Made in Hackney: Grizzly Guitars – where musicians customise their gear

Each week, the Gazette takes to the streets to unearth something being manufactured right here in Hackney. This week we speak to Leon Ferbrache, who customises intrsuments for the stars.

The list of bands and musicians Leon Ferbrache has customised guitars for reads like a solid festival line-up.

At Grizzly Guitars in Hackney Road, and previously in Netil House, Mare Street, he has worked on instruments for Laura Marling, Franz Ferdinand, James Blake and Spiritualized.

“I’ve been doing it in Hackney for eight years and I worked in west London before that for five years. I do all kinds of general serving of instruments, customising them to people’s specifications.”

Leon also works on pedals and stage equipment: “A few years ago I was asked by the festival All Tomorrow’s Parties to create a red pedal like the one on the poster and they sold them as merchandise.”

But he’s just as happy taking orders from beginners as major artists.

The workshop is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Visit grizzlyguitars.co.uk for contact details.