There are some exciting developments in the pipeline for Cassidy Guitars which you will be hearing about over the coming weeks. But first in taking stock of my Musical Journey I think a few words of thanks are in order.

My love of Music started at Home with a loving Family who have inspired and encouraged me in my musical endeavours all of my life. My Parents gave us love, security and dreams for the future and all of us had opportunities in life not available to our forebears. As the youngest of 4 children growing up  in the 1960s my older Brothers and Sister introduced me to the amazing emerging music of that time. Thanks to my elder Brother Chris for introducing me to my first Guitar Teacher and always supporting me as a Guitarist, my eldest Brother Steve for being the inspiration for our Encounter Series of Guitars and my Sister Joanna for always providing stunning vocals at all of our family jam sessions.

I would next like to express my deepest gratitude to the Guitar Teachers who lit the flame within me in my early years – one that I have done my best to pass on to others all of my life. In 1970, at the age of 11, Howard Waller introduced me to the thrill of the overdriven Electric Guitar and taught me my first riffs, igniting my passion for the instrument. That is also something I always try to do, particularly with my younger Students. When their eyes light up in their first lesson I know I’ve passed on the flame.

To John Ray around 1971 who tried, but unfortunately failed, to inspire a love of Classical Guitar Playing – thanks, but sorry John.

From 1973 at the age of 13, Albert Nicholson provided me with a firm grounding in music theory, giving me the tools to truly understand and grow as a musician.

As an undergraduate in the East End of London in the early 1980s, I had the privilege of being taught by the legendary Cedric West. Cedric was one of the most humble musicians I have ever met, yet his mastery of Jazz Guitar and deep knowledge of the craft opened my mind to this fine art form.

As part of our new guitar range arriving in August, we will be releasing an Archtop model dedicated to Cedric West with Tributes to Howard Waller and Albert Nicholson following later in the year. Their inspiration carried me through many years of playing in bands, and for the past 20 years, I have had the honour of passing their wisdom on to my own Students.

To my Students past and present, thank you for your dedication and passion. You have inspired me as a person, a teacher, and a musician, and many of you have become great friends along the way. You also supported me with your ideas and enthusiasm when I set up Cassidy Guitars back in 2013.

To my Customers, who have chosen Cassidy Guitars as part of their musical journey – thank you for believing in what I do. Your support means everything.

To my Endorsed Artists, who share my passion for the Cassidy brand and have introduced my guitars to the world – you are an integral part of this journey, and I’m grateful for your support and dedication.

To all of my Bandmates over the years – we shared many high (and the occasional low) notes, but above all, we had some truly great times together.

And to those of you who have come to listen to me play over the years and shared your appreciation – thank you. Your support has meant the world to me.

And finally to my Family. To my kids Dan, Rachel and Leo for not being too embarrassed following their old Dad to Gigs and Guitar Shows over the years and to Dan as my man in China when we started building Cassidy Guitars back in 2013 – thank you all. To my wife and business partner of 45 years Yoga – your unwavering support, patience, and belief in me has been the foundation of everything I do and I couldn’t have done any of this without you.

Thank you all for the inspiration and for giving me a lifelong love of music, and remember, as my Dad always used to say, “Life is a Teacher”.

Simon Cassidy

June 2025