The Turnstone Guitar Story

Founded in 2015 by luthier Rosie Heydenrych, Turnstone Guitar Company crafts exceptional custom acoustic guitars that blend tonal excellence with refined craftsmanship. We combine time-honoured woodworking traditions with modern precision tools, offering players a rare fusion of handcrafted character and technical accuracy. 

Each Turnstone guitar reflects our deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and thoughtful innovation, all from our East Sussex workshop.

Rosie's passion for acoustic guitars began in her early teenage years. During her university studies, she actively performed with a band, including several memorable shows at Liverpool's iconic Cavern Club, the legendary venue that launched The Beatles. Music transcended being merely a hobby; it became her destined career path.

A pivotal moment came when Rosie received an acoustic guitar as a birthday gift from her parents, with a label claiming it was handmade. Whether it was authentic or not, this instrument sparked a profound realisation: the art of handcrafting guitars was still alive. This revelation led her to enrol in a guitar-making course at a London university back in 2010.

At that time, Rosie worked in the charity sector but longed to pursue something related to music. After briefly exploring music production, she discovered that digital methods didn't align with her hands-on nature. Guitar-making, however, was different. The university course opened doors, leading to a part-time position at a repair shop on London's renowned Denmark Street, followed by a two-year apprenticeship where she honed her craft and deepened her expertise.

In 2015, Rosie founded Turnstone Guitar Company with a clear vision: to create the best acoustic guitars she could that celebrate each musician's uniqueness while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. Today, alongside her husband Karl, they continue to produce a select number of acoustic guitars annually, ensuring each instrument receives unprecedented attention to detail.