Unique guitars for the alternative musician
At Ancoats Guitars, every instrument is as unique as the musician who orders it. We offer two standout guitar styles: the NQ offset and the New Islington double cut, both of which can be fully customized to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re looking for a sleek, modern design or a more traditional, versatile shape, we have you covered.
Our guitars come in two formats to fit different needs and budgets: the Stage guitar and the Full Custom guitar. The Stage guitar offers a more affordable option with some outsourced components, while the Full Custom guitar is meticulously handcrafted in our workshop, offering unparalleled attention to detail and craftsmanship. Both formats can be fully tailored to your specifications, from hardware to finish, ensuring you get the perfect instrument.
At Ancoats Guitars, we pride ourselves on quality. Every guitar, regardless of format, comes with top-tier hardware, premium pickups, and a professional setup to ensure it plays beautifully right out of the box. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, our guitars are built to deliver exceptional tone and performance every time you pick them up.
The New Islington
The NQ
Timber
All timber is responsibly sourced and chosen for its beauty and tonal chracteristics. Currently all guitars are made from Korina (or upgrade to Swamp Ash) with roast maple and rosewood fretboards. In the full custom range you can spec any species though as long as I can source it.
Paint
All paint is water based and from Manchester based Little Greene Paint Company. They are committed to the socially and environmentally responsible production of high quality paints. I keep a range of colours in stock but you can have any of the other 210 colours for a small charge.
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Pickups
After lots of experimentation I am very proud to offer my own Ancoats Guitars voiced pickups from Green Pickups of Manchester. I currently have an A line Double (Humbucker), A Line Single (single coil) and Ao90 (P90). Green pickups offer the full range so just get in touch and we can get it sorted.
Finishing process
I have developed a finishing process that I call a 'Future Relic'. This is a thin, water based, open grain, slightly worn in finish that will wear in beautifully in a few years after a reasonable amount of playing. Think what an old painted chair looks like. I also sometimes put a secret colour underneath the top coat which will show through when the top coat is worn away. You can request this but I get to pick the colour - wouldn't be a surprise otherwise.l
Handmade
I have a hybrid approach to guitar making, using technology where it's needed but my guitar making is grounded in the use of handtools. Alot of the carving and fine woodworking is done by hand so I can get it just right. E.g. each neck is carved by hand until it feels perfect to me. This means that each one may be very slightly different but also very unique.
