Simon Ambridge is an English classical guitar maker based in South Brent, Devon, on the edge of Dartmoor. Building since 1978, he is known for traditionally made, lightly built guitars inspired by Antonio de Torres, the early 20th-century Spanish makers and Hermann Hauser I, and for his Torres and Hauser models.
Simon Ambridge at a Glance
- Born: London, 1951
- Workshop: South Brent, Devon, England
- Building since: 1978 (full time after moving to Devon)
- Training: largely self-taught, with early help from Kevin Aram
- Influences: Antonio de Torres, the early 20th-century Spanish makers, Hermann Hauser I
- Models: concert guitar, Hauser model (after a 1940 Hauser I), Torres model (after the 1887 Torres SE 111)
- Finish: French polish
From Cabinetmaking to Guitar Making
Simon was born in London in 1951 into a family of cabinetmakers whose tradition goes back to the 18th century. Like so many of his generation, he was drawn to the guitar during the pop music explosion of the early 1960s. He studied graphic design and went on to run a successful furniture-making business in London, but the guitar kept calling. He made his first guitar in 1978, a steel-string, and soon after built a Torres-style classical guitar with the help of the English luthier Kevin Aram. Apart from that early help, Simon is largely self-taught.
A Full-Time Luthier in Devon
A grant from the Crafts Council of Great Britain allowed Simon to become a full-time guitar maker after moving to Devon. In 1991 his work was recognized with awards from the David Canter Memorial Fund and South West Arts, and in 1995 he moved into a studio on the Dartington estate in South Devon. Today he lives and works in South Brent, within Dartmoor National Park, and his guitars go to players and collectors across Europe, North and South America, the Far East and Australia.
Torres, Hauser and the Spanish Tradition
Simon's main sources of inspiration are Antonio de Torres, the Spanish makers of the early 20th century and Hermann Hauser I. Weaving their design elements with his own ideas, he builds guitars that are traditional in style, lightly built and very responsive, and finished in French polish. For sound, his goal is real beauty, with evenly focused notes that are at the same time well balanced across the whole musical spectrum. Besides his concert model, he builds a Hauser model based on a 1940 Hauser I, and a Torres model based on the 1887 Torres SE 111 – the guitar played today by Stefano Grondona, which Simon chose for its emotive power and purity of sound.
Simon Ambridge Guitars at GSI
Several of Simon's guitars have passed through our doors over the years, from Torres- and Hauser-inspired concert guitars of the early 2000s to his 2015 Hauser model. Currently with us: the 2008 Simon Ambridge "1887 Torres SE 111" SP/MP, a spruce and birdseye maple guitar modeled on the Torres SE 111.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Simon Ambridge build his guitars?
In South Brent, Devon, in the south west of England, on the edge of Dartmoor.
Which makers influenced Simon Ambridge?
Antonio de Torres, the Spanish makers of the early 20th century and Hermann Hauser I.
What is the Simon Ambridge Torres model?
A guitar based on the 1887 Antonio de Torres SE 111, built of European spruce and birdseye maple, lightly constructed and French polished.
Does Simon Ambridge make a Hauser model?
Yes, based on a 1940 Hermann Hauser I, for both the structure and the decorative details.
