Tariq T: Seagull S6 (Acoustic)

Robin transformed my little-guitar-that-could into a gorgeous sounding instrument that is so playable now as to have made me nearly invulnerable to fatigue when playing the hardest songs. I went to Robin informed by the testimonials on his website, seven months after I purchased my guitar in the US.

My chief complaint was that while I loved the sound and tone of the guitar, I was constantly fighting it due to its high action, to the point that I developed a wrist injury (de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, to be specific) from overplaying during the first week after I bought it. I only recovered after two months following a lot of rest and physiotherapy.

I live in Beeston so it was only a light trek to Robin’s. I surprised him on a Saturday morning but he was accommodating and receptive from the get-go. He played it and identified issues I had no idea about, recommending a fret dress, which is his specialty.

Why I decided to part with hard-earned cash was because of how little Robin tried to persuade me to get anything done. He was up-front about how he charged, and understood financial constraints if any. This made me feel like he was the genuine article, a craftsman who wanted more from his work than from the money he attained from it. He could only take me on much later, which I was fine with, but once he had my guitar in his possession, he took just two days, beavering away, I assume. I received an email with complete detail on what work had gone into the guitar.

I’d be lying if I said I understood any of it, but the honesty of his approach cemented this as one of my better transactional experiences. I picked up the guitar in the evening, and my God, what a difference. I couldn’t believe it was my guitar. I’m still not sure, to be honest. The action is now better than my Squier, and the intonation just marvellous. I thought it sounded good before but I’m more proud of the guitar now than anything I can play on it.

In conclusion, go with Robin. Not only will he do a better job than you could imagine with your guitar, but you will have a rich personal experience by virtue of someone caring about how you want your music to sound. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED