William C. Kelday Biography

From beginnings as a repairman and electric guitar maker, I left Scotland to study Classical Guitar making at The London College of Furniture in 1986.

After qualifying I set up shop in the Scottish borders and I spent two years there, then moved to Glasgow to teach Instrument Repair for a short period full time until 1990 and part time thereafter and still teach on a part time basis as it gets me out of the shop, which for the sake of sanity is a good thing!

I set up workshop in Campsie Glen with the late Neil Baird a fabulous Craftsman, Violin Maker and Restorer, this partnership lasted five years under the banner of The Fiddle and Guitar Shop. Neil taught me so much in this time. He has been a great friend and teacher and is greatly missed.

I then moved to a workshop about 100 metres along the road, which I shared with ex-student and superb Classical Guitar Maker, Michael Ritchie. We worked together for eight years and bounced ideas and theories off each other on a regular basis. Michael has gone on to work in Southern Spain, learning the techniques used there. I look forward to the input he will have on his return.

I now have a workshop in the beautiful village of Fintry, just over the hill from Campsie Glen situated on Nether Glinns Farm.

William C. Kelday

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