CHARLIE CHANDLER 18th MARCH 2026

Charlie Chandler (born October 1954) is a highly respected British guitar luthier, technician, and shop owner, best known for his long association with London’s elite guitar scene and for founding Charlie Chandler’s Guitar Experience. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading specialists in guitar repair, setup, and vintage instrument expertise.

Chandler entered the guitar trade around 1979, joining a family-run business alongside his brother Doug Chandler. The shop—later known as Chandler Guitars—became one of Britain’s most prominent guitar retailers and repair centres, attracting professional musicians from across the UK and abroad. During this period, Chandler developed his craft as a luthier, learning from established figures in the field and refining a practical, musician-focused approach to instrument maintenance and tone.

As a technician, Chandler gained a formidable reputation for his precision fretwork, setups, and restorations. He has worked on instruments for many high-profile artists.

His expertise lies less in large-scale manufacturing than in the meticulous optimisation of existing instruments—ensuring playability, reliability, and tonal excellence for demanding performers.

In 2003, Chandler left the original family business to establish Charlie Chandler’s Guitar Experience in Kingston upon Thames, taking key workshop staff with him. The new venture continued his tradition of high-end repair work, customisation, and specialist retail, and quickly became a destination for professional musicians seeking expert technical support.

Known for his understated manner and deep technical knowledge, Chandler remains an influential figure in British lutherie. His career reflects the importance of the master repairer within modern guitar culture—bridging craftsmanship and performance at the highest level.

Here are just some of the customers that Charlie and his team have served over the last 40+years:
AC/DC, Bryan Adams, Jon Anderson, Ash, Beastie Boyz, Jeff Beck, Big Country, Jon Bon Jovi, The Boomtown Rats, David Bowie, Terry Britten, Dom Brown, Jackson Browne, Bush, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Graham Coxon, Roddy Frame, Rory Gallagher, David Gilmour, Scott Gorham, Steve Hackett, Rich Hall, Nick Heyward, Tony Hicks, Jakko Jakszyk, Norman Jarczok, Jethro Tull, Chaka Khan, Dave Kilminster, Mark King, Mark Knopfler, Paul McCartney, Robbie Macintosh, Phil Manzanera, Hank Marvin, Metallica, Pat Metheny, Steve Miller, Micky Moody, Gary Moore, Chris Moores, Nazareth, Mike Oldfield, Pearl Jam, Pino Palladino, Anthony Phillips, Prince, Mike Rutherford, Ray Russell, Nick Simper, Paul Stacey, Stereophonics, Steven Street, James Taylor, Bernie Torme, Pete Townshend, U2, Joe Walsh, Bruce Welch, Snowy White, Warren Zevon, ZZTop and many more.

WEBSITE https://ccgx.co.uk