The Instruments

Build or Sound? The look and final finish of an instrument is important but only after the tonal quality.  We only use  top quality timbers which are shaped and assembled with the required sound in mind.  When done with skill and craftmanship this results in an instrument that looks good as well. “Ive played many hand-made instruments over the years, and David and Nick's combination of construction and high quality materials is among the best in the business. There's also nothing that can touch their cello-mandolin in terms of unique sound, depth and songwriting inspiration!" Ian Cleverdon of The Huers. Design and experience We can build an instrument with only an outline guide from our clients, our aim  is to produce a top quality instrument that incorporates as many of your ideas as  practical. The early Oddy instruments where based on established lines,  thats not to say that they haven’t evolved duing our 40 years of build experience.   This is what gives the unique Oddy sound and tone . Remember because we make all our instruments from scratch we can customise any of our instruments to your requirements. Ethos & Sustainablity While the best sounding instruments have historically been made from Rosewood and we accept that we sometimes have to build using tropical timbers we will always source timbers as sustainably as possible and within international regulations such as CITES. There are plenty of European and Non-Tropical timbers available that can be used to build instruments which both sound and look great.  We are happy to guide you through this very compliated issue to arrive at a build which meets your expectations. We aim to buy as many of the materials and components as possible though UK suppliers.  

Oddy Mandocello

Our signature instrument the Oddy Mandocello notably played by  Steve Knightley of Show of Hands.  It is based on an Eastern European ‘tourist’ instrument which has subsequently been refined by David into the classic it is today.   "I've played many hand-made instruments over the years, and David and Nick's combination of construction and high quality materials is among the best in the business.  There's also nothing that can touch their cello-mandolin in terms of unique sound, depth and songwriting inspiration!"  Ian Cleverdon of the Huers Click the More Info button to see a spec for a standard build and a gallery of previous builds. Prices start from £1800

Tenor Guitar 

Our second best sellng instrument.

David Oddy’s tenor guitar gave me a new insight and a new door into my songwriting. I found voicing’s that I would have struggled to find on a six string and textures that have inspired some of my most popular songs. Add to that the sheer beauty and quality of the craftsmanship and it has become an instrument that I greatly treasure. I take it all over the world and wouldn't dream of being on stage without it. I’m thrilled that Davids son Nick will continue to build upon his Fathers legacy and create these beautiful guitars that channel so much joy into the world. ' Martyn Joseph Click the More Info button to see a spec for a standard build and a gallery of previous builds. Prices start from £1800

Guitars

We make guitars in all shapes and sizes from Martin O size all the way up to Lowden Jumbo style and classical to Weissenborn slide guitars. It does not matter what genre of music you play we can manufacture an acoustic guitar to match your needs. “I am pleased and proud to be the owner of the very first instrument David Oddy ever sold - the first mandocello.  I have subsequently become the owner of a guitar, banjo and mandolin - all of fabulous quality - indeed, my guitar is, arguably, one of the finest ever built anywhere.I am delighted that the tradition of fine craftsmanship is being carried on by David’s son, Nick. The legend continues...” Paul Downes

Mandolin

So, what is a mandolin … a bit of a “how long is a piece of string” question ! We have made 8 stringed instruments from tiny bodied 2 point Venetion styled mandolins all the way up to long necked bouzoukis. Whether its a Folk Mandolin, Gibson style A4 or F5, or you want the bigger sound of a Mandola or Octave Mandola we can help guide you through all the miriad choices of instrument style, timber types and decoration to find the perfect instrument for your playing style and genre !

“It’s the instruments that write the songs” Steve Knightly of Show of Hands