Here is a brief introduction to Rob Aylward’s work

I studied Musical Instrument Technology for four years at the  London College of Furniture (now Guildhall University) under the tuition of Herbert Schartz and the widely acclaimed classical guitar  maker Michael Gee.

Selmer/Maccaferri Guitars - I have been most noted for these guitars and can count Robin Nolan and Gary Potter amongst well-known musicians playing them. The range includes Grande and petite Bouche Models with either 12 or 14 frets to the body as well as the Nylon String Guitar.

Flat Top/Folk Top Guitars - Produced in all shapes and sizes and built to the musicians own specification.

Arch Top Guitars - These are heavily influenced by those classic  L-5’s Premiers from the 1930’s to 1940’s. As with all my guitars however, the body scale and dimensions are changeable according to the players own preferences.

Nylon/String - As with all my other guitars i do not say, “This is my guitar”, “That is my rosette”, or “The head stock looks like this”. My philosophy has always been to ensure a finely tuned engine with the mechanics working to their optimum and to use the ideas and requirements given by my clients to provide them with a body work that is pleasing to them. It is after all your instrument.

Mandolin Family - Incorporating Mandolin, Mandola, Bazouki and Citterns

Banjos - These are constructed using the Finest Tone rings produced in the world today, such as the Steve Huber, the Tennessee 20 and the kulesh

Electric Instruments - Custom built to order. Includes all instrument types mentioned previously.

All instruments are constructed using hand selected top grade tone woods and the bracing materials are hand split to ensure that the timber has optimum grain orientation.

Custom inlay work is possible, using a selection of shells such as Mother of Pearl, Gold Pearl, Black Pearl, Red and Green Abalone and Paua. Also stones such as Turquoise, Lapis Lazuli, Coral and Malachite.

For those concerned about the environmental issue in timber usage, instruments can be constructed with this in mind. There are many beautiful timbers available from responsible Forrest management programs.