied Musical Instrument Technology for three years at the London College of Furniture, specializing in fretted instruments. He then spent two years as assistant to the English master Paul Fischer in the 1980s, and in October 1985 he set up his own workshop in Oxfordshire, where he still builds today. Paul's influence can still be seen in Chris's work, particularly in the design of his rosettes.
Santos Hernández, Hauser I and the Spanish Tradition
Alongside his own guitars, Chris has restored instruments by Santos Hernández and Hermann Hauser I. A 1929 Santos Hernández that came to his workshop for a major restoration led him to build a limited number of near-exact replicas of it, and later guitars "after Santos Hernández" with the 1929 Santos rosette and head shape. Many of his guitars have the sound and feel of the earlier, more "Spanish" period of Hauser I: a dense richness of tone, clear and balanced, with a relaxed warmth.
Players of Christopher Dean Guitars
As usual for his guitars, great attention is paid to craftsmanship, and his choice of materials is always beautiful. Top concert players of Dean guitars have included Tillman Hopstock, Eleftheria Kotzia, Simon Dinnigan, all members of the Vida Quartet and the Eden Stell duo.
Christopher Dean in Orfeo Magazine
Orfeo Magazine No. 11 – England Special
Christopher Dean is one of the English makers featured in this issue.
Christopher Dean Guitars at GSI
Several Christopher Dean guitars have passed through our doors over the years, from his own designs to his guitars after Santos Hernández. 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 Christopher Dean build his guitars?
In his own workshop in Oxfordshire, England, which he set up in October 1985.
Who did Christopher Dean train with?
He studied at the London College of Furniture and then worked for two years as assistant to Paul Fischer.
What do Christopher Dean guitars sound like?
Traditionally inspired, often recalling the earlier "Spanish" period of Hermann Hauser I: dense, clear and balanced, with a relaxed warmth.
