Paul Balmer obtained his first acoustic guitar in 1959. He studied classical Spanish guitar to grade 8 and Teaching Diploma level. Over 50 years he has owned acoustic guitars of every type, all of which have at some time required setting up adjustment and repair. He is the author of Fender Stratocaster Manual, Gibson Les Paul Manual, Fender Telecaster Manual and Fender Bass Manual. He lives near Kettering in Northamptonshire.