It all started with a love for playing and listening to guitars and a passion for woodworking. It is an obsession to become the best guitar builder and player I can be. The two things I am most passionate about have come together to be my career which is very fulfilling. To get paid for what you love to do - is there anything better?

2. What instruments do you play yourself?

When I was at school I played trumpet in the school band. As a part of this we played on several occasions at the Sydney Opera House on the main stage. The band was very successful and we won the state championships twice, and came first runner up on another occasion. It didn't seem like much at the time but on later reflection it was a great achievement. Later in my life I discovered the guitar and have never looked back. The guitar is an amazing instrument. You can play any style depending on the type of guitar you have in your hands. I first started on electric guitar playing, attempting to play like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Then I discovered Australia's best guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. When I found out he was playing two parts at once I had to learn how to do it for myself. I now almost exclusively play acoustic instruments.

3. What are you favourite materials to work with?

I like using and experimenting with the different spruces. They have different sounds and are used for different reasons. I like using Indian Ebony for the finger boards and bridges. Depending on the situation I might use Indian Rosewood. I always use proven acoustic timbers. Having said that I also experiment with different woods new to the guitar making world. I have found that some of the best timber is recycled because the worlds timber supplies are in decline (eg Brazilian Rosewood is no longer allowed to be imported into Australia because it is in short supply). Some other makers and wood workers in general are exploring using recycled timbers. I had the job of sorting and grading timber at a joiners shop I worked at, and I discovered that nine times out of ten the timber at the salvage yard is better than that from the mill. There is an abundance of recycled Jarrah in Perth and I am looking to use it more in the future where possible.

4. Construction or Wood. Which is most important in a finished instrument?

If you have bad construction but the best timber it might sound OK for a time but then fall apart. If you go the other way and have great construction but bad timber quality and choice - it will be a nice ornament.

5. What music do you listen to?

My general rule of thumb is anything with guitar in it. My two favourite guitarists are Steve Vai and Tommy Emmanuel. I have recently been listening to a lot of Dave Mann Collective and Nathan Gaunt and the Black Eyed Dogs and Nathan Kaye. When I am building a pro player a special custom, I listen to their music to inspire me and remind me of what sound and feel we are trying to achieve. I find myself at a lot of gigs listening to players and helping them decide on the sound they need in the guitar I am going to build.

6. Where did you learn to make instruments?

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to work with wood. When I was at school I studied Woodwork and Industrial Design, did carpentry courses at TAFE as part of my year 11 and 12 studies. I have my first school wood working project from year 7. It still works and I use it in my workshop today. After school I travelled and lived in most states of Australia. During which time I joined different woodworking groups and developed my skills learning a lot about all aspects and styles of woodworking. I have been lucky enough to be taught by a lot of retirees who have a life full of skills and experiences which they were willing to share with me, and that has shaped who I am today. After those years had passed I decided to go back to TAFE and study full time and learn more about the craft of woodworking. This led to a job with a company who make custom doors and windows out of some of the finest timbers. This bought my skill level up several notches and I would not be doing the work I am today with out these experiences. At the same time, the guitar side of things started when my guitars had problems or needed repairs and I would do them myself. This then led onto doing repairs for friends. I realised after some time that with my woodworking skills I could build myself a guitar. My goal was to build something I would be proud of and want to play myself. It took me five guitars and every spare minute of time researching to come up with a guitar which I was proud to play. Today I have the same goal - making the best possible guitars for my customers.

7. Which other luthiers work do you admire and why?

In Australia there are some great makers in each state. I have played a lot of these guitars and it is great to see how other builders make their instruments. I am proud to be an Australian and to be apart of a great group of guitar luthiers. I am part of the Guild of American Luthiers. They have been a great help to me as I pursue my quest to make the best possible guitars. There are too many other members to mention here. I get inspired by Luthiers who experiment with materials and design. People who push the boundaries on what is possible. Out of the big guitar companies I like Martin for the sound of their guitars and their philosophy on making guitars. I also get inspiration from their designs and from their history - where they have come from and where they are going. I like Gibson for similar reasons. Taylor guitars inspire me with what they have done in such a sort period of time.

8. Pick five words that describe your work / instruments.

Tone, quality, beauty, versatility, endurance

9. What do you think sets your work apart from others?

Tone, price, customer service, quality of materials, custom options and unique and individual instruments.

10. What ambitions do you still have to fulfill?

I am always told how good my instruments sound. I don't want to stop there and become complacent. I want to push the boundaries of what is possible and continually push myself to the next level of making. Also there are some interesting and unique guitars I want to make and as time permits and orders come in they will be built. So keep an eye on the website (ellisguitars.com) for developments.

11. What pick up systems seem to work best for your instruments?

I have tried most of the major pickups on the market. The best are the ones that reproduce the natural tone of the instrument effectively with a good pre amp. I offer my customers a wide choice depending on application and what sound we are trying to achieve.

12. Do you follow construction "rules" or have you developed your own methods of construction?