TWO Simon Fay Model One guitars build thread...video pages 13-15.

[D.Kwasnycia]

Chiming in late, but wanted to say Congrats Larry, Great build and also to Simon for the fantastic work as always on these two guitars!

[LouieAtienza]

Congrats! Hope to hear some clips of both in the future, they're both beautiful instruments..

[littlesmith]

very nice builds

[gregc]

2 thumbs-up, for two great guitars. I'm looking forward to hearing them and how they settle in / mature. I love following Simon/s builds. I still play one of his early prototypes, and that one sounds beautiful.

[Larry Pattis]

I responded to am email today with a belated update on the two Simon Fay guitars, and I realized that I have been quite negligent in saying anything here. What follows is the email I just sent...

In case I hadn't mentioned it, directly or obliquely, up until about 4 weeks ago I have been pretty much not-able to play much guitar since mid-February. I had this forced 8 mos. vacation due to a variation on what is known as "frozen-shoulder".

Due to this, the new Fay guitars have received less attention than I would like...but they have indeed been played, and with some gusto when possible.

I am indeed quite remiss in posting an update on the AGF, but I hate going online and whining about not having been able to play much.

The story on these guitars, however, is that they are both truly magnificent guitars, completely in-line with my expectations both tonally and aesthetically. Perfect workmanship/artistry, of course, and really the best of the best in terms of tonal response...and the "words" always fail to really live up to the reality (with either guitar in hand), but pinpoint clarity of notes, round/thick trebles, supporting overtones in just the right amount (for my hands/ears, anyway), and overall guitars that do roar when pressed into service.

I literally could not be happier, and have told this to Simon many times over the past few months. It's the perfect guitar heaven for me, with these two instruments.

I do not really favor one over the other, although the Braz is indeed quite special. The Coco shares most of the tonal qualities of the Braz, and is, at this point in the break-in (still early), perhaps a bit less sharp/cutting/shimmery than the Braz. That is something one might expect, with knowledge of the woods, but I don't think I'm hearing this because I anticipate it...I'm pretty sure this small current difference is real. Things may indeed change over time...the guitars might drift apart slightly (not much, since a lot of it is in the "build" itself), or they might sound more alike...hard to tell.

I am indeed quite perfectly happy with what Simon has created for me. Despite physical set-backs, life is pretty good right now, and especially considering these two guitars...

EDIT: I have recovered enough to actually be preparing for a January American Guitar Masters tour with Peter Janson and Steve Davison...from Guemes Island (Puget Sound area) all the way south through WA, OR, and CA...and winding up in Phoenix, AZ...fun fun fun...

[ukejon]

Glad to hear the update and that things are well on all fronts.

[iim7V7IM7]

I hope that you find the music in each...

Best

[billgennaro]

Thanks for the update, Larry. I had been wondering about you and your guitars. I was a little nervous that you were experiencing problems and that that was the reason why we hadn't heard from you. Glad to see you are playing out soon and that your two Fays are everything you hoped they could be. Be sure to update us on your progress (and the progress of the guitars as they break in). There are folks here who are interested in all three of you.

[MBE]

Fantastic news, and fantastic guitars from a fantastic builder for a fantastic player. I hope you get to enjoy them for many years.

[Larry Pattis]

Thanks, folks, for the very kind words and the support shown to me over extended periods of time.

As always, my main focus here has been on these particular instruments, and my hat is off (way off!) as I tip it in the general direction of Mr. Fay!

Simon is a guy at the top of his game (in his early thirties, no less!), and amongst those at the top of this beautiful field of luthiery.

[Larry Pattis]

Well, I'm trying to get some long overdue things done...but golly, my upload times out here in the country (w/DSL) just are really bogging me down.

Okay, I will eventually get a two-at-once comparison video going...but the Braz is getting a Rodgers tuner upgrade at the moment, and all I have here is the Coco...darned-well good enough for *all* that I do.

Here's a little rendition of the title cut from my first CD, "Random Chance".

Hope you like it.

Hope Simon likes it.

[MBE]

Originally Posted by Larry Pattis

Well, I'm trying to get some long overdue things done...but golly, my upload times out here in the country (w/DSL) just are really bogging me down.

Okay, I will eventually get a two-at-once comparison video going...but the Braz is getting a Rodgers tuner upgrade at the moment, and all I have here is the Coco...darned-well good enough for *all* that I do.

Here's a little rendition of the title cut from my first CD, "Random Chance".

Hope you like it.

Hope Simon likes it.

Absolutely beautiful. The song, the performance, the guitar, just...all of it.

Thank you for sharing, Larry.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by MBE

Absolutely beautiful. The song, the performance, the guitar, just...all of it.

Thank you for sharing, Larry.

Thank you.

Here's more on the Coco...a little "Burning Man" for your pleasure...

[SJ VanSandt]

Beautiful song and beautiful guitar! Really lovely all the way round. Thanks for sharing this, Larry.

[Treenewt]

Larry,

Thanks for sharing this! I'm just now reading through the thread. So glad you're doing well and able to play! Absolutely wonderful playing and a fabulous sounding instrument!