Avalon Guitars is the leading independent manufacturer of high-quality custom acoustic guitars in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1988, the company's focus in on hand-crafted acoustic guitar design and manufacturing. In 2007, Avalon received the Guitar of the Year Award for its Americana series, developed by the in-house team of master luthiers who have pioneered several original new guitar concepts including, in 2010, a breakthrough dual bevel acoustic soundbox design. In addition, Avalon specialises in designing and building high end custom guitars for other leading guitar brands, including Zemaitis Guitars (Japan) and Craftine (Ireland). Avalon’s luthiers are recognised within the guitar industry and the wider community of professional musicians for blending innovation in design with an outstanding knowledge of acoustic instrument resonance. Design and production projects have been developed in collaboration with guitar manufacturers in the Far East and Europe leading to the launch of Avalon’s acclaimed outsourced ranges. Many leading popular musicians play Avalon acoustic guitars including, James Morrison, Katie Melua, Bruce Springsteen, The Corrs, David Gray and Van Morrison; moreover, the company supports the development of young artists through sponsorship of the NI Young Guitar Player of the Year and the NI Young Songwriter of the Year.