Apart from being music legends, Sir Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran and Dolly Parton all have something else in common - they each own a guitar built in a small Kent workshop.

They are among a raft of international stars with acoustic instruments hand-made by Alister Atkin and his team of luthiers, who are gaining huge respect in an industry dominated by manufacturing giants.

The business is now celebrating its 25th anniversary, but it all started in the early 90s when the former St Edmund's School, Canterbury, pupil studied instrument making at the London School of Furniture and went on to set up Atkin Guitars. He then rented a bench in the workshop of well-known guitar technician Andy Crockett, then in Stourmouth, near Canterbury.

Over the next 25 years, he went on to hone his skills in acoustic instrument making, not only drawing on the past but developing new processes, leading to rave reviews from players.

Now 46 and a dad-of-two, he has his own small factory and employs a team of six, helping him build about 350 exquisite guitars a year, which are sought after all over the world by discerning players.

And such is the demand that he has recently expanded into the adjoining unit to create more dedicated work space.

Undoubtedly, a big breakthrough for the brand was when word of Alister's special guitars reached the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation in the USA, which then commissioned him to build a series of hand-painted guitars for the high-profile musical ambassadors of the charity.

He teamed up with talented artist Jayne Howe who paints the guitars and leather craftsman Pete Allen, who specialises in south western American style craftwork and makes the covers, to produce unique instruments now in the hands of some of the biggest stars in the music industry.

"It was always a dream to make superb guitars and see them played by special performers," said Alister. "But it has turned out even better than I could have imagined."

One of Alister's treasured keepsakes is a voicemail message from legendary American singer/songwriter Dion DiMucci who personally called the workshop to thank Alister for his guitar.

Some of the other recipients include Mark Knopler, Willie Nelson, Elvis Costello, Dave Grohl, Paul Carrack, Richard Hawley and recently actor and musician Kiefer Sutherland.

When Ed Sheeran was presented with his, he looked at the headstock and said: "Oh, an Atkin, I've actually already got three of these."

Alister's success has involved a huge amount to work - not just in creating exceptional guitars with a unique vintage vibe, but also in promoting his brand and getting the instruments in the hands of influential performers.

The Buddy Holly guitars, only commissioned by the Foundation, are just a small part of his range, which features classic designs from the golden age of guitar making.

"It's all about the sound - that's what sets an acoustic guitar apart - and playability, of course." says Alister.

"We use a thermal ageing process for our woods - effectively baking the tops - and very thin nitro cellulose lacquer which is a very time-consuming process.

"We have spent a long time especially developing the aged and gloss finishes for our guitars because of the effect it has on the sound."

The process gives his instruments a unique warm, woody and powerful sound, previously the preserve of sought-after vintage guitars from the 1940s and 50s.

Alister unashamedly admits his guitars are inspired by early Martin and Gibson instruments played by his folk rock heroes, including Crosby Stills, Nash and Young.

American manufacturer Martin is one the world's most revered acoustic guitar makers, selling about 100,000 a year.

But Alister has it on good authority that the company has acquired at least two of his guitars, which its luthiers have studied closely to investigate how they are made.

"I suppose you could say I'm flattered that a little workshop like ours has a company like Martin interested in how we do things," he said.

Atkin Guitars also recently featured on the ITV series Made in Britain, which celebrated the best in British manufacturing.

Of course, such craftsmanship does not come cheap and Alister's guitars from his stripped back essential range start at £2,599.

He produces a variety of classic body styles and those with exceptional exotic woods and custom detailing can set you back nearer £4,000.

These days his guitars are sold exclusively through dealerships across the UK, Europe and America.

Alister is also in the process of creating a new studio area where YouTube videos can also be filmed.

"It would be great to get some well-known players in and interview them, not just about their guitars but also their careers, " he said.

"Many guitarists have quite a few guitars go through their hands over the years, but I like to think that an Atkin is a keeper - the one they will never part with."

Anyone interested in one of his instruments can try them at the workshop.

Visit www.atkinguitars.com.

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