Handcrafted Instruments – Custom Built to Your Specifications by Master Luthier Paddy Burgin
I handcraft Acoustic Steel String Guitars, Weissenborns, Resonators, Bouzoukis & Citterns with precision and passion at my workshop in Wellington, New Zealand (Aotearoa). Each instrument is thoughtfully created using traditional techniques and the finest materials, ensuring exceptional sound and quality. Scroll down for our range of instruments.
Celebrated by Musicians Worldwide
At Burgin Guitars, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional, handcrafted instruments on time and within your budget. Played by renowned musicians worldwide, our instruments are celebrated for their unmatched tone and craftsmanship. For years, the legendary David Lindley—master of slide guitar—performed with our lap steels, which also feature on the soundtrack of Werner Herzog’s Encounters at the End of the World.
Other notable artists include Henry Kaiser, Mark Seymour (Hunters and Collectors), Caroline Jones (Zac Brown Band), Dan Spitz (Anthrax), Glenn Ross Campbell (The Misunderstood), Lloyd Thayer, Fred Kinbom and many more, spanning genres from rock and folk to avant-garde and blues. Lee Prebble’s legendary Surgery Studios in Wellington, New Zealand owns three Burgin Guitars exclusively for recording artists. Whether on stage, in the studio, or contributing to film scores, these musicians trust our instruments to deliver unmatched sound and expressive power.
All our builds are completed within an agreed time-frame - throughout the guitar making process, we provide progress updates and are always happy to chat.
You can reach me at paddyburgin@gmail.com or connect via Burgin Guitars on Facebook.
Testimonials
“Unpacked the guitar today, and I’m thrilled. Tuned it up to open G—it sounds sweet. I’ll try open D tomorrow. The craftsmanship and wood choices are stunning; my spouse was equally enthralled. It’s a beautiful piece of art, and learning to play it will be a joy. Thank you!"— David, US
“It is wondrous Paddy, a beautiful piece of work. Every bit as spectacular as I expected. The wood is more rich in color than I remembered – in short, yours truly is ecstatic to own such an instrument. Thanks again for such a great instrument – you do brilliant work and I am well pleased.” — Johnny, Texas.
"That has got to be the best-looking bouzouki I have ever seen—absolutely fantastic! The long points on the body, elegant headstock, and gorgeous straight neck are stunning. The rosette is tastefully done, and the sound is crisp, clean, and perfectly intonated. It sparkles with fast jigs and reels and produces a powerful, crisp tone on Balkan numbers. Incredible!"— Kieron, China
"I received the guitar last Saturday and couldn’t be more pleased. It’s a beautiful instrument—wonderful craftsmanship, great local materials, and outstanding sound. I can only imagine how it will warm up with time. It was a pleasure working with you—your business skills are as impressive as your guitar-making!" — Dave, Pennsylvania, US
“It is without doubt the single most elegant, mellifluous instrument I have ever heard or seen. It is gorgeous! I have never seen a thing like it. You are quite a guitar maker and I can see why you’d be very pleased with it.” — Gregory, New South Wales, Australia.
