Rob Armstrong; Master luthier

We first discovered Rob Armstrong at The Cropredy Festival in about 1994, where he was displaying a selection of his instruments. Having played one of his rather lovely Mando-cellos, was immediately struck with the uncluttered elegance and sheer playability of the instrument. The full rich tonal quality was stunning and for many years every instrument I picked up was measured against that first Armstrong until we decided to commission Rob to build us one. From that point on we haven't looked back. Between us we have had 7 Armstrong guitars, they include; A Mandocello, a twin neck (mando/guitar) 30th anniversary guitar, A 7 string guitar (low B with Scruggs banjo machine heads) one fretted and one fretless 5 string bass, and a slim-back guitar. (We plan to increase this as funds allow)

Rob is far more than a builder of fine musical instruments; he is an innovator and unashamed experimentalist. His understanding of musicians needs is as deep as his understanding of the construction so when Rob builds you and instrument it fits you, the individual.

As a guitarist for the last 25 years I have played a vast number of guitars from Takamine, Taylor and Martin to Gibson, Lowden and Guild plus a whole stack in between. Though many of these factory guitars are more than double the price of a hand crafted Armstrong, in my opinion Armstrong stands head and shoulders above them all. Everybody who has played on my Anniversary Guitar for instance has been blown away by the beauty, tone and light touch.
As testimony to his skill Rob has made guitars for such names as: George Harrison, Joe Brown, Gordon Giltrap, The Levellers, Alvin Lee, Bert Jansch, Dave Swarbrick, Martin Barre and Dave Pegg to name but a few. The list is extensive…

Rob Armstrong guitars have become an intrinsic part of the Nágus sound and we will continue to sing his praises by playing them.