After studying for a Music degree at Dartington College of Arts, I spent the rest of my twenties playing bass with the indie/ska band Yes Sir Boss. Touring across the UK and Europe for over a decade, I experienced first-hand what musicians need from their instruments.

After ten years of relentless gigging—and the arrival of my first child—I retrained as a carpenter. It wasn’t long before I began combining my two passions: music and making.

West Valley Guitars was founded in 2018. Alongside this, I spent 18 months as a guitar building instructor at Crimson Guitars, Europe’s leading guitar building school, where I helped train aspiring luthiers in the craft.

After leaving Crimson, I set up my own workshop in a beautiful studio near Glastonbury, where I continue to build and work on instruments for musicians of all levels.

My guitars have been played by artists including IDLES, The Vaccines, and Alberta Cross. I’ve also had the privilege of working on instruments for Gaz Coombes, The Stranglers, Massive Attack, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The The, This Is The Kit, and many more.

Alongside building, I’ve trained countless students in guitar making and maintenance—something I find incredibly rewarding.

Guitars have lives of their own, just like the people who play them. They witness songs being written, face crowds night after night, and carry the energy of every performance. Being part of that journey—working on instruments that mean so much to their players—is a privilege that never fades.

Josh Stopford - Founder of West Valley Guitars