CAMERON J. MOBBS

Cameron has been creating steel-string acoustic guitars in East Sussex since 2005, focusing on rare and high-value instruments. His reputation for exceptional repair and restoration work has earned him opportunities to work on some of the finest guitars in the world.

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Cameron’s journey began at the age of eight when renowned classical guitar maker Stephen Hill moved into the shop next door. Already passionate about music, he was naturally drawn to Stephen’s workshop after school—tuning the guitars in the window and sweeping up wood shavings from the floor. Captivated by the craft, he soon asked Stephen if he could build a guitar under his guidance. Although Stephen explained that he was too young and would need to wait until he was at least 14, that early experience left a lasting impression—a small-scale model from those days still proudly sits on his bench.

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In the years that followed, Cameron immersed himself in guitar playing, developing into an accomplished fingerstyle musician and engaging in various youth music projects. He vividly recalls the day he learned that Stephen had returned and set up a new workshop at the Star Gallery, a local artisan hub. Determined to honour the promise of his childhood, he knocked on Stephen’s door one evening, ready to build his first guitar. Over the next year, Cameron built a flamenco guitar with Stephen, becoming the youngest student to complete his evening class—a turning point in his life.

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This formative experience revealed to Cameron the beauty of merging his love for acoustic guitar with the artistry of craftsmanship. Eager to build a steel-string guitar—ideal for interpreting the works of John Martyn, Nick Drake, and Doc Watson—he eventually met Richard Osborne. Having seen Richard’s work at Stephen’s workshop, Richard recognised the talent in the guitar Cameron had built with Stephen and welcomed him as an apprentice at his workshop in the Star Brewery, where he crafted mandolins and steel-string guitars.

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Under Richard’s mentorship, Cameron mastered the intricacies of running a luthier’s business—gaining expertise in repairs, setups, and even batch production. These hands-on experiences not only allowed him to work on high-end guitars and collaborate with talented musicians but also deepened his understanding of how construction and wear affect an instrument’s lifespan. Cameron remains convinced that repair and setup work are essential for any maker striving for excellence.

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After about six formative years as Richard’s apprentice, and following Richard’s relocation to mid-Wales, Cameron established his own workshop in 2012. Here, he continues to build custom guitars while carrying on the repair and setup business entrusted to him, blending passion, tradition, and craftsmanship in every instrument he creates.

 

Recently, he expanded his operation into larger premises at the foot of the South Downs, where he now crafts guitars and banjos with the same passion and precision that has defined his lifelong journey.

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For any further information regarding guitar orders or repairs please contact me here.