McIlroy Guitars

McIlroy Guitars is a true family business – founded on 6 March 2000 by Dermot McIlroy and his wife Colleen in Antrim, Northern Ireland. At the time, Dermot brought with him 21 years’ experience in guitar making, including ten years at Lowden Guitar Co., where he gained an understanding of every aspect of the manufacturing process – from woodworking to production management.

The move into self-employment was also an opportunity: finally to put into practice the design ideas that hadn’t been possible at Lowden. Over the years, Dermot had already developed a number of prototypes and tested them with musician friends – receiving consistently enthusiastic feedback. Today, over two decades later, his sons Damian and Niall are on board, whilst Colleen continues to look after the accounts. A business that has remained true to its roots: artisanal, family-run and consistent.

For 12Fret Guitars, McIlroy builds, in part, special 12-fret models – instruments which, thanks to this construction method, deliver exactly what matters to us: a quick, responsive touch, a warm, clear tone and a playing feel that is simply exceptional.

More about the manufacturer: mcilroyguitars.co.uk