Swannell Guitars

Swannell Guitars Handcrafted Guitars from Ely, Cambridgeshire by Jamie Swannell

As a kid, I poured over these pages, reading all the stories, reviews and tabs every month. Now, as a maker, my work is ...
10/02/2026

As a kid, I poured over these pages, reading all the stories, reviews and tabs every month. Now, as a maker, my work is featured in these hallowed pages. I'm proud. There are days when you wonder whether it's all really worth it, but sometimes it feels like it very much is.

This particular guitar is a vessel for the magic imbued into the wonderful pickups by the ever excellent Stuart . I loved the Sunbirds (from a previous IA) so much, I put a third one in this guitar for good measure. "As close to a single coil as a humbucker can get", someone probably once said, so why not wire it up much like a Strat to dig out those in between tones.

Yes, it's for sale, but shhh, I might want to keep this one!

Thanks to for the feature. Hugely appreciated.

The last of the triplets. This time an OM12. 12 fret to the body join, ultra short 24.75" scale. Torrefied Sitka spruce ...
08/02/2026

The last of the triplets. This time an OM12. 12 fret to the body join, ultra short 24.75" scale. Torrefied Sitka spruce top and Bog Oak everything else. This was another fun one with a really lovely strident voice that rings for days. I especially liked the short scale for my own little hands and the 12th fret body join pushed that bridge right down to the sweet spot in the lower bout.





Happy New Year to one and all! XEspecially to one gentleman in Germany who entrusted me to make him this 5 string Parlou...
01/01/2026

Happy New Year to one and all! X

Especially to one gentleman in Germany who entrusted me to make him this 5 string Parlour guitar inspired by the conversation between and

Lots more to come about this little dreamer.



Another IA hot off the press... Same glorious hand rubbed sunburst, but this time with 2 + 1 beautiful Sunbirds. Absolu...
07/07/2025

Another IA hot off the press... Same glorious hand rubbed sunburst, but this time with 2 + 1 beautiful Sunbirds. Absolutely sublime from position 1-5 on the classic 5 way lever switch. No funny business. Who wants it? DM for price and further details!

Making Making Making. Some quirky ones here, from left to right, a short scale (24.75") 12 fret to the body join OM, a l...
13/06/2025

Making Making Making. Some quirky ones here, from left to right, a short scale (24.75") 12 fret to the body join OM, a left handed guitar bouzouki with cutaway and a cute little 5 string parlour guitar. Custom. Bespoke. Made For You ❤️

What would you ask me to build?

Number 64 is a spec build, this means I have the ultimate choice to do what I wish with it... And this time I'm asking y...
15/05/2025

Number 64 is a spec build, this means I have the ultimate choice to do what I wish with it... And this time I'm asking you to help me decide! The only limitations are what you see here, it's the stock 25" (635mm) scale, ready and set for the standard pickguard and a single volume and tone control (although other control options could be added if desired!) and cream binding. The back and sides are cherry.

So the question is, which and how many pickups would you like to see here? Which colour/finish? Classic burst? faded pink? Tiger eye brown? Pelham blue? What do you reckon?

This is also an opportunity to pick up an IA without the usual wait... If you're interested in sculpting this guitar to your whims, please get in touch!

Full of the joys of Spring. To anyone who is coming to (and uses Instagram/Facebook) this is what I look like, roughly....
19/03/2025

Full of the joys of Spring.

To anyone who is coming to (and uses Instagram/Facebook) this is what I look like, roughly. Be sure to say high and I'll try not to overburden you with luthier chat.

Photo courtesy of

I will be bringing this guitar to alongside the All Mahogany Parlour during/after which both will be for sale. Please get in touch if you're interested to reserve either guitar. Full specifications can be found on the website/via the links in my bio.

Access to the adjustable neck mechanism can be found beneath the rectangular inlay piece on the back of the neck. A simp...
18/03/2025

Access to the adjustable neck mechanism can be found beneath the rectangular inlay piece on the back of the neck. A simple turn of an Allen key can raise or lower the action according to your preference. This allows the neck to be adjusted on the fly if needed with respect to seasonal changes, string choices, altered tunings & playing styles.

I will be bringing this guitar to alongside the All Mahogany Parlour during/after which both will be for sale. Please get in touch if you're interested to reserve either guitar. Full specifications can be found on the website/via the links in my bio.

Further details of "The Joys of Spring" guitar. Here you can make out the multicoloured purfling that adorns the guitar ...
17/03/2025

Further details of "The Joys of Spring" guitar. Here you can make out the multicoloured purfling that adorns the guitar in a subtle but playful way. I tried to ensure that the pattern appears random. It was a fun exercise in executing an idea, and I'm very pleased with the result.

The little rectangular inlay holds a secret which will be revealed soon.

I will be bringing this guitar to alongside the All Mahogany Parlour during/after which both will be for sale. Please get in touch if you're interested to reserve either guitar. Full specifications can be found on the website/via the links in my bio.

A lovely detail shot of the headstock of "The Joys of Spring" guitar. Subtle bursts of colour breaking through can be fo...
16/03/2025

A lovely detail shot of the headstock of "The Joys of Spring" guitar. Subtle bursts of colour breaking through can be found all over the guitar.

This guitar features an ancient Bog Oak fingerboard, bridge and headstock veneers (front and back).

I will be bringing this guitar to during/after which it will be for sale. Please get in touch if you're interested to reserve it. Full specifications can be found on the website/via the link in my bio.

Photo courtesy of

In addition to the All Mahogany Parlour Guitar I have quietly been building something totally different. On the face of ...
15/03/2025

In addition to the All Mahogany Parlour Guitar I have quietly been building something totally different. On the face of it it's a regular OM model, but it represents a radical departure from my standard design in a number of ways. Most notably with the inspired height adjustable neck to body join - a design I have revisited after a ten year hiatus.

I will also be bringing it to during/after which it will be for sale. Please get in touch if you're interested to reserve it. Full specifications can be found on the website/via the link in my bio.

Photo courtesy of

Address

Unit 7, Chettisham Business Park
Cambridge
CB61RY

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

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