Models

About

Farmiloe instruments are made using a mix of modern technology and traditional handskills. The new and the old, working together to make a small production range of musicians tools that are well considered and highly desirable.

Our design approach is to make a whole concept based on a sound understanding of what we want to achieve and how to do it, professionally. In that process we do not limit ourselves. In practical terms this means we fabricate all the woodwork and a very high percentage of fitted parts. We start with carefully select woods ensuring they are seasoned correctly and suitable for purpose. Then in our small but well equipped workshop we carefully put it all together; doing the woodwork, doing the metalwork, making custom parts like pickups and bridges. We believe the end results are a justification of that effort.

Many of our designs are certified and currently registered, just like us… 

Enquiries are welcome for our instruments, and we hope to hear from you.

The team

David Farmiloe

After the debacle of my first guitar in 1974 I applied to study instrument making in Wales. Mentor Alan Shiers, Harpmaker and Bernard Richardson of Cardiff University set the bar high and made the difference; enabling me to win a local ‘Jon Award’ for a carved top semi-acoustic guitar. In 1979 after 3 years of learning, I got my discharge papers and started my workshop, which essentially, I have retained and used to make instruments throughout the years. 

In 1985 I was contracted to assist Fender UK distributer Arbiter looking after quality control in Hendon, and at Fender’s artist relations and custom shop centre in London. I had a great time for a few years that involved making, prototype and design work. Later I worked for Kaman, who owned Ovation and Hamer guitars, taking me to the factories at New Hartford and Chicago, and a visit to the renowned Martin factory in Nazareth. After sporadic involvement with Takamine and Parker and a spell with Charlie Chandlers I rejoined Fender in 2009, at their East Grinstead repair department. 

I returned to making in the workshop in 2014. Until recently I also ran a Gibson warranty centre.

Charles Farmiloe

My story is not as filled out as David’s, but I’ll give you a short biography also.

I started making my first instrument before I went to university, a soprano ukulele. I completed it in my holidays to learn more of the skills and to keep me busy. After finishing my degree in Product Design at Coventry in Summer of 2021 I joined David in making instruments fulltime.

I am bringing new technologies and skills learnt on my course into the business, currently focussing on CAD/CAM

Contact

Please get in touch with us

Telephone: 07929 892077

Workshop Location:
(Please come by appointment only)

order

To order from us please contact us via email at: farmiloeinstruments@gmail.com
Let us know what model you are looking for, and if you have any custom specifications.

2023 prices, terms and conditions, and warranty for Farmiloe instruments

Standard specification range models (more models to arrive soon):

Dola £2700

Prices include hard case.

Custom specification

Customisation of our standard model specification is available. Costs will reflect the choice of materials and exact personal specification. Any feature not present within our standard specification will require a quotation – for example a custom order could entail using select timbers or inlays, creating a specific neck profile shape, using alternative hardware and pickups/electronics etc.
Enquiries are always welcome.
Once a custom order is agreed in full, detailing cost and timescale, we require a 25% non-returnable deposit before starting work.
The final balance of the instrument is to be paid on fulfilment/collection.

Warranty

We warranty the workmanship, the parts we make on our instruments and the materials we use in its construction for a period of 2 years to the original purchaser, excluding normal wear and tear to finishes, frets and electronic control components. Other parts supplied to us usually carry a 12 month warranty.