Testimonials

Whether it is the restoration of a prized antique or the desire for a beautifully handcrafted Autoharp you will not do better than ask Alec Anness for his help.
The quality of his workmanship and the care which he takes in carrying out his work can only be described as excellent!
He is a naturally gifted craftsman with an innate understanding of the technologies he is using and this is apparent when you see his work. Mr Anness has not only undertaken restoration work for me but has also produced a Chromatic Autoharp for my wife and we are very pleased with the results of both projects.
He is a very good musician, who plays numerous stringed instruments and this quite clearly contributes significantly to his instrument making skills.

A. Spindler - August 2006

I have known Alec Anness for over 30 years. He is a superb craftsman. He knows what should be done and what should not; he also knows practically what can and cannot be done.
His knowledge of furniture styles is very considerable as is his knowledge of specialist suppliers for what is needed for the job in hand. His advice can be trusted completely; he has the skills to carry out what should be done and the appreciation of what he is working on to be able to bring out their finest features.

R. S

Alec has renovated several Autoharps for me over the past few years. The latest was a 21 bar Oscar Schmidt (Model 21 c/r) which needed new tuning pegs as well as a new set of strings and re felting of the chord bars where needed.
He takes great care in every detail to produce a musical instrument which not only sounds good but also looks good. This is the harp that I now play regularly.
Not only does Alec carry out repairs, he also makes Autoharps and Hammered Dulcimers to a very high standard. His Diatonic Autoharps are of a very high quality both as a musical instrument and as a pleasing object to look at.
In addition to his skill in creating fine musical instruments and furniture of varied types, Alec is also a performer of considerable ability playing Autoharp, Guitar, Banjo and Dulcimers in various styles to a very high standard.

T.L.

Alec Anness has been looking after antique furniture for me for about 20 years. During this time a variety of articles have been restored to their former glory including a Georgian wall cupboard, a Georgian bureau bookcase, numerous chairs and boxes. The bureau bookcase looks particularly fine now drawer fronts had to be repaired where new handles had been set in and the old holes rather badly filled. It now looks very fine. A chest of drawers has been rebuilt and draw runners replaced, veneers repaired and all the various pieces arrived back beautifully polished and a general delight.

Also he has built from old mahogany a lovely corner cupboard and a magnificent table to house a very large and heavy atlas. A Most satisfactory project which involved many weeks of initial planning and changes of ideas. All built using old mahogany table tops except for the legs which were beautifully matched for colour.
Alec also made me a pair of solid oak toy box for my grandchildren with beautiful exposed dovetails, a lovely feature and carved initials and date on the lid making it something for them to treasure.
Alec has also been an inspiring teacher who taught me skills to repair, wax and French polish furniture.

S. Sole- August 2006

Just a few lines to tell you how much I am enjoying the wonderful autoharp you made for me. Your inspired craftsmanship combined with the beautifully grained wood has produced a stunning instrument which sounds as good as it looks. The chord bars move smoothly & it's a joy to play. It has been admired greatly wherever it is heard & seen.

I would recommend this A A autoharp to anyone as a perfect companion both for musical fulfilment at home and for sharing with a wider audience, Its the perfect mood enhancer! My latest C D which i begun recording before i received my new instrument has now meant that because the new harp sounds so much better I've re- recorded it with my new baby.

S.F.B. East Sussex