UK (or possibly EU) baritone luthiers

[nobo]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations about local(ish) - I'm in London, so UK or possibly European - luthiers that would custom build a baritone at a reasonably price point (not more than, say, £3,500 and ideally much less).

I am keen on a few quirks though, which makes this an even taller order:
- c. 47mm nut and 63mm string spacing at bridge
- sound port
- arm bevel
- possibly fan fretted

It would be for fingerstyle with a light touch.

I've been talking to Richard Osborne about this and he seems keen. He's not too far away (and hour or two) and I've heard good reports about his guitars (although I've yet to play one...). Lowden might just be able to do one roughly withing the budget (although it wouldn't have a soundport or fan frets). A McIlroy baritone would be great, but Dermot's not have the time to design one yet since he's so busy building other guitars. Is there anyone else I should be considering?

Many thanks,

Dan

[arie]

have you tried forster?

http://www.nkforsterguitars.com/

[westcountry1]

Nick Benjamin makes a Baritone but might be a little over budget Patrick Eggle also makes a baritone.Brook would do something within your budget but might prefer to do a wedge rather than a built in bevel but i'm sure they would do everthing else you would want. I think Fylde would also offer a lot of the options you would like.

[Huckleberry]

Give David Reid (http://www.darluthier.com/) a call, he'll be happy to talk and is based in Battersea. He doesn't just stick to the standard models listed on his website - he'll be able to build you whatever you want.

I've been very impressed with his instruments.

[nobo]

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I'll contact them. I've played a couple of David's guitars. They are fantastic - but out of my budget I fear!

I should perhaps add that I'm also after a cutaway.

Any thoughts on the sound of, say, Brooke and Fylde guitars? (My best reference points are Larrivee, Lowden, McIrloy, Taylor and Martin).

Thanks,

Dan

[Fliss]

Originally Posted by nobo

...Any thoughts on the sound of, say, Brooke and Fylde guitars? (My best reference points are Larrivee, Lowden, McIrloy, Taylor and Martin).

Brook guitars have a very different tone from any of those you mention, in my opinion. My playing doesn't really do it justice, but here's a recording I made with my Brook Torridge (00 size):

http://www.acousticmagazine.com/acou...c/song/id_457/

Brook do tend to do custom stuff, and their base price is considerably below your budget, so it might be worth your while giving them a call and chatting about what you want. Also, you said you're looking for something very responsive - my Brook is definitely light and responsive. Ivor Mairants in London stocks Brook guitars, so you could check some out there. (I should point out that I have no connection with Brook other than as an extremely happy customer!)

A couple of other builders that might be worth checking out:

De Faoite (Dave White) http://www.defaoiteguitars.com/ - what you're describing sounds right up his street!

Gary Nava http://www.navaguitars.co.uk/ - based in Cambridgeshire/Norfolk so not a million miles from you.

You could try Andy Manson http://andymanson.co.uk/home.html - he builds really light guitars, but possibly a little above your budget.

Fliss

[Coke_zero]

I would have replied sooner but I just changed my email address and had to wait for it to be verified. I recently asked Brook if they make baritone guitars or fan-fret guitars and happily they do.

I'm not sure if this breaches pricing rules as it isn't listed on their website so I'm purely passing it on as information, if it is apologies and I will send via PM if you are interested.

Baritone = £100 surcharge on normal base model
Fan-fret (if you are interested) = £250 surcharge on normal model

Of course, combine them both if you want both.

Time for me to start saving

[Bananafist]

Alistair Atkin did make a baritone, I know he'll build any neck shape you want. Not sure about the port and fan fretting, but you could ask him.

[dennisczech]

I have a friend who has a baritone built by David White, it's a great guitar. He lives near Slough, I'm sure I can arrange for you to check it out if you want. [email protected]

[Coke_zero]

Originally Posted by dennisczech

I have a friend who has a baritone built by David White, it's a great guitar. He lives near Slough, I'm sure I can arrange for you to check it out if you want. [email protected]

I'm looking for a custom build and Slough is about 30 mins from me, nice one. Does he have a website?

[Fliss]

Originally Posted by Coke_zero

I'm looking for a custom build and Slough is about 30 mins from me, nice one. Does he have a website?

Here's Dave's website: http://www.defaoiteguitars.com/

Fliss

[Coke_zero]

Originally Posted by Fliss

Here's Dave's website: http://www.defaoiteguitars.com/

Fliss

Thanks.

he's going to be at the Cheltenham Show, I wonder if he wants a weekend apprentice .

[moga]

Patrick Eggle makes the baritone as well.~

[dennisczech]

Coke, just shoot me an email and we'll get it set up. Otherwise, David White lives in the Chilterns, not that far from London. Dennis

[G Player]

Hi Dan,
I can recommend Alan Arnold Guitars www.alanarnoldguitars.co.uk/guitar_baritone.htm or http://www.alanarnoldguitars.co.uk, he builds brilliant baritone guitars ... and at affordable prices, plus he's just south of London - in Surrey.

Give him a ring.

I don't play a baritone myself (I've got one of his custom phoenix guitars), but two of my friends that do , both rate his baritones as 'The best of the best' !!