David Rouse is an English classical guitar maker based at Parndon Mill in Harlow, Essex – in our opinion one of the best English luthiers – who has built guitars professionally since 1991 and taught guitar making at London Guildhall University, where his students included Jake Fuller.
At a Glance
- Workshop: Parndon Mill, Harlow, Essex, England
- Building since: 1991, after four years studying instrument making in London
- Taught: Guitar making at London Guildhall University (students included Jake Fuller)
- Builds: Classical guitars, with a love of classical and flamenco music
- Known for: Lightly braced tops, clean workmanship and a textured, balanced voice
A Maker of Fine Hand-Crafted Guitars
David Rouse began making guitars professionally in 1991, following four years studying instrument making in London. He pays great attention to detail, and his craftsmanship follows the highest standard. As a "maker of fine hand crafted guitars", it is important to him that his love of classical and flamenco music is reflected in the guitars he produces. He has worked hard over the years to find a fine and unique tone – not just what we vaguely call "tone", but all its qualities: clarity, balance, consistency and separation. He tries to make the sort of guitars he likes to hear: powerful and graceful, vivacious and melancholic, subtle and strong. He works continuously to develop and refine his guitars, to make them objects of profound musical expression and visual beauty.
Construction and Sound
Rouse keeps his tops as lightly braced as possible, for maximum freedom of vibration, and at the neck end he places two supports between top and back, making the neck–body junction strong but light. His guitars are lightweight, with a surprisingly big sound, a rich palette of colors and warmth, and a textured tone that blends the Spanish and Northern European styles. A slightly raised fingerboard and slender neck make them very easy to play.
A Teacher of English Guitar Makers
At London Guildhall University Rouse taught a generation of makers. Among them was Jake Fuller, for whom Rouse was the main source of guidance early in his career – the two remain close.
David Rouse Guitars at GSI
Several David Rouse guitars have passed through our doors over the years. 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
Who is David Rouse?
An English classical guitar maker, building professionally since 1991, with his workshop at Parndon Mill in Harlow, Essex; he also taught guitar making at London Guildhall University.
How does David Rouse build his guitars?
With very lightly braced tops for maximum freedom of vibration, and two supports between top and back under the fingerboard for a strong but light neck joint.
Who studied with David Rouse?
Among others, the English guitar maker Jake Fuller, at London Guildhall University.
