Andrew Edwards

~ Luthier ~

Maker of fine hand crafted stringed musical instruments

I was born in Bairnsdale Australia and have lived in the states of Victoria and NSW. Whilst graduating and working as an Electronics Engineer, I studied classical & flamenco guitar and the music from baroque & renaissance periods. The love for this music and it's instruments being so strong that in 2007 I left the world of engineering to dedicate myself to a professional career as a luthier (musical instrument maker).

For 13 years I have specialised in the making of fine flamenco and classical guitars. During this period I have researched and developed my own methods & style of construction with help along the way from the following great makers/luthiers; Sachar Amos,  Richard Howell , Richard Brune and Eugene Clark. I am deeply grateful for the generosity and knowledge that these master craftsman have shared with me. My guitars are constructed with traditional hand tools and Spanish guitar making methods to produce instruments characteristically Spanish in sound and appearance. The construction and designs have been heavily influenced by the master luthiers, Manuel Reyes, Marcelo Barbero and Santos Hernandez.

In recent years, I have started making renaissance & baroque Viols (Viola da Gamba) and Spanish Vihuelas (Vihuela da Mano). My Viols are inspired by original surviving instruments of the English, French and German periods. Currently, I build Nicholas Bertrand and John Rose based viols.  I'm also designing and making viol bows using Australian  hardwoods, predominately from the Acacia and Ironwood species.

My workshop is located in the beautiful town of North Tumbulgum (part of the Tweed Valley Caldera), New South Wales, Australia.