Hi, I'm Paddy Burgin, welcome to my new-look website. I handcraft Acoustic guitars, mandolins ,irish bouzoukis, mandolas, citterns, harps and traditional style bodhrans at my workshop in Wellington, New Zealand (Aotearoa). Wellington is the capital city and has a thriving acoustic music scene. My workshop and home overlook the city’s harbour. The city’s temperate climate and natural beauty make this an ideal location from which to pursue what is both my profession and passion.

In this site you will find many photos and descriptions of instruments I have made, along with information on how you can order an instrument of your own. If you are interested in making your own guitar, there is also a page dedicated to my guitar making workshop. To find your way around, follow the links in the title-bar at the top of each page. Instrument pages also have a menu on the left hand side.

For many years a musician and a woodworker, my background is in chairmaking, custom furniture design and Guitar repair. I studied Luthierie (The craft of Instrument Making) in Canada, where I have spent time creating instruments and playing music. I have played the Guitar, Mandolin and Piano for most of my life and currently play in several Celtic music groups.

I sell my instruments to private buyers, through music stores and from my stall at various music festivals around New Zealand. I welcome client involvement in design preferences, such as cutaway patterns, materials, inlay and neck width. Left-handed players are also accommodated.

Taking raw timber, choosing the right materials, moulding them to shape and ultimately an instrument is a constant source of satisfaction. No two instruments are exactly the same and I enjoy helping people express the gift of music.

My clients are a wide variety of musicians, from international recording artists to people learning to play in Australia, Canada, Ireland, USA, Hong Kong and New Zealand. My instruments are owned and played by members of the bands Hunters and Collectors (Mark Seymour), The Steve McDonald Band, The Desde Sevilla Flamenco Dance Company, Crannog, Celtic Cowboys, Ballyscully, Dodgems, Jacky Tar, Black Ice, Perculator, Manuka Swing, Cowjazz and many session players.