Chris Lilley Violin Maker
The Guitar shown is the prototype made using a combination of Spruce belly Maple sides/neck and East Indian Rosewood back, with parallel bracing as opposed to "fan" or "cross" bracing. The fingerboard is East Indian Rosewood inlayed with Irish Sycamore. Guitars cost £2000 minimum This includes Gold plated machine heads, Mother of Pearl "dot" inlays (fret markers), and Herringbone purfling as standard.
Chris has used a lot of his violin making skills in the design and construction of this instrument, choosing to go to some very unconventional extremes in the sound hole shape, bracing layout, and even the thickness of various components, So even though the guitar looks "fairly normal" it has a character very much of its own. Many players who have tried out the prototype have commented on its rich and well balanced sound.
Chris Lilley only makes Guitars to order, he does always however have a Guitar available to try. Please note that the sound of the instrument is very much dictated by its construction and the materials used, and this is why Chris will not alter any aspects of the design which he deems to potentially alter the acoustic excellence of the instrument. Chris is more than happy however to take into account the customers cosmetic desires, such as different purflings and bindings or alternative inlay materials, these alterations are naturally subject to an agreed increase in price.