*Please note that I do not offer setup or repair services on anything other than my own instruments. If you require setup or repair work please contact Jonathan Law at Feline guitars (Croydon, UK).*
Chris Delia
Carillion Guitars
Dorking, Surrey, England
“For a long time I was trying to find the perfect acoustic but could not match the look and tone that I wanted. After moving to Australia I was having even less luck, then a chance conversation put me in touch with Chris. Even from half way around the world he was able to match the tonal and visual styles I was looking for with added bonuses like unique local tone wood and an inlay design to die for. He was happy to field request or ideas and made me feel part of the build despite being in a different continent. Over the last two years she has really bedded in and plays beautifully, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome!”
Sam Pearce – Perth, Australia.
I came to Carillon Guitars with a simple request: Tone.
I have played a lot of bass guitars in my life, yet had never been able to find one with the complete range of tones that I knew were possible from a bass guitar. After speaking with Carillon about my ideas, they guided me through the different options for wood etc to achieve these tones and how they would work in combination with each other. The finished product (aptly named ‘project tone monster’) was something way beyond anything I could have imagined. The sound of this bass is like nothing I have ever heard before. The quality of the build, in combination with the quite unbelievable attention to detail and craftsmanship is something I have never, and am damn sure, will never see from any other luthier; every minute detail of my bass has been painstakingly honed and crafted to such an amazing degree.Chris also happens to be one of the nicest and funniest people I’ve met, which helped to make the whole project a joy, from start to finish. I truly cannot wait to start the next project!
Jack Williams – Surrey, UK.
Testimonials
“I approached Chris at Carillion after seeing his work online. After an initial telephone conversation I decided to pop down to Surrey to meet him in person and discuss a potential build.
Chris was incredibly meticulous and knowledgeable in his approach to my ideas. Nothing was too much trouble and everything was explained clearly. Chris had a wealth of advise to offer and was able to show me examples of the woods I wanted him to use. We spoke in length for a couple of hours and I was incredibly enthused regarding Chris’ approach and passion for his art. Chris also made superb coffee & had awesome biscuits.
I confirmed my order on the day and was more than happy to wait in line for a totally bespoke build.
Throughout the build process, Chris kept me updated with progress and regularly sent through pictures. I really liked the way the build was documented in this way, I felt very informed at all times.
The final result was an absolute gem of a guitar. The guitar was everything I had wanted but magnified a hundred times over. Chris’ work was totally flawless and he’s built me a Guitar for life that I’ll gladly play until it falls apart :)”
Kieron Berry – Stoke, UK.
Carillion Guitars first came to my attention on Facebook. As I was in the market I messaged Chris. I promptly received photos of appropriate wood sets. A visit to his Dorking workshop followed shortly. To finalise the specs. I was supplied with photos at all stages of the build and contacted to finalise the cosmetics. I now own my perfect acoustic an 000DB cutaway. I’m so impressed by Chris and his craftsmanship I’m off to commission an electric. Thanks Chris”
Bob Glover – London, UK.
“When I first approached Carillion Guitars with the idea for an 8-string, I was truly impressed with the energy and depth of knowledge I found. The level at which I was able to customise the details of the whole build (with excellent advice at hand) was fantastic, and the passion with which the end result was made with was a genuine pleasure to observe. As a consequence, I’ve ended up with a guitar that I rank as one of my most treasured possessions; the look, feel and sound are a joy to behold, and I have no doubt I will be returning to Carillion Guitars in the future.”
Rob Bryson – Montreal, Canada.
“So, Carillion Guitars really know their business!
After visiting their workshop to try out some stock models and getting to witness their enthusiasm and expertise firsthand I had absolutely no qualms about commissioning a rather unusual and specialised build with them. Throughout the design process they guided me through every decision, giving me expert advice on every last detail where any option I could imagine was on the table. Communication during the build was great too, with them keeping me up to date on progress as it was made and providing me with a staggered timeline for completion of each stage of the build.
The final result: A jaw droppingly gorgeous instrument tailored exactly to my specifications. Their craftsmanship is outstanding and they were a joy to work with.
Now, to begin saving for a second build…” Rob Melville – Hertforshire, England.