Handcrafted Instruments, Custom Built to Your Specifications by Master Luthier Paddy Burgin

I handcraft acoustic Steel-string Guitars, Weissenborns, Resonators, Bouzoukis, and Citterns with care, precision, and a genuine love for the craft, right here in my workshop in Wellington, New Zealand (Aotearoa). Every instrument is built using traditional techniques and the finest materials, thoughtfully shaped to ensure exceptional sound and lasting quality.

We understand there may be concerns about tariffs on instruments shipped to the United States. If any tariffs are applied, we’ll take care of them - so you only pay the agreed price.

All Enquiries: Paddyburgin@gmail.com | Phone (NZST): +64 (04) 384 5572

Burgin Guitars International | Wellington, New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Weissenborn

Weissenborn
Bouzouki & Cittern

Bouzouki & Cittern
Steel String & Resonators

Steel String & Resonators
Mandolins

Mandolins

Celebrated by Musicians Worldwide

Two musicians performing on stage, one playing a guitar and the other with a guitar nearby, with music equipment in the background.

At Burgin Guitars, we’re passionate about building exceptional, handcrafted instruments that arrive on time, within budget, and ready to inspire. Our guitars are played by musicians all over the world, loved for their rich tone, comfortable feel, and meticulous craftsmanship.

For many years, the legendary slide guitarist David Lindley performed with our lap steels, instruments that also found their way onto the soundtrack of Werner Herzog’s Encounters at the End of the World. Other notable artists include Henry Kaiser, Mark Seymour (Hunters and Collectors), Caroline Jones (Zac Brown Band), Nob Sugino, Dan Spitz (Anthrax), Glenn Ross Campbell (The Misunderstood), Lloyd Thayer, Fred Kinbom and many more - spanning genres from rock and folk to avant-garde and blues. Lee Prebble’s legendary Surgery Studios in Wellington, New Zealand owns three Burgin Guitars exclusively for recording artists.

Whether on stage, in the studio, or contributing to film scores, these musicians trust our instruments to deliver unmatched sound and expressive power.

All our builds are completed within an agreed time-frame - throughout the guitar making process, we provide progress updates and are always happy to chat.

You can reach me at paddyburgin@gmail.com or connect via Burgin Guitars on Facebook.

Testimonials

“Unpacked the guitar today, and I’m thrilled. Tuned it up to open G - it sounds sweet. I’ll try open D tomorrow. The craftsmanship and wood choices are stunning; my spouse was equally enthralled. It’s a beautiful piece of art, and learning to play it will be a joy. Thank you!"— David, US

“It is wondrous Paddy, a beautiful piece of work. Every bit as spectacular as I expected. The wood is more rich in color than I remembered – in short, yours truly is ecstatic to own such an instrument. Thanks again for such a great instrument – you do brilliant work and I am well pleased.” — Johnny, Texas.

"That has got to be the best-looking bouzouki I have ever seen—absolutely fantastic! The long points on the body, elegant headstock, and gorgeous straight neck are stunning. The rosette is tastefully done, and the sound is crisp, clean, and perfectly intonated. It sparkles with fast jigs and reels and produces a powerful, crisp tone on Balkan numbers. Incredible!"— Kieron, China

"I received the guitar last Saturday and couldn’t be more pleased. It’s a beautiful instrument—wonderful craftsmanship, great local materials, and outstanding sound. I can only imagine how it will warm up with time. It was a pleasure working with you—your business skills are as impressive as your guitar-making!" — Dave, Pennsylvania, US

“It is without doubt the single most elegant, mellifluous instrument I have ever heard or seen. It is gorgeous! I have never seen a thing like it. You are quite a guitar maker and I can see why you’d be very pleased with it.” — Gregory, New South Wales, Australia.

A woman with long wavy hair wearing a sparkly black top and beige shorts sits on a bench playing an acoustic guitar, with a microphone nearby in a dimly lit setting.
A woman playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone on stage.
Musician performing on a small stage at The Pret House, playing a stringed instrument, surrounded by musical equipment and guitars.
A resonator guitar with a wooden body, metal resonator cone, and the word "Mobutabilie" written on the top left side.
A wooden resonator guitar with the word 'Nabatobie' inscribed on it, showing part of the fretboard and strings.
An unfinished acoustic guitar on a workbench in a woodworking shop. The guitar's body is assembled but the strings and bridge are missing. Various tools and supplies are scattered around the workbench, including a screwdriver and a book.
A guitar neck with inlaid abalone shell pieces, some removed and others in bowls, in a workshop.
Two wooden acoustic guitars are leaning against chopped firewood in a forest setting with trees and green foliage in the background.
Disassembled acoustic guitar with guitar necks, a ruler, and a record cover titled "Don McGlashan Bright November Morning" on a workbench.
Top view of a vintage wooden ukulele with a round body and six sound holes covered with a woven grill, resting on a brown surface.
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Close-up of two wooden acoustic guitars lying on a white surface, showing the guitar bodies, sound holes, and strings.
Close-up of an acoustic guitar with a wooden finish, showing the body and part of the neck.
Four guitars and four ukuleles laid flat on a light-colored surface, with the backs facing down. The instruments are arranged in a row, showcasing their body shapes and necks.
An acoustic guitar lying on a white surface, showing its wooden body, strings, sound hole, and fretboard.
A wooden acoustic guitar in an open black hardshell case on a green cushioned chair on a wooden floor.
Two wooden acoustic guitars lying on a white surface, one in front of the other.
Wooden ukulele with a box of matches on a white speckled surface.
An acoustic guitar inside an open black hard-shell case with a plush interior lining, resting on a wooden table.