Heritage

Mark Gilbert — handcrafted guitars (supplier profile)

Practical visitor guide to Mark Gilbert Guitars in Hobart, a small workshop that makes bespoke electric guitars from Tasmanian timbers and holds Responsible Wood / PEFC chain of custody certification. Includes where to find the studio, what to expect, sustainability credentials, export and buying checks, business credentials and practical steps to confirm before you travel or buy.

By Our Tasmania Editorial

PLATE XL. TRICHOGLOSSUS NOYCE HOLLANDKE. (Omei.) BLUE-BILLED LORIKEET. Genus: Trichoglossus. THIS is surely the Brobdignagian king of the Trichoglossi. It is a noble bird, gorgeously apparelled, and so like Trichoglossus rubritorquis that it is evidently a large, strong, and beautiful evolution of that species ; and a lovely contrast to the sombre foliage among which it flits with lightning rapidity. The close connection is singular from the fact that that while the Rubritorquis is a stationary example of the Avifauna of the far North, and is confined to a restricted locality, having only one common meeting ground with its near ally at Cape York, the Novce Hollandioe is extensvely dispersed over the whole of the eastern and south-eastern face of the continent as far as South Australia, and even crosses to Tasmania, though its visits to that island are irregular. In all other respects this Lorikeet so closely resembles the red-coloured Lorikeet that a description is not necessary. The female is slightly smaller, and the scales on the breast are more defined than in the male. Egg, roundish oval, white. Length, thirteen lines and a-half ; breadth, ten lines and a-half. Head, cheeks, throat, royal blue, with a lighter stripe down each feather ; breast, scales of red and yellow, with faint black marking ; abdomen, deep royal blue in centre, blotched on each side with red and yellow ; vent, green with yellow blotches ; under tail surfaces, canary yellow at base, becoming golden green at tips ; all the upper surfaces green, blotched at the base of the neck with scarlet and yellow ; wings, dark green on their outer webs, inner webs, black, crossed by a broad oblique band of bright yellow ; tail, green above, passing into blue at the tips of the two central feathers ; under tail coverts, rich yellow, with an oblong patch of green at the extremity of each feather. Length, about fourteen inches. Habitats : Gulf of Carpentaria, Cape York, Rockingham Bay, Port Denison, Wide Bay District, Dawson River, G.B., Richmond and Clarence River Districts (New South Wales), Interior, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. TRICHOGLOSSUS RUBRITORQUIS (rig. and Sorsf.). RED-COLOURED LORIKEET. Genus: Trichoglossus. IT is the natural bias of the human mind to judge of the whole by individual members, and if those members are numerous enough to develope a variety, and yet do not show any such inclination, the positive element seems to be reasonably substantiated, and a hypothesis deduced. We have hitherto regarded the Trichoglossus as a tiny dainty bird, whose fitting home is among the aromatic flower cups. The surprise is greater, then, to find that there are giants among the tribe of liliputians, and the Trichoglossus rubritorquis is a strong evidence of the fact, for it is quite as large as the Rosella, and as such should seem to have no kinship with the consumers of ambrosial fare such as the nectar of flowers. In its habits and economy the Red-Coloured Lorikeet resembles its small congeners so closely that a description of the one fits equally well the other, with the trifling difference that it is more restrictive in its exclusive partiality for the flowers of the eucalypts. The tea tree (melaleuca), which provides an abundant harvest for the Trichoglossus versicolor and others, is totally ignored by this species. Gilbert remarks that " this species is abundant in all parts of the Coburg Peninsula and the adjacent islands, and is an especial favourite with the natives, who carefully preserve the heads of all they kill, for the purpose of ornamenting their persons by slinging them to the arm a little above the elbow. It is generally seen in large flocks, feeding on the summits of the loftiest trees. Its flight is rapid in the extreme. Like the other Trichoglossi, its food consists of honey and the buds of flowers."Broinowski, Gracius J., Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

Location and how to find the workshop

Mark Gilbert Guitars operates from a central Hobart workshop at 81-83 Molle Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000. The maker publishes an email contact and a local mobile number for appointments. This is an artisan luthier studio rather than a public gallery or retail centre, so do not assume casual drop‑in access.

Workshop character and what to expect

The studio is a working luthier environment focused on boutique electric guitars. Expect to encounter handcrafted instruments, bench tools, timber stock and a small production layout rather than a large retail showroom. The business describes itself as producing bespoke electric guitars using Tasmanian timbers; a visit is most likely to involve conversation about construction, finishes and timber choices rather than a guided public tour.

Who will benefit from a visit

The workshop is best suited to working musicians, collectors, instrument designers, timber craft enthusiasts and people interested in sustainable materials in maker industries. If you want a demonstration, to inspect a particular build or to discuss a commission, arrange an appointment so the maker can prepare the instrument or workspace you want to see.

Sustainability credentials and timber provenance

Mark Gilbert Guitars holds Responsible Wood chain of custody credentials and participates in PEFC‑certified supply chains through the Wood Connect group. That group chain of custody is used by the maker to demonstrate that timber in finished guitars came from certified forests and managed supply chains. Group certification can help small makers meet compliance and market requirements without the full administrative burden of individual certification. If timber provenance is important to you, ask how the Wood Connect group certification applies to the specific instrument you are viewing.

Buying, export and customs considerations

Group chain of custody has been used by this maker to assist exports and to address customs requirements in international markets. If you plan to buy an instrument for export, confirm what certification documents the maker will provide at sale. Discuss any paperwork you will need for customs clearance in your destination country, and whether certification evidence will be included with the instrument. Allow additional time for export compliance so you are not delayed at departure or arrival.

Business credentials and documentation you can request

The maker operates as an individual sole trader and is listed with an Australian Business Number. The business is registered for GST. These credentials are relevant if you require an official invoice, ABN details for records, or warranty and export paperwork. Request invoices and ABN information when you arrange purchase or an appointment so the maker can provide the correct business documentation.

Access, safety and visitor checks before you go

Confirm availability before travelling. The workshop is a small production facility and may not be open for casual visits. Use the published phone or email contact to make an appointment. When you book, ask about any safety requirements for visitors, whether demonstrations will be possible, and whether photography is permitted in the workspace. Also check any accessibility or mobility considerations, because those details are not listed publicly.

Practical steps for appointments and commissions

When arranging a visit or commission, state whether you want to inspect existing instruments, discuss a bespoke build or arrange a demonstration. Allow the maker time to prepare specific instruments or timber samples. If you intend to export a purchase, request details of the chain of custody documentation that will accompany the instrument and confirm how that paperwork will be provided at point of sale. Finally, double check the address and appointment time before you travel to avoid confusion.

Notes on changing arrangements

Small artisan businesses commonly change opening hours, move premises or alter contact details. Confirm the address, appointment time and any other practical details directly with the workshop contact shortly before travel. If you are purchasing for export, confirm the exact certification and customs paperwork that will be supplied at sale so you have the required documents when you leave.

Sources and further reading

Mark Gilbert Guitars (official site) · Mark Gilbert (business)
Meet Tasmanian Luthier Mark Gilbert — Responsible Wood (case study/interview) · Responsible Wood (industry body)
ABN Lookup — GILBERT, MARK R (Mark Gilbert Guitars business entry) · Australian Business Register (ABR)

Before you go

Practical information

Make an appointment: Call or email ahead to confirm workshop visits, demonstrations and times
Address to check: 81-83 Molle Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Export and customs: If you intend to export a purchase, confirm certification documents and customs paperwork with the maker before buying
Certification check: Ask to see Responsible Wood / PEFC chain of custody documentation for timber provenance on specific instruments
Business details: The maker is listed with an ABN and is GST registered; request official invoices or ABN details when purchasing
Suitability: Best for musicians, collectors, timber craft and sustainability-minded visitors; not primarily a tourist attraction
Accessibility and safety: Confirm any access, mobility or safety requirements with the workshop before arrival

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