The man who makes the stars' guitars

Josh Stopford is a talented guitar maker who creates instruments for some of the biggest names in music. Before he started building guitars, Josh spent ten years touring Europe as a musician with the ska band Yes Sir Boss. He played alongside artists like Joss Stone and supported reggae legends Toots and the Maytals. He also performed at major events like Glastonbury Festival. However, after the birth of his first child, Josh decided to leave the touring life behind and retrain as a carpenter. It was during this time that he realized he could combine his love for music and his new carpentry skills to make guitars. He was surprised that he had not thought of this idea earlier.

Josh lives in Frome, Somerset, and since starting his business in 2018, he has built and repaired guitars for well-known bands and musicians. His clients include Bristol legends Massive Attack and Idles, as well as The Vaccines, Gaz Coombes, The Stranglers, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The The. Josh says that making a guitar usually takes about two and a half months, but if the design is complicated, it can take even longer. He believes that the wait is worth it because the small details and finishing touches are what make each guitar special. Josh enjoys working in his workshop, surrounded by tools, paintings, and guitars hanging on the walls. He wears an apron and spends a lot of time making sure every instrument is perfect.

One musician who is particularly interested in Josh's work is Alex Lee. Alex has played with Massive Attack, Goldfrapp, Placebo, Suede, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He plans to visit Josh's workshop and bring some wood from his garage to use in a new guitar. Josh says that Alex is fascinated by the process of building a guitar. Another member of Massive Attack also wants Josh to make an instrument for him. At the moment, Josh only makes electric guitars, which cost between £2,500 and £3,200. He says he would like to make acoustic guitars, but they take much longer to build and are more expensive. Josh finds making electric guitars more enjoyable and feels that he has found his true calling. He is proud of his work and happy to help musicians create the sounds they love. Josh's journey shows that it is possible to change careers and still stay connected to your passion. He went from performing on stage to making instruments for other artists, and now he plays an important role in the music industry by helping musicians express themselves through their music.