Albert Augustine is a legend in the classical guitar world. Founded in 1947, his company manufactured the world's first nylon classical guitar strings - stronger, louder and more reliable than the animal gut-based strings used previously.

Up until the Second World War animal gut and silk were used to make guitar strings. Albert Augustine, an instrument maker from New York, USA, had difficulty getting these materials due to the war restrictions and noticed some nylon line in an army surplus store in Greenwich Village. He thought this could be used for guitar strings and approached the DuPont company, who manufactured the material. However, DuPont were not sure that guitarists would like nylon's sound, which is different from the gut strings they were used to. However, Augustine was not deterred and after setting up some tests with guitarists persuaded DuPont to work with him in developing nylon guitar strings.

The invention, in which the famous guitarist Segovia (a tenant and neighbour of the Augustine's) also took a part, secured the future of the Augustine company. Augustine strings are now used by professional guitarists around the world.

Since then, Albert Augustine Ltd. has dedicated all its efforts to produce the highest quality nylon guitar strings available and has established itself as a major factor in the classical guitar field worldwide. As well as being a world leader in classical guitar string sales, Albert Augustine Ltd. is responsible for several annual New York guitar series and for commissioning hundreds of original solos, chamber works and concertos from some of the foremost contemporary composers.

Albert Augustine is also a major donor for scholarships, special artist's projects and guitar festivals is responsible for Guitar Review magazine, regarded by most as the world's most prestigious classical guitar publication.