A Reedham guitar builder said he was "delightfully puzzled" after being included in the New Year Honours list for his services to music. 

Michael Gee, 64, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his ongoing service to music.

Mr Gee has been a luthier for 48 years. Specialising in building Spanish guitars by hand, his instruments have been used by many contemporary classical musicians around the world.

Eastern Daily Press: A cedar wood Michael Gee classical guitar.A cedar wood Michael Gee classical guitar. (Image: Michael Gee Guitars)

"When I found out I was being awarded the BEM, I went a bit numb," he said.

"I'm truly humbled and surprised. I have no idea who nominated me, but I was told that several people had recommended me over the past couple of years.

"I'm puzzled, but in the most delightful way."

At the age of 11, Mr Gee realised he wanted to build guitars for a living after he saw a video of guitar makers at school. At 16, he left his Northampton home and moved to London, where he enrolled at the London College of Furniture in 1974.

Under the tutelage of Herbert Schwarz, Mr Gee became the youngest student to be accepted on the full-time instrument-making course.

Eastern Daily Press: Michael Gee has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his contributions to music.Michael Gee has been awarded the British Empire Medal for his contributions to music. (Image: Supplied)

To this day, Mr Gee still has a passion for his craft. From his workshop in the Broads village of Reedham - where he has been based for the past seven years - Mr Gee still makes around 12 guitars a year.

"It is still my life," he said.

"Usually, it takes me about a month to go from the raw materials to the finished product. I work mostly by hand and use only a minimal amount of equipment.

"Handmade guitars are certainly more popular now than they were when I started. The standards are very high and I still strive to learn something new every day."

Eastern Daily Press: The back of a Michael Gee Guitar, with a herringbone inlay and purfling.The back of a Michael Gee Guitar, with a herringbone inlay and purfling. (Image: Michael Gee Guitars)

Mr Gee said he plans to celebrate the honour with a meal with his family.

"Nobody knows yet," he said.

"I shall be telling my granddaughters at the dinner table and see how everybody reacts.
"I'm still in a bit of shock.

"But it is very humbling to be recognised for following through with what you are passionate about."