About

Kenlock & Orme Guitar Workshop is the coming together of two independent guitar builders with over 32 years of combined experience building, designing and teaching the construction of guitars.

We met in London while studying for our Musical Instruments BSc in 2012. Since then we have shared ideas and expertise before, over a beer, deciding to collaborate full time with our guitar making.

We hope you enjoy our work

 Meet the Makers

Charlie Orme

Along with Kenlock and Orme Guitar Workshop ,I am a sessional guitar making lecturer at merton college, where i pass on the skills and experience of my craft.

I started my journey into luthierie around 2007. From playing in bands and having an interest in how things work, I started building guitar effects pedals, repairing, modifying and building my own guitars.

The goal was to build my own sound from the ground up.

Being mostly self taught, I decided to further my skills in guitar making by studying under experienced makers. I went to build a custom electric guitar with Mark Bailey of Bailey Guitars. Following this I went to focus on acoustic guitar making and repair by enrolling on a degree course at London Metropolitan University, where I graduated with a first class honours degree in Musical Instruments BSc.

Upon graduating I started working as a luthier in Gloucestershire. I was working in a community workshop building harps for Hands on Harps, whilst also building, teaching and repairing guitars. In term time breaks and weekends, myself and Gavin Pond would build guitars from old recycled materials within 24 hours as a fun challenge. This eventually evolved into ‘Pi Guitars’; a charity project conceptualised by myself and Gavin that focuses on building confidence and transferable skills through the medium of guitar making, making guitar building accessible for everyone. The instruments are made from recycled and sustainable materials.

After teaming up with George to form Kenlock and Orme Guitar Workshop, we are developing innovative tools, jigs, pickups and a range of contemporary and vintage inspired guitars.

George Kenlock

I've been building guitars since 2008. As hobby turned into obsession, I began developing my knowledge of luthierie while incorporating my own designs and ideas, with the aim to put my own stamp on guitar building. I hold a first class BSc honors degree in Musical Instruments where my focus was design and material/acoustic sciences.

I have worked in design for my whole career, in roles ranging from furniture design, interior design and engineering, in roles demanding technical skill and a high attention to detail.

I bring together practical experience in craft and CAD production with a trained design background to my love for the guitar. My methodical approach and skill set has enabled me to design jigs and tools specific to the craft of luthierie.

My design philosophy within luthierie is to combine my love of the craft, design and engineering to create innovative and inspiring instruments.

My Father, is a former member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen and a furniture maker with clients including Liberty of London, he taught me most of what I know about woodwork and gave me the best possible start. For that I am incredibly grateful.