My Story
I am Alistair, the founder of Peak Guitars
I’ve been drawn to woodwork and making things for as long as I can remember, with my first real taste of craftsmanship coming through design and technology classes at school. Years later, while working a desk job, I found myself craving a more hands-on, creative outlet. In 2013, that desire led me back to building - this time furniture. I began crafting and selling hi-fi stands, while gradually filling my home with handmade pieces ranging from large dining tables to intricate inlaid jewellery boxes. But over time, I noticed that many pieces of furniture - whether handmade or mass-produced - were often underappreciated and neglected. That realisation, combined with a visit to the British Museum where I saw the Queen’s Lyre, a beautifully preserved instrument from 2600 BC, sparked something new: a desire to combine my love of guitar and of making things to build objects that would not only last, but be loved and played.
I began my journey into luthiery with a course at Crimson Guitars to learn the fundamentals of guitar making, and built my first instrument. Guitar building brought together so many of the things I loved: the precision of fine woodworking, the aesthetics of design, and the deep personal connection people have with their instruments. Since then, I’ve focused on developing my skills in luthiery, particularly in crafting electric guitars that are both visually striking and sonically inspiring. I view every build as a creative challenge, and I take great pride in finessing each new instrument.
Quality and longevity are at the heart of everything I make. I carefully select the finest tonewoods, paying close attention to grain patterns, figure, and resonance. Each piece of timber is chosen to complement the intended sound and aesthetic of the final guitar. I pair these carefully selected woods with top-tier components, including handwound pickups known for their character and tonal depth. My goal is to create instruments that don’t just look beautiful on a stand - they come alive in a musician’s hands, with exceptional sustain, clarity, and a tonal range that responds to your playing style and unlocks new creative possibilities.
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Above all, I want each guitar I make to feel like it was built for you - something you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re performing, recording, or just playing for yourself. These instruments are not made to be disposable or temporary; they’re built with care, intention, and the hope that they’ll be played and cherished for decades to come. If you’re looking for a guitar that will inspire you every time you pick it up, I invite you to explore the work I do here at Peak Guitars.
A peek into the workshop
Welcome to my guitar workshop - a quiet haven where wood, wire, and craftsmanship come together to create heirloom instruments. This space is more than just a studio; it’s where stories are carved into mahogany and maple, and every curve and fret wire is shaped by hand. I specialize in one-off builds, combining traditional luthiery techniques with modern precision to give each guitar its own unique voice.
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Every guitar that leaves this bench carries a bit of the workshop with it - the scent of freshly sanded walnut and hours of focused craftsmanship. I believe an instrument should feel like an extension of the musician, which is why I work closely with each client to ensure their vision comes to life. Whether you're a touring professional or a dedicated hobbyist, my goal is to build guitars that inspire, perform, and age beautifully over time.