The Cult of McIlroy membership thread

[Eucatastrophe]

Originally Posted by martinedwards

AJ16



No 887



Mahogany / Italian (Val de Fiemme) spruce large Jumbo.



the story?



Well, I'd Played a friend's Koa Mcilroy 7 or 8 years ago. it was quite simply the finest musical instrument I'd ever been in the same room as.



as a high school design technology teacher I had a big old workshop, so I started building guitars myself. and mandolins, bouzoukis etc etc.



eventually I had to take early retirement because my lower back is toast.....



so, I had a stock of tonewood and no workshop anymore, so it went on eBay.



Dermot contacted me and asked could he buy all my Rosewood back and side sets. I live about 10 miles from his workshop so I jumped at the chance for a visit.



I suggested the possibility of a trade for maybe a second/blemished guitar, but he doesn't do those......



Anyway, I arrive in Antrim and he shows me around the factory and there are three guitars hanging in the hallway. one had damage on the top around the fingerboard join. one had the top smashed in and had been (almost) invisibly repaired. I cant remember what was up with the other one.



I refused to touch them on the way past. I couldn't afford to touch them......



I touched to one with the repaired top.



Ok, how much?



its not for sale.



everything has a price, go on......



he said a price.



I went to the ATM.



he got a stack of rosewood back and side sets and some cash, I got a guitar which sings to my soul every time I touch it.



I KNOW how fortunate I am. I could never justify buying one of these magnificent instruments, either artistically or financially, but here I am.



I know some folk are very precious about their high end instruments and won't let another soul anywhere near them, but I let all comers play this because it deserves to be played by people who are better players than me!



I sing Dermot's praises at every opportunity.



I've played many Lowdens and Avalons over the years (I went to school about 1/2 a mile from the Newtownards factory and know Ernie McMillan who was their senior luthier for years)



their necks, just don't fit in my hand the way the McIlroy neck does.



I'm Just a little passionate about it as I'm sure you can guess!

One of the best McIlroy stories!! Thanks so much for sharing this

I agree 100% about Dermot’s necks. I just love the profile. And I just love that you encourage others to play yours. We are blessed indeed!

[msb100712]

Very cool!
I see no A19's, one of which I am the proud owner. May I apply for membership?
Which may be temporary.... I absolutely love this guitar, but it's a bit too big for me, sadly. If anyone is interested in a sale, or trade for smaller body, please pm me.
Thanks!

[Eucatastrophe]

Originally Posted by msb100712

Very cool!

I see no A19's, one of which I am the proud owner. May I apply for membership?

Which may be temporary.... I absolutely love this guitar, but it's a bit too big for me, sadly. If anyone is interested in a sale, or trade for smaller body, please pm me.

Thanks!

Of course!! Welcome. Sorry that A19 isn’t fitting you well. Enjoy it as much as possible while you can. And try to take some videos of your playing with it. You’ll want to hear it again even after it’s gone. I had to sell my A30c a couple years ago because it was just too deep for me. My custom AP25 is just the right fit for me.

[BenCoy_SC]

Just put a deposit on an A25 and I’m a bit giddy with excitement!
I’m considering going very minimalistic with this guitar as I have 2 guitars with Baggs magnetics and JJB Prestige 330’s. I don’t want a soundhole pickup in the McIlroy and may not install anything. Anyone have any advice or systems that work for you?
- Ben

[stevecuss]

Originally Posted by BenCoy_SC

Just put a deposit on an A25 and I’m a bit giddy with excitement!
I’m considering going very minimalistic with this guitar as I have 2 guitars with Baggs magnetics and JJB Prestige 330’s. I don’t want a soundhole pickup in the McIlroy and may not install anything. Anyone have any advice or systems that work for you?
- Ben

Ben,

Welcome to AGF! This is a fantastic community with a lot of helpful folks. Also, welcome to the amazing world of Mcilroy guitar ownership.

I have a passive Schatten HFN in my Mcilroy and I'm very happy with it. Pickup choice can be a very personal decision based on many assumptions and goals. My goals were: no battery inside, no glue inside, light weight.

The Schatten has very low output so it needs a good external preamp, but the sound is natural, it can get VERY loud and with tape or putty, it is non invasive.

So I'm a big fan of it, but I want to also say that there are MANY fantastic pickup options that will work for you.

best to you

Steve C

[BenCoy_SC]

Originally Posted by stevecuss

Ben,

Welcome to AGF! This is a fantastic community with a lot of helpful folks. Also, welcome to the amazing world of Mcilroy guitar ownership.

I have a passive Schatten HFN in my Mcilroy and I'm very happy with it. Pickup choice can be a very personal decision based on many assumptions and goals. My goals were: no battery inside, no glue inside, light weight.

The Schatten has very low output so it needs a good external preamp, but the sound is natural, it can get VERY loud and with tape or putty, it is non invasive.

So I'm a big fan of it, but I want to also say that there are MANY fantastic pickup options that will work for you.

best to you

Steve C

Thanks, Steve!
I think I read a previous post of your’s regarding the Schatten. I’m reluctant to drill out the endpin and may opt to leave it alone. I have a preamp I love (Red-Eye) so a passive route is not out of the realm of possibility. I also use a Helix and found that pretty amazing stash of IR’s you linked! Going to have some fun with those!
Thanks again!

[stevecuss]

Originally Posted by BenCoy_SC

Thanks, Steve!
I think I read a previous post of your’s regarding the Schatten. I’m reluctant to drill out the endpin and may opt to leave it alone. I have a preamp I love (Red-Eye) so a passive route is not out of the realm of possibility. I also use a Helix and found that pretty amazing stash of IR’s you linked! Going to have some fun with those!
Thanks again!

That is outstanding - the Red Eye and Helix are both excellent. I think you can get a 'vintage' end pin jack that doesn't require extra drilling if I recall. I've never used one myself. Almost all major pickups use an endpin jack, unless you want to go with a magnetic sound hole pickup. You can get excellent ones that sound very natural, but the cable out the sound hole could potentially rub that soft cedar top a bit.

cheers

Steve

[The Badger]

Hi David
Two more for your list.
A36C and A65 custom.
Angel voices. They will charm me forever.

[Eucatastrophe]

Originally Posted by The Badger

Hi David

Two more for your list.

A36C and A65 custom.

Angel voices. They will charm me forever.

Welcome!! That’s a wonderful pair of McIlroys!!

As far as AGF goes this is a pretty thread to connect with other McIlroy owners but if you’re on FB I highly recommend the Mcilroy Guitars owners group there. Lots of good discussion, videos and pics

Blessings!

[Mark L]

Eucatastrophe, could you please post a link to the McIlroy owners group on FB?
All I see is McIlroy Guitars fb site. Thanks.

Btw, superb A36 here, love it!

[Eucatastrophe]

Originally Posted by Mark L

Eucatastrophe, could you please post a link to the McIlroy owners group on FB?

All I see is McIlroy Guitars fb site. Thanks.



Btw, superb A36 here, love it!

I would love to play an A36! Always have wanted to hear that Alpine Spruce in person.

Here’s the link All you need is a FB account and then request to join the private group!

https://m.facebook.com/groups/233484...eferrer=search

[Mark L]

Thank you sir! I appreciate that.

The A model is really a great build in every respect, and the Val de Fiemme spruce top is really “musical” if you know what I mean. It sings. Good for flatpick and fingerstyle. Acquired it a few years ago right here on AGF.

BTW, if you’re looking to acquire an A36 with val de fiemme and very fine MRW back and sides, I know where there is one FS. You can pm me if you like and continue to discuss, no need to hijack the thread. It’s not mine, but I know the owner who is a fine player. It’s a great instrument.

In all cases, thank you very much for the link, and best wishes. Mark.

[Mayfair]

I forgot to request official membership again now that I have the A30!

Hoping to get some recordings done with it soon and I'll post them here.

[Eucatastrophe]

DrDavid used to “moderate” this thread and encourage all you wonderful McIlroy owners and followers. Does anyone know what has happened to our friend?

[The Badger]

Hi David
Can I get myself registered please?
A36C Italian Spruce and Rosewood, & A65Custom Cedar and Walnut. Glorious instruments.
Go raibh mile maith agat.
The Badger