Nick Carpenter began making instruments as a hobby when he was seventeen, around the early 1990s. With no workshop, very little tools and no guidance (except from books), it was a long road, filled with much trial and error, to become a self-taught luthier. He managed to get some work experience at Formentin Guitars and also squeezed a few tricks of the trade out of some of the local guitar repairers. After completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, he began to hone his woodworking skills in a traditional boat building course, and then working for an antique restoration company.

Nick had an exhibition of his instruments in 1998 as part of the Fremantle Festival, where he sold his first guitar.

Nick has been playing guitar since he was eleven. He was the drummer (and mandolin player) for Squidfinger, then acoustic guitarist for Citsooka. He is now a solo artist.

He registered Wildwood Instruments in 1999 and began his business. As he initially struggled to make a living from guitars, Nick also designed, constructed and installed kitchens and custom furniture, along with numerous other woodworking projects.

In 2004 Wildwood Instruments changed direction and began producing a range of folk instruments: small, basic and beautiful (and inexpensive) was the theme. Finding a niche market at the folk festivals in Western Australia, he soon visited festivals all over Australia, doing an annual national tour.

Finally, in 2006, Nick quit his part time job to be a full-time self-employed luthier.

In 2007, he relocated the business to Melbourne to be closer to the bulk of the festivals, and to set up a shop.