Quote:
Originally Posted by steveh
I think you first need to settle on what you want.
I'll assume you want a top-of-the-class sole luthier guitar (you mention Sobell)?
Given that, there are three broad choices:
1. Modern, USA style, Californification guitar. Well, at present we don't do that very well in the UK (we will in the near future...), so that's not really on. There is no British Traugott, Somogyi or Kostal.
2. Traditional Martin type voice, but with added modern touches (think more overtones, clarity): IMHO that's Ralph Bown period. His work is world class. And very reasonably priced for what's on offer. Ralph's fit-and-finish is also exemplary so you can enjoy admiring it when you're not playing it. A Ralph OM could be a lifetime guitar.
3. Sobellesque, clarity, power, separation, and steeliness. We do that very well indeed. Obviously you can go to the Horse's mouth (i.e. Sobell himself) but Rory Dowling of Taran guitars make a fabulous alternative (for much less GBP) as does Nigel Forster as mentioned. Nigel is now in Germany but is often back in the UK so I wouldn't let that put you off. His session king guitar is idiosyncratic, dirt-cheap (relatively) and well worth consideration.
Of course there are many, many others. Nic Benjamin is well known. I played a fabulous Richard Osbourne a few years ago at a show. The list is long. Yo need to settle on what "style" you are after sonically - there is a huge chasm between a Bown OM and a Sobell model 1 in terms of style.
Cheers,
Steve
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+1 to everything Steve says here! Especially, first settling on what you want.
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Acoustic Music Co (TAMCO) UK
I am happy to order a US or Canadian made guitar for you from any of the luthiers I represent. The cost would be the same as ordering yourself after paying taxes etc. But not Brazilian rosewood as you say.
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Yes, I certainly wouldn't discount a US-built guitar just because of the shipping.
Finally, are you sure you want a custom-built guitar? I would only recommend going down this route if you really know the builder's work first hand, and have a very clear idea of what you want. Otherwise it's going to be a complete stab in the dark, for both you and the builder, and may not end well.
There are two great dealers in the UK, specialising in US luthier-built instruments -
The Acoustic Music Company in Brighton and
The North American Guitar in London. I would strongly urge you to visit both, and play as many of their stock guitars as you can to get a real feel for the different luthiers. You are more than likely to find the guitar that's perfect for you from stock.
Only if you find one that is close to perfect, and you're sure about what you want to change in a custom instrument, would I then place a custom order with that luthier.
Finding a selection of guitars from UK luthiers is much more difficult. But the same applies - I would always recommend you to try a guitar built by a luthier before considering placing a custom order.
Cheers,
David