The building technique
used by Stephen Cadney is the traditional Spanish method.
This is modified where necessary to take account of recent research
as well as the need to make a more powerful and brighter sounding guitar than
many of the older examples of Spanish guitars. The materials are used to take advantage
of the improvements to the Torres model made by Hauser and from the guidance provided by
José Romanillos. It is a method primarily governed by the needs of the Torres/Hauser model of instrument.

Two guitar models are offered and the choice depends on the customer’s budget and priorities. The student model has fewer very expensive materials. The decoration is simpler and less varied from one guitar to another. The different material characteristics do not affect the initial sound, however the concert model sound will develop more reliably during the first few years of playing. A mix of the specifications can be chosen by the customer at the time of ordering.

The choice between the models is generally as follows:

Student model:

• A choice of Indian Rosewood or Flamed Maple back and sides.
• Soundboard spruce aged for about five to ten years.
• Basic machine heads.
• Rosettes from a range of standard designs.

Concert model:

• A choice of exotic woods for back and sides including Rio Rosewood aged for over fifteen years.
• Soundboard spruce aged for over twenty years.
• High quality machine heads with decorated back plates.
• Individually made rosettes and varied binding and purfling.

All instruments are French polished. The polish is made from the raw lac in small batches using a 17th century technique and different mixes are used to give the different hardnesses required for the back soundboard and front. This avoids the side effects of modern processing which often has a tendency to produce a less durable surface.