Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar

Subject: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Vic at Home
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:05 AM

I am reluctantly forced to sell my beloved Armstrong but have no idea of best method of sale and its value.
It is numbered 430/1090 so was produced in 1990 - I have owned it since 1994 (ex demo model).It was once played by Martin Carthy (about 5 mins at my house.)

Any ideas would be greatfully received as I am getting conflicting messages from local sources.

Vic

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Chris B (Born Again Scouser)
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:24 AM

I'll give you £20 for it.

Seriously, as you know yourself, Rob Armstrong is one of this country's most respected makers. Depending on the model, materials etc I suspect you have a very good instrument there. One thing about Rob Armstrong, though, is that he often prided himself on using inexpensive materials to produce good-sounding instruments. Might be worth contacting some of the players who already use his instruments - they might fancy getting hold of another one. Simon Nicol, Gordon Giltrap and Bob Wood have all played them in the past. I think there was an album a few years ago by different players who were all using Armstrong guitars. If I were you I'd try a few of them through their websites rather than going through Ebay. With Ebay you're hoping that someone who actually knows about guitars will see it.

Oh, all right. £25. And that's my final offer.

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Two of a Hind
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 09:27 AM

I know Chris Green of Isambarde purchased a new Armstrong guitar 2 years ago, he might have some idea.

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 09:46 AM

Andy Cavan had one, and so did Jay Turner of Mundy-Turner. Excellent instruments both. The former just walked all over my Mugen, and that does not often happen. I'd have guessed a similar new instrument to start at about £2,000 and whether it is now worth more or less depends on whether it is one of the rare instruments that the gods have spoken to, or just damned good.

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 01:39 PM

You could also try contacting Rob himself.

There was a time when, if he heard of one of his guitars for sale in a local second-hand shop, he would go and buy it himself rather than have it sold at below the proper value.

He still looks on them as 'his babies', and may buy it back or at least point you at someone who wants one. He always has a long waiting list so you never know.

That way at least it'll go to a good home rather than to some chancer on ebay.

G

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: mandotim
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 02:22 PM

Rob Armstrong may well take it in and sell it for you. I bought a marvellous mandocello from him a while ago by this method, and he charged £600. As regards value, so much depends on condition, type, tone, volume etc. As a guide, Rob will build you a new six string guitar without fancy inlays and stuff for around £1500. This is one of the best bargains around. I have two of his doublenecks as well, and I know how hard it must be to part with an Armstrong. Hopefully someone on here will hear your guitar calling to them. I certainly do, but it is drowned out by my wife calling 'don't you dare...'!
Good luck, and I hope it goes for loads of money. By the way, the album of people playing Rob's instruments was called 'The Master Craftsman', and a damn fine album it is too.
Tim

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 03:09 PM

Er, incidentally, can you describe your instrument, size, woods, tonal quality - I'm still looking for a guitar that will make me sound like a guitarist, nearly bought a Brook with the voice of an angel last year, but I'm still looking for more of a Hell's Angel, big bottom end boom, biting but not tizzy trebles...

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Chris Green
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 03:36 PM

Richard - if it's anything like the one Rob built for me the bottom end will be a monster and the top will be clear as a bell. Even his parlour guitars have a damn sight more poke than your average box!

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 05:40 PM

Well, yes, hence my interest...

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: open mike
Date: 06 Jul 10 - 08:42 PM

well, there is a Robert Armstrong near here who deals in guitars, too.
http://www.armstrongartandnoveltyhut.com/
He plays musical saw, and sometimes appears with Reggie Miles.

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Acorn4
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 02:49 AM

If you get stuck, Vic, John Montague might be able to get you a good price:-

http://www.allguitars.com/

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Vic at home
Date: 07 Jul 10 - 01:58 PM

Thanks All,

Now on the way.

Richard, I am getting all the info together and will contact you.

I have regular contact with Old Nic who I gather you have had contact on occasion.

Vic

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Vic at home
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 02:38 PM

Richard, if you are still interested contact me.

Vic

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 03:36 PM

Thank you for the long chat the other day Vic. It not being a dreadnought or a Superjumbo I think the logistical difficulties of our getting together for me to try it out are disproportionate. I do appreciate your time though.

If you have not sold and are coming as far south as nearly Watford (or Epping Forest - both of which are not too far for me to go on spec), I would like to try to meet you, but there is no chance of my being north of Watford within a reasonable space of time - so feel no obligation to me and proceed with anyone else interested if you see fit.

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Vic at home
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 03:20 AM

Thanks Richard - will do.

Vic

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,chatham girl
Date: 12 Jul 10 - 10:40 AM

Vic - I am very interested in buying your Rob Armstrong guitar. Perhaps we could discuss it 'off thread'? If so please email me at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 12:14 PM

Just seen in tonight's Coventry Telegraph that Rob's workshop was totally destroyed in a fire on Sunday. Rob is in hospital being treated for burns.

No further info at this stage.

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 14 Jul 10 - 06:49 AM

Graham, I don't know Rob or or his guitars (being merely a humble washboard scraper)but this is a dreadful thing to happen to a craftsman. I hope he and his business recover soon.

RtS

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Tony Smith
Date: 18 Aug 10 - 11:48 AM

Hi,

I am interested in your Armstrong guitar if you still have it.

Please email me at [e-mail] and let me know.

Cheers,

Tony

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Chris Wylde
Date: 08 Sep 10 - 03:57 PM

Hi everyone,

Just found out about rob. I have 5 of his guitars here in the USA. I know him very well. If anyone wishes to know more about the man and his work please email me at [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,David Morris in Dorset
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 08:18 AM

Dear Mr Wylde,

I have a Rob Armstrong Acoustic guitar number 470/692 that was given to me as a gift from a friend who's husband died a while back. Can you tell me anything about it? I'm not planning to sell it but interested in its history. I would register if I could get details of the "owners register". Do you have any knowledge of this?

Yours sincerely,

David Morris

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: Chris Green
Date: 30 Sep 10 - 10:48 AM

The serial number means that it was the 470th instrument that Rob made and that he built it in June 1992. Other than that, I'd suggest the person most likely to know about its provenance is Rob himself, but as you'll see further up the thread, he was injured in a workshop fire earlier this year. I heard that he hadn't suffered any permanent physical damage, but I've no idea if he's back in circulation or not. I'll make some inquiries and if he is, I'm quite happy to pass you on some contact details.

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Number 161/971
Date: 01 Aug 15 - 06:56 PM

I have an early (September 1971) Rob Armstrong guitar in very good condition that I would consider selling. It is the 161st instrument that Rob made. It has superb tone and massive resonance. The instrument is in my collection and is currently in Ireland. [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Help! Rob Armstrong Guitar
From: GUEST,Aidan O'Brien
Date: 08 Jan 22 - 06:15 AM

Hi All I've got a 1977 Rob Armstrong acoustic with the Oval sounddhole and a Barcus Berry pickup . Its got Indian Rosewood back and sides with the Spruce soundboard. Some crazing to varnish top and neck with some usual dings . Brazilian Rosewoood fretboard and Bridge. Much inlay as it was an exhibition model.
For photos and certificate of ownership email [e-mail]
I'm looking for offers in the region of £1400 , I'm based in Warrington Cheshire.

Cheers

Aidan O'Brien
Rob A guitar 1977 acoustic