Shippey Paul

General information

I am an individual luthier and I build handmade instruments to order.

Many of my designs have evolved over 25 years. It is a gradual refining process that has helped me to understand how to build a fine instrument. And the knowledge gained over these years has enabled me to develop sucessful new designs such as the “Axe” and “Artist” models.

Most of my instruments feature carved top and back plates. I usually work on a group of three plates at one time and carve them entirely by hand. The hand carving process allows me the time to get the feel of each piece of wood, to respond to its individual properties and adapt my arching and thickness graduation to get the best results.

I started building instruments in 1982 when I was 18 years old. I heard about a local evening class in guitar making and joined up to make myself a better guitar.
I had been buying tools and playing guitar since I was 13 and after I made the first instrument I just wanted to make more…….

I moved to London where I spent four years studying instrument making under master luthier Herbert Schwartz at London Metropolitan University. I specialised in mandolins and bouzoukis and my time as a student laid the foundations for me to go on to set up a workshop in Hackney. Living in London was a fantastic time for me to develop my making and mandolin playing. I spent a lot of time busking in the underground and learning Irish tunes in the sessions around East London. I came into contact with lots of fine instruments and great players who helped develop my understanding of what I wanted to achieve in my making.

After seven years in London I moved back to Somerset to continue making.

I have played mandolin for as long as I have made them and have played in many bands and sessions.
Most recently I played with a local band, The Fallen Apples, as their mandolin player. For 10 years we enjoyed playing ”…a frenetic yet subtle blend of jazz, blues, Irish, country schmaltz and bluegrass blitzkriegs!”
This band took me from pubs to festivals, including Didmarton bluegrass festival, Dartmouth and Sidmouth. We went over to Ireland, where a gig at De Barra’s in Clonakilty led to us playing at the Cork Jazz festival for four consecutive years.
My time with the band was an education in different pickups and I also made a number of electric mandolins and bouzoukis at this time.

After 33 years of dedication to instrument making, I have a profound understanding of what it takes to build a fine instrument. Whether you are a newcomer or a professional musician, I look forward to discussing your needs and building a special instrument for you!