Sam McClaren - North East UK luthier

Based in Stockton on Tees, North East of England, guitar maker Sam McClaren handcrafts bespoke guitars of his own design.

Each Guitar is tailored to the individual player, with comfort, shape, body size and set up key priorities. Using only the finest of materials which paired together, create the perfect instrument for each customer harmonious in both sound and design. The decorative features and finishing processes are carried out by hand, ensuring the highest quality.

With over 10 years in Lutherie, Sam builds only two guitars at a time, allowing him to concentrate on voicing each instrument to reach its full potential, and to ensure the maximum customer influence and satisfaction.

Repairs and set-ups are available on classical, steel string and electric guitars.

Iserlohn Guitar Festival – Germany
28th July – 3rd August 2024

Big Guitar Weekend – Glasgow
1st – 2nd November

London Guitar Show – Kempton Park
27th October

Thirsk Guitar Show
3rd November

The Guitar Series

P-8

Nylon String

P-8

The Performance Series Guitar is created for the musician wanting a great gig / on stage guitar.

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Steel String

S-12

This Steel String Guitar may be small, but it packs a punch! Using a take on the X bracing system, the bracing which Sam has developed over years of research, knowledge and testing.

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Steel String

S-16

A similar size to the OM/000 guitars. This steel string guitar provides huge versatility, through volume, tonality and style of play.

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Steel String

P-16

The Performance Series Guitar is created for the musician wanting a great gig / on stage guitar.

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Nylon String

Concert Classical

This Concert Classical Guitar has been developed and designed over 10 years. It is lightly built, responsive and can be played with ease. Making this guitar very versatile and a joy to play.

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Nylon String

Lacote

This Lacote model, is a copy of a late 1830’s design by the French maker. The guitar features the iconic shape, bridge as well as the traditional ladder bracing, that is on the original Lacote guitars.

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ARTISTS GROW wITH A

I am the very proud owner of a McClaren guitar and I couldn't be happier with how it performs on stage. I have taken it on a number of tours around the UK and I am constantly getting people come up to me after the shows asking for more information about the guitar - the sound it produces in a live setting is absolutely brilliant and it's made soundchecking a breeze! Working with Sam was a pleasure too. Guitars are such a personal thing and getting a new one can be nerve-wracking when it's your living, but Sam is such a talented craftsman and pours so much passion into his work - he communicated with me throughout the process and really understood what I wanted. Couldn't recommend him and his beautiful instruments more highly.

Katherine Priddy

McClaren Guitars are undoubtably, the best! I've been using them for years. Owning a S-16 for Studio and a Performance series for Live shows. I truly don't think there is a better option than a McClaren Guitar. Proper guitars, for proper musicians!

Sam’s guitars are among the finest guitars that I have ever played. They combine superb craftsmanship with a wide palette of colours, impressive projection and a rich quality of sound. All of which are essential tools for any guitarist looking to take the next step in their musical journey.

Jonathan Parkin

The first time I played one of Sam’s guitars I knew it was something special. The full bodied warmth and detailed clarity caused a stunning, balanced sound - a guitar that could both lament in its melancholy yet also spank an exciting brightness. And after the chance to play many of his guitars, I see the professional craftsmanship through his meticulous consistency in achieving this sound.

George boomsma

Enquire about a guitar - or just say hello!

Let’s talk plans

Send me a message, and I’ll get back within 24 hours!

Contact Me

Visit Me

Unit 6, Arkgrove Industrial Estate
Ross Road
Stockton on Tees
TS18 2NH