NGD - Lakestone SL
 

Hi all

I think I've cured my GAS for once and for all... I'll still have it, but I won't be able to do anything about it!

Had a weekend away in the Shropshire Hills (UK) for my birthday. Not far from Knighton Music Centre, it would have been rude not to wander in.

I had a budget in mind, if I found the right guitar - looking for something 000 or OM kinda size.

Blew my budget completely, paid twice what I had in mind... Tried a load of guitars, great stock of Larrivee, some Guild USA... and the Lakestone range. Handmade by a father and son team near Coventry.

This isn't at all what I thought I wanted. It's a small bodied Jumbo (if that makes sense?), normally I'd think it too large, but the arm bevel, and narrow waist/upper bout made it so comfortable. Red cedar top with Ziricote back and sides.

The sound...ohhhhh, the sound. A chorus of angels singing... (and I'm an atheist! :lol: ). It even made me sound good!

Did I need to spend that much? No. Does my playing justify spending that much? No. Should I have spent that much? No! Do I now own the most amazing guitar? Yes!

https://i.imgur.com/v5u6UQ2.png
https://i.imgur.com/j7AnnPP.png
https://i.imgur.com/uB8FvPG.png
https://i.imgur.com/vSwHVlD.png

Wow, that is beautiful, looks superb.

Congrats! Gorgeous looking guitar! :up: Its shape and its bridge look like a Lowden. Enjoy playing and bonding with your guitar! ;) :guitar:

The guy behind Lakestone helped Lowden with their fan fret (amongst other things I think). :up:

Wow....gorgeous looking guitar!! Congrats...I must do some research on Lakestone and expand my horizons!!

Uh huh... :hmm::lol:

Congratulations! Beautiful guitar.

Breathtaking work of art. If it sounds half as good as it looks....

Congrats, enjoy it for years.

My goodness, that is spectacular! Nicely done! I’ve not heard of Lakestone before now. Your GAS may be ending, but it’s stoking it for others!

Thanks everyone!

Had a nice play with her last night, she's got such a sweet sound.

New strings in the next day or two...

Thanks for posting this - very nice. It's always interesting to hear about new guitars/builders. Did you compare to a Lowden when you were trying it out?

Wow, nice! Congrats!

Wow, nice looking guitar.

not to sound redundant. but Wow, that is a stunner. Enjoy.

Funnily enough, that's the one maker I didn't try - they had a few hanging up, but the only one near my budget (that's the massively expanded budget :D ) was a second hand S35 in Rosewood and Sitka. Never thought to give it a go...

Looking at my guitar they have a VERY similar shape ;)