Doug made his first guitar in 1970, when dissatisfaction with various commercial guitars prompted a colleague to suggest he make one. His association with making and repairing instruments has been continuous since then.

Doug also explored the possibility of flute-making when he received an Australia Council Grant in 1975 to spend a week in Melbourne under the direction of Australian recorder maker, the late Fred Morgan. This led to his making baroque and renaissance flutes which he continued until 1985.