Advice on the Blackbird Rider

[Ross5050]

For many months, I've been hoping to get my hands on a Blackbird Rider Nylon. As you know, the guitar is out-of-production, and rather hard to find. Or at least it seems so to me. My web searches have come up empty and I've reached out to the folks at both LA Guitar Sales and Elderly Instruments but so far, no luck.

I would be much obliged if anyone here could suggest some new leads on this instrument. Thanks!

The nylon Rider is a very nice instrument, and, as you point out, very hard to find. You might try contacting Blackbird Joe and see if he has any ideas regarding how and where you might find the Guitar. He may have a spare laying around or a local fan with an available guitar.

And the usual possibilities: this forum, Ebay, Craig's List, Reverb.

Good luck.

There is one on Reverb now. I also see one on Uncrate (whatever that is). eb

[Ross5050]

Many thanks for your reply and advice! Unless I'm doing something wrong, I think the Reverb and Uncrate posts you see are no longer active.

[TRose]

They are certainly a rare bird. I’ve been interested as well and very rarely do they appear in the market place.
Good luck with your search.

I wonder if enough interested customers could convince Joe to produce a limited production? He did for the Super OM, making 5 nylon string versions for 5 avid customers. He probably still has the molds.

[Captain Jim]

Is BlackBird making anything carbon fiber these days? I thought they had gone to all ekoa.

I think you're right Jim. As to whether Joe would make a retro???? Only way to find out is to ask. I hope Ross reports back.

Ross;

While you're at it, ask Joe if he'd make an ekoa nylon string guitar if enough people made the request.

[steelvibe]

Just spotted on Reverb, no affiliation.....just a heads up if you are still in the market

https://reverb.com/item/35752051-bla...r-with-gig-bag

[mountainmaster]

Originally Posted by steelvibe

Just spotted on Reverb, no affiliation.....just a heads up if you are still in the market

https://reverb.com/item/35752051-bla...r-with-gig-bag

Good job on spotting one of the rare Blackbirds, although this is neither a rider nor a nylon string.

[steelvibe]

Originally Posted by mountainmaster

Good job on spotting one of the rare Blackbirds, although this is neither a rider nor a nylon string.

Oh man, and here I though I was being helpful.

Back under my rock

It may be neither nor, but it's a unique, interesting, and sweet guitar.

[Ross5050]

Originally Posted by EvanB

I think you're right Jim. As to whether Joe would make a retro???? Only way to find out is to ask. I hope Ross reports back.

So, I wrote to Blackbird, inquiring if, given sufficient interest, they would make more Riders or make an ekoa nylon . This is the reply:

"Currently we are at our production capacity focusing on the two models of guitars and two models of ukuleles we are building. While we hope to offer an Ekoa nylon string guitar in the near future, we’re unfortunately unable to do so at this time."

Bummer. The search goes on. Shame that there are so few options for a carbon fiber "classical." Maybe it's best to just start saving for a custom Emerald?

Ross;

Thanks for making the contact with Joe. I (and I'm sure others)would like to see an Ekoa nylon string coming from Blackbird.