#1
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My Savoy
I have been a dedicated aficionado of nylon string guitars. But then Strumalot put some nylon strings on the steel string Savoy and said they sounded good--indeed, he provided a recording that supports his impression. So I had to try a Savoy.
Kramster enabled the try by offering me his Savoy with the condition that if it didn't work for me and I decided to sell it he would have the right of first refusal. I could not refuse that offer. The guitar arrived this morning. I haven't had a lot of time with the instrument but I do have some first impressions. It is a beautiful, sweet sounding instrument. It is light, well balanced, and the cut-a-way allows play at the upper end of the scale. There are several uncertainties. I do not like steel strings and my judgement regarding the guitar will have to wait until the ordered nylon strings arrive. I also have reservations regarding the narrow nut width; I had the same reservations regarding the Rainsong Parlor but found that I adapted and perhaps I'll do the same with the Savoy. I took the guitar down to the tree bar and two village players gave it a run. The one player is a professional and thought the guitar is well worth the money. The second player wanted to purchase the guitar on the spot. I've always been skeptical about a guitar that can do well with both steel and nylon strings. But the possibility is appealing and I am grateful to Strumalot and Kramster for the chance to check out it out. |
#2
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Very nice of Kram to do that. I hope it works out well for you with nylons, Evan.
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Tom '21 Martin D-18 Standard | '02 Taylor 814c | '18 Taylor 214ceDLX | '18 Taylor 150e-12 | '78 Ibanez Dread (First acoustic) | '08 CA Cargo | '02 Fender Strat American '57 RI My original songs |
#3
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Another example of CF forum members looking out for each other. No downside to this arrangement for both parties. I look forward to hearing your take on it, Evan, when you get some nylon strings on it.
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Some CF, some wood. |
#4
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It's nice to see something working out well for a change....good luck with the nylons !
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John |
#5
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That Kramster guy is a real peach
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2014 Emerald X10 Quilted Maple 2016 Journey OF660 2020 McPherson Sable Gold EVO Honeycomb |
#6
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That is so awesome! The AGF is a great community. Please do let us know how it goes.
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#7
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So far, my fingers hurt--but no blood, yet. Also, those darned strings are really close.
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#8
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I was wondering what happened to my Savoy... Now I think I know...
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YUP.... Emerald: X-20, Center hole X-10 (Maple) and X-7 (redwood), Spalted Chen Chen X 10 level 3, CA: Early OX and Cargo McPherson: Early Kevin Michael Proto Some wood things by Epi, Harmony, Takamine, Good Time, PRS, Slick, Gypsy Music, keyboards, wind controllers.. etc |
#9
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Nice to see your name again Kramster!
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-Joe Martin 000-1 Rainsong CH-OM Martin SC10e sapele My Band's Spotify page https://open.spotify.com/artist/2KKD...SVeZXf046SaPoQ |
#10
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Mr. K;
Miss Savoy just wasn't getting enough attention. She migrated North, probably left the house whilst you were napping or reading a book, or sitting by the pool or taking pictures. Not only is she getting some attention, she's going to get some nylons. |
#11
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EvanB, you're probably going to get a bass run in those nylons. Rumor has it that, at first, Kramster didn't want to part with the Savoy but, shortly after, after he said "uncle."
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#12
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Five days into the Savoy and I am increasingly impressed--it is far better instrument than I am a player. I am getting used to the narrow nut width of a steel string and getting a better idea of how clean the guitar plays and sounds.
I'm also finding that the guitar can be incredibly dainty or incredibly bold, depending on how it is played. I've heard the observation that this guitar plays beyond its size; indeed, this guitar plays and sounds like a full sized instrument. I'm also liking the short scale and the cut-a-way--the upper reaches are easy and continue to sound good. I've just received a set of Martin hard tension nylon strings and will be moving toward some nylon play. I'll probably start the process one string at a time since I hate changing strings. I'll see how the bass goes and move on from there. As es86 noted, Kramster said uncle and the rest is ongoing................... |
#13
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All I can say at a time like this is go Unc GO!! Nuff said.
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YUP.... Emerald: X-20, Center hole X-10 (Maple) and X-7 (redwood), Spalted Chen Chen X 10 level 3, CA: Early OX and Cargo McPherson: Early Kevin Michael Proto Some wood things by Epi, Harmony, Takamine, Good Time, PRS, Slick, Gypsy Music, keyboards, wind controllers.. etc |
#14
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I'm one week into steel strings and one week into Martin hard tension nylon strings. Jeff Farr, AKA Strumalot, was right, the Savoy is a marvelous nylon string guitar.
I was highly skeptical until the first strum. The guitar is very light and very responsive. I've been spoiled by Alistair's ergonomic Emeralds and have found contemporary wooden guitars to be very uncomfortable--Joe's Ekoa is very comfortable. My Savoy was set up for steel strings and is set a little low for nylon strings--there is some buzz. But that low set up makes it all the more remarkable for its projection qualities. I think that with a bit higher set up this guitar might well rival my brother-in-law's Ramirez. I prefer string-tie bridges but have to admit the ball end strings are easier to install. the only thing I would change is the nut width. I can do the 1 6/8" but much prefer a 1 7/8" nut width. However, the narrow nut width forces me to play more precisely. I found the same thing with my Rainsong Parlor nylon string guitar. I've made a few guitars and have been familiar with a number of different guitar bracing options. The bracing used by Joe with the Savoy is totally alien to me and somehow makes for an incredibly resonant instrument. I have more to report, but that will come later. |
#15
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LATER
One of the things I particular like about the Savoy is that from a short distance it looks like a very traditional mahogany guitar. But, with closer examination the instrument is light years away from tradition. The material, shape and bracing are all innovative and lead to a remarkable guitar. I've enjoyed seeing the double-takes of people who look and then look again in realizing that something is different here; those rounded edges, that unusual cut-a-way, and a woody fiber that is not wood. As my nephew likes to say, Yup................... |