Dando Shaft<\/a> guitarist Dave Cooper croons through an old standard at luthier Rob Armstrong’s house in Coventry, October 2006, on one of Rob’s guitars.”<\/p>\n This is one of my all-time favourite lyrics by Otto Harbach<\/a>\u00a0with a classic Jerome Kern<\/a> melody. From an evening with the beloved Maartin Allcock<\/a>\u00a0friend and a ferocious talent. I worked with Rob for a number of years on a range of instruments in the early 80’s. I enjoyed the challenge of serious repairs developing spray lacquering skills, extending my knowledge of French-polishing and finishing processes. We made some beautiful things together. In his late 70’s and despite a few health problems Rob is still making guitars, although at a more leisurely pace.<\/p>\n Rob Armstrong started making guitars in Coventry in 1970. He mainly works alone: each instrument is unique, and handmade using basic tools. He now aims to complete about 15 commissions a year \u2013 leaving time for development and consultancy for Loughborough University. Rob has made guitars for George Harrison, Alvin Lee, Joe Brown, Bert Jansch, Gordon Giltrap, Fairport Convention, Martin Barre and the Albion Band – a very eclectic bunch indeed.. In 1989, many of these musicians made a tribute CD entitled Master Craftsman. He has produced some unorthodox instruments including long scale guitars, baby guitars, and double necks even a steel-string acoustic made from polystyrene packaging. In July 2010 his workshop was destroyed by fire (and Armstrong himself was injured), but by November that year he was back in business. Armstrong designed the Gordon Giltrap Signature model acoustic – which was mass produced and distrbuted by JHS.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n CV2 <\/span>Coventry <\/span>,<\/div>\nLocation<\/h3>\n