Taha Elawahli

I first laid eyes on a Wilkes Answer Guitar in 1999 when I was introduced to guitar collector in Hertfordshire a good friend of mine knew.  I was a student at the time and just kicking off with my band “Brazil” and was looking to buy another guitar to start developing my sound as lead guitarist in the band. 

When I saw and heard the Answer I was taken back by the innovation in its crafting and the tonal variety it could produce.  Even though the previous owner did some slight modifications that included removing the tone control the guitar was amazing and served me well both in the studio and live situations.  Apart from the great sound, one thing that really stood out with this particular guitar was that it had the best neck action I had ever seen or played on a guitar.  To this day I haven’t played a guitar that has come close!

Over the years of playing, great as the guitar was, it was missing the tone control and I was starting think about restoring the guitar to the original condition.  I got in contact with Doug through the Wilkes website and explained to him the situation.  Doug was more than willing to help and welcomed me to his workshop. 

I now feel privileged not only to own an Answer Guitar but to have met the man himself and have my guitar set up and restored by him.  Seeing the workshop and Doug making guitars by hand made me realise just how talented he is and how passionate he is about his work.  And to top it off he’s genuinely a nice guy!

If you’re lucky enough to own a Wilkes guitar you’ll know what I mean when I say how special they feel and sound.  Man I want another one! Watch this space!