Testimonials

Hi David, thank you very much for doing a great job on both my Vintage and Cort guitars which I have recently had a good chance to noodle with. Although my playing has not improved they definitely both sound much better with and without an amp.

I think this incredible masterpiece just needed a few more days to settle down. But now every time I pick it up it plays better and better. I'm sure it's not my overactive imagination. I can't tell you how much I adore it. The feel, the tone and the overall balance. I just can't play my other guitars. I also think it's making me a better guitarist. Because of the wider fretboard I'm now able to hit all the notes cleanly which I simply wasn't able to do with any other guitar due to my deformed sausages aka fingers. You really are a master craftsman and I feel privileged to be able to have something special like this

David, many thanks for the work you carried out on the Les Paul. The frets are great and the neck finish is excellent. The guitar arrived back safely with no damage. Phil

Hi David, thanks to your set up both guitars sound and play better than they ever been. Thanks again Fidelio

David, the guitar has arrived safely, thank you. This is exceptional workmanship, thank you very much. I am truly impressed. I have now been playing this guitar for two weeks or so. I have to say, you have recovered a very badly mistreated and abused instrument into a very presentable and elegant thing of beauty. It also plays well - a lot better than before. As you say, the fretboard for a 30 plus year guitar loks a bit good, but I am not really that bothered by that. My other two are mint, so such instruments do exist. The action is impeccable, with absolutely no fret buzz at any fret, any string. It truly plays extremely well. It is a difficult comparison, but it may well be better than either of my other two, it really is that good. Definitely a very high class job, thank you once again, I am truly impressed. I would so love Fender to see it, since they turned me down for a repair or a new replacement neck.

I think much has been said already about David's skill and the recent Setup and Refret he has done on my Strat is again first class. In order to help someone, first you must understand what they need and David listened to my needs and addressed them perfectly. Even inviting me into his work shop to ease my concerns about letting anyone near my precious. I needed someone who loves what they do and knows how to treat my guitar with the same respect as i do.........Many thanks David.

Hi David, Just a quick note to say a big thank you for the work you did on my Ibanez guitar recently. It is now a joy to play and I find myself strumming away most evenings. Thanks again and have a great Christmas and New Year, Graham

Many thanks for the work on the guitar. It feels great, and plays super well – very pleased with the work you did. Richard

Hi David Just to thank you for the lovely work you’ve done recently on two of my guitars. My rather idiosyncratic Steve Acworth Telecaster copy was in bad shape. Thanks to the set-up and wiring renovation that you carried out it now plays and sounds better than ever, and the four position switch that you fitted adds a whole new dimension to the pickup voicings. My Martin D16 suffered from the same problem as many Martins, the action was set quite high, and I was afraid that lowering it might spoil the tone and projection, but you lowered it just the perfect amount and set it up to make it a joy to play without losing the lovely sound. Your friendly, informative interaction at all stages of the repair process made the whole experience as stress-free as I could have wished for. Wishing you all the very best. John

Hi David, The strat is awesome everything I hoped for. To my ear and I am a tone chaser, it is discernibly brighter- but it a nice way. Very strat like. But of course we have changed 3 variables: nut, string gauge and frets. The guitar resonates through my hands more. Took me by surprise. Great job.

Good morning David, that is quite a remarkable transformation!! An absolute credit to your skill, taste and sensitivity. To me, it actually looks like an old guitar that's been VERY well-kept rather than one that's had any form of repair or restoration. So looking forward to getting my hands on it - thankyou SO much!!

Your work is looking fantastic, as always. Every time I pick up my tele with the refret you did, I think about how excellent the work is. It plays so well, beautifully in tune and buzz free all the way up the neck. Thanks again for the care and attention, it has brought back to life the first proper guitar I ever bought. James

David is nothing less than a guitar surgeon. Rescued my much loved strat (comment on one of my YT videos)

Hi David hope you’re well, Just to let you know that the guitar sounds and feels amazing. Never been as good as this in the last 30 years

David has now been kind enough to set up three guitars for me - a Les Paul, Strat and a Tele - on each occasion there were differences that needed attending to and David has this ability to explain the complicated things he has done to a simpleton in plain English! A lovely guy who has fantastic skills - I wouldn’t trust my guitars with anyone else.

David at Flame guitars did an excellent setup on my Musicman Stingray Bass. It was in need of some tlc, the frets were lifting and it wasn’t playing well. After David’s work it’s like a new guitar, plays beautifully now! I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending and would certainly go back for any future guitar work / setups. It’s good to find someone who is clearly very talented and knowledgeable about working on all sorts of different types of guitars

Hi David, thanks for doing a truely top quality refret and setup on my Strat, I'm very happy with results. The guitar plays and sounds better than ever. Did a successful first test at a gig recently. I will be recommending you to all my guitar friends & I might have some more projects for you. Big cheers, David

David has now done setups on two of my guitars for me, and the results are transformative. Playability, intonation and sound are all tweaked to their finest potential. I wouldn’t let anyone else work on my instruments: David is absolutely the best.

David has set up three bass guitars for me, each time an outstanding difference in playability, sorting out a few issues. His advice is really informative and appreciated. David certainly knows he stuff and he is thoroughly professional and courteous. Highly recommend (Google review)

Good morning David. Thought I’d let you know that I played the Guild for about 3 hours after I got home yesterday. The guitar is amazing. The tonality has been transformed. It’s so much brighter and louder. What I didn’t really appreciate when briefly playing it in your workshop was the clarity and definition from each string as you strum but most impressive is the sustain. It rings forever. I can’t thank you enough. I’m going to be playing it exclusively for quite some time I’m sure.

I have finally found my luthier in the UK. After few frustrating attempts with other "professionals", I decided to go to Flame Guitars to refret my Fender American Stratocaster Elite. I could not be more pleased with the results. David Kennett is a true luthier that knows how to treat a customer, passionate about what he does, technical and pragmatic. He is always very calm and attentive to detail. I will definitely take my other guitars to David to look after them on repairs and servicing. (review on Google reviews)

True expert in his craft, but also his service. David actually cares about how his work suits the customer. He proved that by taking time to discuss relevant aspects in detail and listening to (and interpreting) my thoughts about it. I had a refret done on my little beauty (was a a touch nervous given maple gloss neck) and I must say I received an exceptional tailored service. Rare to find the expertise combined with the humility to listen and understand. (Google review)

Hi David, Yes, been meaning to message you! Couldn’t be happier with the repair! Absolutely stellar job and pretty much invisible. Really impressed! Thanks for taking so much care! Peter

Thanks David for such a great job! I love the guitar now. I played it all last night and the set up is amazing. Thanks, Jeff.

I have two guitars: a full-size Hokada acoustic guitar purchased in the mid-1970s and a Requinto bought for me by my father in 1970 from Casa Parramón in Barcelona. Flame Guitars completely refurbished both guitars and brought back their lustrous sheen so that, after a long gap of 37 years, I’m ready to play them again. I am so grateful to David for the care and love given to my guitars. Most definitely, I recommend Flame Guitars highly. Jan

Hi matey - hope all is well. Just wanted to say a sincere, big thanks for the amazing job on re-fretting my strat. To say it plays better than ever is an understatement and I hear no tonal difference whatsoever once plugged in. Many thanks again and will see you soon with my other two once the frets get lower !! Cheers Bret

Hi Dave, Thanks again for a stellar job. You turned something unplayable into a guitar that is really enjoyable to play. I'm loving the feel of this guitar. I'm probably going to hold on to it

I couldn’t resist taking the strat for a spin before my evening lessons start. It sounds sensational, and plays beautifully, better than ever before. Is it brighter with the new frets? I really can’t say, I’d have to do a back-to-back comparison, but if it is brighter, then that’s in a good way. Thanks

Hi David, thanks again for the transformational work on myEpiphone Les Paul. The playability, response and sound from what was once a nice but fairly unremarkable guitar is now an absolute joy - and the range of tones from those 'Hot Vintage' Bareknuckle pickups is superb. Ian

Hi David, I would just like to let you know my guitar now plays beautifully. Thankyou so much for completing the refret and setup. It has transformed the guitar. Jeff

The service received from this extremely talented craftsman was impeccable! I originally i requested a set up and fret level/dress or fret replacement (my own assumption looking at the condition of the frets) I delivered the guitar to David we had a very friendly chat, he immediately advised me that that depth of work was not necessary and he would be happy to proceed with a polish and set up, many other shops or service providers would not have been so honest! Not only did i get my guitar back in an amazing playing condition it was a fraction of the price i was initially expecting to pay. Communication throughout was faultless with a comprehensive service sheet returned with the guitar outlining all the fine details of repair/maintenance. Highly recommended. Thank you!

Hey David, the work you did on my Gibson Studio is incredible - it's like a new Guitar, everything feels so smooth, enjoying the hell out of it

Hello David, just got your newsletter which reminded me that I hadn't updated on my Ibanez since getting it back. So happy with it, it's now a proper pleasure to play! Thanks again

Hello David, just got your newsletter which reminded me that I hadn't updated on my Ibanez since getting it back. So happy with it, it's now a proper pleasure to play! Thanks again.

Another great set up from David, I had an over noisy Telecaster that annoyed the hell out of me, David has now solved it for me. I honestly don't think there's anything this guy doesn't know about guitars, can't recommend him enough.

Somewhere in the 40 years since my Les Paul Custom was built, it died; somehow, you've brought it back to life. I don't know if it was the fret work, new bridge, new nut, neck work; maybe it was all of the above. But something worked a resurrection. I had hoped for better sustain, better trebles and enhanced playability. I got all of that but what I also got was far more dynamics, a part of playing that I'd largely forgot. I've been playing until my fingers hurt and then, sometimes, just looking how beautiful it now is. Many, many thanks for the miracles you worked

Hi David, my compliments to you on a fine job. A couple of runs through Cavatina tells me the action is a lot better and those tricky chords are much easier to hold down. The only downside is that any fluffs are definitely my fault. Best wishes and have a good Christmas. Hamish

Hi David. Apologies for the delay in showing my appreciation. Are these really the same ones I delivered to you? Such a transformation! I'm so glad that you found your true calling. You're a master craftsman. Brad

Hi David. Just wanted to let you know that I am very happy with the work you have done on my Gibson Les Paul. I am happy for you to work on my guitars if needed and will recommend you to others

Hi David, I haven't put my guitar down since I arrived home! You have done an excellent job with it and I am very pleased with the result. Thank you again. Nick

Hi David, just wanted to thank you for doing such a great job. Guitar plays and sounds fantastic, a big improvement! Rafael

David, guitar is absolutely wonderful! So thrilled. It really does play so much more easily than before. And it sounds incredible! Ever so grateful for all your hard work. Thank you so much. Nick

David, just had a really proper long play with my Les Paul through my full gigging rig and wanted to say I am absolutely delighted with it. Feels like a different guitar, but at the same time it feels just like the old one. If that makes any sense at all. All in all it is playing beautifully. Great job, and thank you very much! Best wishes, Simon

Just a brief one to say how totally over the moon I am with the work you carried out. It's completely different to play and the work you carried out on the fretboard..... it looks new! I'm now the the proud owner of a beautiful looking and sounding guitar. Thanks again. I will recommend you at every opportunity.

Hi David, thank you so much for fixing my Ovation, it’s now a pleasure to play wonderful work. Phil

Hi David, I just wanted to tell you that the guitar that I collected last Monday plays like a totally different instrument. The re-fret with minimally higher frets has made a huge difference and after three years since its purchase I finally have the playability as well as the sound from this rare old J45 that I always knew was possible. Thank you again for everything you have done for my instruments

Hi David, just thought I would drop you a line to say thanks for your help and expertise with setting up my Fender Precision recently. I am delighted I made the choice of coming over to see you and have the set up done "live" - so much better than leaving it with someone for a week and not knowing what I was getting at the end of the day ! It has been playing really well since the set up, and I had our first band rehearsal last night. It sounded great with classic punchy Precision tones - exactly what I was after. Paul

Dear David, I'm just emailing to say that Richard has just got in from work and is thrilled with the work that you did on his Ovation. He can't believe what a great repair you did on the damage and said it feels like having a new guitar. Sue

David, I would just like to send you a quick thank you for the work you have carried out to my guitars. They are so much more playable - the difference is remarkable. I have a couple of others that need a bit of TLC so will be in touch shortly. Paul

Meant to email you this last week but just wanted to say thank you for the work on my guitar. Very happy with it and really pleased with the way it plays. Will definitely be in touch with any other work I need doing. All the best, Mark

You are a flipping magician - I can't believe the difference ! It's beautifully playable over the whole fretboard - like having a brand new guitar. I've been playing it non-stop. Seriously impressed. Thank you so much

Hi David, just want to say thank you for the work you did on my Strat. It's sounds and plays great. It sounds better than I imagined and is very easy to play so thank you for doing that. Will definitely be back with my other guitars

I'm really digging the mex tele you set up for me a couple of weeks ago. Weirdly spending a lot of time playing it acoustically, it sounds very sweet. Totally amazing job, nice low action and soooo playable…

David, my Guild is now a joy to play and hear. It’s not just louder but the tone is richer and much more balanced across all six strings, while even with heavier strings the neck and action make playing much easier, especially up past the seventh fret. The intonation is spot on. Thank you so much for your great work

Another recommendation for David Kennett at Flame Guitars who has just done a very good and thorough setup for me, my guitar is playing 100% better now than before he touched it. He has a lot of knowledge and experience to bring to bear.

Hi David - many thanks for sorting out my Strat - it shows even the more expensive end of the guitar spectrum can benefit from an experts touch - the bridge feels so much better without those ridiculous high set screws!!! - I played the guitar last night for a good 2 hours and it plays amazingly with no choking on any bends whatsoever and I really think you got the action spot on.

Thanks Dave for doing an awesome job on my Les Paul ! Dressing the frets, setting it up properly, sorting the wiring issues and polishing the body. I’ll certainly be recommending your skills.Thanks once again

A big thank you to David for setting-up my Gibson SG and installing a new pick-up. The guitar sounds and feels great… he also fixed an issue with one of the volume pots I didn’t even know I had! Fantastic, friendly service at an affordable price… I wouldn’t take my guitar anywhere else.

Hi David, just to let you know the guitar plays great. Really pleased, thanks. It's a lot more crisp and playable. Hopefully I will get some of my other guitars over for a setup.

Super fret job, David.  It was great to play it in Spain (2 - 3 hrs a day).  I really noticed the difference, even if it was only 0.3 mm!! Thanks so much

I have now had a chance to play the Strat. It plays very well indeed. I am very pleased with the work you have done on the guitar, it is a pleasure to play again and the sounds when plugged in are rather nicer too, so what ever adjustments you made have made a very positive difference. Thanks again for your work. All the best for 2019.

I purchased the F1 you can see on the website six months ago as I instantly fell in love with the wood and craftsmanship before I had even played it. It is unlikely I will ever be able to do this guitar justice but I will never part with it. It is an extraordinary instrument and would probably cost three times as much if it had one of the big names on it. David is a lovely man and this is reflected in his work. He is a master craftsman and I count myself fortunate to have found him. He transformed both my Strat and Les Paul and I would not now allow anyone else to work on my guitars. I cannot recommend him highly enough

David, just to let you know the guitar played beautifully on Saturday. Never have I had a gypsy guitar play so well. Pickup worked a treat and the sound was top notch. Thanks very much for the top notch work and quick turn around time.

Couldn’t be more happy with the work David did and would highly recommend him. The quality of the work he did was excellent and the whole experience of meeting him and having all the work explained gave you real confidence.

Hi David. Just to say that the guitar plays brilliantly and has never sounded so good. Thank you for a great job. I’ll see you in the New Year with my Burns Marvin.

Dear David, thank you very much for all your work on my Yamaha. The fretwork you did has really improved playability right across the neck and the tusq nut was a worthwhile upgrade and a really neat job. Many thanks!

I've had everything from fret dots inserted into a classical guitar, to a full rewiring of an electric guitar to accommodate passive pickups done at Flame Guitar. The friendly, personable service from David, along with his immaculate craftsmanship has made him my trusted go to guy for any guitar modifications, either big or small.

Hi David I just wanted to let you know that I'm very happy with the work you did on my SG. It's like a totally different guitar. Feels a dream to play and sounds amazing. Thanks man. Rob

Hey David, been playing the guitar this afternoon. Absolutely stella work, thank you again, the guitar is playing the best it’s ever played since I’ve owned it. Thanks very much!

Wow…Thank you so much. I never realised how much the ‘buzz’ annoyed me. The bass is soooo quiet now, everything works as it should. I spent a good hour noodling around. Just might end up using that instead of the Sandberg. The tone through my Mark bass amp is epic. Neck is so much more useable. I’ll definitely be back if I have any other issues and will recommend !!

Hi David, very nice job on the Tele, plays sweet -thanks Also thanks for the quick strat setup, plays great Cheers

Many thanks for all your great work on my Mark Nicol and Gibson Firebird Guitars. You have returned both in fantastic condition with regard to playability, and in the case of the Firebird cosmetically as well, as explained the Firebird is of great sentimental value to me and I asked if you could make it glorious again, which you most certainly have. I am most grateful for all your hard work and I have already recommended you services to a player friend of mine and will have no hesitation in recommending others.

Now, where do I start? I haven’t been able to put my new guitar down since Sunday evening when I got home, it is easily the most beautiful guitar I have ever owned, and it plays fantastic, I can feel and see that a lot of care has gone into the build and set up of this guitar! I’m so glad I made the decision to get it, thank you again

Hi David. First proper strum with the Jag today and very happy. Significant improvement and plays beautifully. Many thanks for all your skill, hard work and attention to detail. See you in the New Year to discuss the custom project.

David, I needed to play the guitar for a while before getting back to you and can now say that I am really impressed by the refret and setup you did. It is so much more playable than before making it an absolute pleasure to play. Sliding up and down the neck is so smooth and unhindered-this is how a Gibson should be! Excellent job.

Really, really happy with the job you did on my Les Paul! I’m so pleased I decided to get you to work on it, rather than get a new guitar. It already has tons of sentimental value, being my first ever electric guitar but, since doing the research into it and finding out its vintage credentials, I feel like it’s taken on a whole new status. The new frets are awesome and it’s got a great feel and tone to it now. Haven’t had a chance to play it with the band yet, but it sounds great with my gear!

Hello David, I just had to drop you and email. I can not be happier with the repair, fretwork and set up you did on my Les Paul Axcess, to the extent I am glad that I still have it! Also the set up and work on my Les Paul Standard, they are both a joy to play, thank you once again. I have had lots of work done on my guitars in the past but never to the same standard

Hi David, just to let you know that I couldn’t put the F2 down over the weekend. Playing to early hours Saturday and Sunday night. It’s an absolute dream to play and the plethora of sounds is immense. From cool jazz to totally rocking out. Many thanks for the craftsmanship and innovation.

After leaving my guitars with other luthiers with results ranging from unsatisfactory to average it is quite a relief to have found this gem in Sutton. The first guitar I left with David was a hand made Telecaster that had a neck problem. This guitar is a little bit special to me and I’d been previously told that the neck couldn’t be adjusted and would probably need an expensive neck replacement. Well, David solved the problem and gave me a commentary by phone whilst he did the work. Obviously pleased with the work and the set up performed I then left my Les Paul Standard ’93, Fender Strat, Fender Tele 77/78, PRS Custom ’95 and Tokai Strat ’80 with him. The work on these guitars range from set ups, polishing, fret dressing, pickup and wiring replacement. All work was carried out to an excellent standard and exceeded the standard of previous luthiers. The customer attention is also excellent. You’ll need to make an appointment but he will then spend time with you going over your work before carrying out the work. When it is time to pick your guitar up, again, he will spend time with you discussing the work he has done and make sure you are satisfied before leaving. After previous experience with others it is refreshing to find someone like this who gives you a “warm feeling”.