Story & Philosophy
About us
I've always loved guitars
Not just playing them, but taking them apart, figuring out how they work, and finding ways to make them better. In 2015, after 20 years of playing, modding, and experimenting, I finally built my first guitar. It was rough, full of mistakes, but something clicked — I knew straight away that I couldn't stop. That scrappy first build still sits in the workshop as a reminder of how far things have come.
I started Ancoats Guitars in 2021 to share that obsession. Over the last four years, I've worked tirelessly to hone my craft, pouring everything into building guitars that I'm proud to send out into the world. Every Ancoats guitar is made with care and precision in a converted shipping container at Pollard Yard — a creative hub tucked into the heart of Manchester. It's a small space, but it's home. Every guitar is shaped, carved, wired, and finished right there, by hand.
These days, I'm lucky to have a bit of help. Hugh joined the team a while back and has been a massive part of taking things to the next level — especially when it comes to CAD design and CNC work. He's learning the ropes of the full build process too, slowly picking up everything I know about making guitars from scratch. It's great having someone around who's as curious and committed to the craft as I am.
From the very beginning, the goal has been simple: fairly priced custom guitars, with great design and loads of options. I believe players deserve more than just factory specs or generic builds. Whether it's your first custom or your tenth, I want to make something that reflects you — without the boutique price tag that usually comes with it.
Manchester's musical legacy runs deep through everything I do. From iconic sounds to gritty practice rooms, this city has shaped me as a musician and a maker. My hope is that Ancoats Guitars will be part of that story — guitars built with passion, ready to be played on stages, in studios, or at home anywhere in the world.
Dave Roberts, Founder, Ancoats Guitars
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