About Tedwood Guitars

Throughout his life my father (Ted) was the inspiration for both my brother and myself. Originally a blacksmith from Ireland he rose to become an outstanding, and largely self-taught, engineer. He could make almost anything from practically nothing. Whenever my brother and I were struggling to make or repair something we asked ourselves “what would Ted do?” and the answer.. “Ted would do this..." And so in honour of Ted, 'Ted wood' Guitars was born. 

 For a while I followed the dream, learning everything I could about what made stringed instruments tick. But soon, earning a living took precedence and a 'proper' job was needed.  

By 1995 I was enjoying a successful career in the advertising industry and my wife Elaine and I had emigrated to Australia. 

Much to everyone's surprise (me included)... in 2015, after decades of ‘wanna do it' I finally took the plunge and went full time with the guitars and Tedwood was re born in a small factory in a town called Helensburgh on the NSW coast. 

    The pandemic happened... and In August 2020, after 25 years in Australia, Elaine and I returned to our native England and Tedwood guitars was re located  – spookily to Helensburgh House in the beautiful town of Tavistock, Devon. And so the journey continues and here in Tavistock you’ll find a range of Tedwood instruments to try, each built to deliver a particular sound, or range of sounds. 

At Tedwood I take commissions for custom design and builds, either to your own specs or to meet a particular sound you’re trying to achieve. I also renovate and repair customers' own cherished instruments to the same high specifications. 

Throughout my journey I’ve been extremely fortunate to meet, work with and learn from some of the finest masters of their craft, and I continue to learn every day. Today, each Tedwood instrument benefits from the enormous kindness shown to me by my mentors, my friends and most importantly by my customers. I look forward to seeing you soon.