Underappreciated luthiers and instrument

Subject: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 31 Jul 02 - 03:37 PM

Even though I do not play guitar, I could not help noting that the response to the Taylor and Appolonio threads suggests that both of these luthiers seem almost unknown. When their instruments are compared to the mass market instruments, they give better sound for less cost. I am sure there are other, also less known, instrument builders out there. If you know them, please mention them with a way to contact them. Going by what I know of Appolonio, they need the work. (ps, his land line is 207 - 236-6312)

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 31 Jul 02 - 07:35 PM

Taylor, an "unknown luthier"? Are we talking about Bob Taylor, of Taylor Guitars?

Murray

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: rangeroger
Date: 31 Jul 02 - 09:10 PM

Taylor Guitar is turning out approximately $25 Million a year in product.

Yep. Underappreciated.

rr

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Paul G.
Date: 31 Jul 02 - 10:12 PM

Try my friend Richard Mermer, of Sebastian Florida. www.mermerguitars.com

p.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 31 Jul 02 - 10:38 PM

Ronnie Griffin at Griffin Guitars in Waycross, Georgia BLICKIE builds some fine guitars when he's not up to his butt in repair work. He has become the guy in the Southeast U.S. to send your vintage Martin to for repairs. He built the walnut guitar with which Allen Shadd won the National Flatpick Contest at Winfield, KS in '97 (and on which he'll probably win it again this year).

Bruce

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Justa Picker
Date: 31 Jul 02 - 10:43 PM

Dana Bourgeois Guitars

Dudenbostel Guitars

John Greven Guitars

Linda Manzer Guitars

Schoenberg Guitars

Kathy Wingert Guitars

Fabrizio Alberico Guitars

Proulx Guitars

Merrill Brothers Guitars

Michael Gurian Guitars

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Mudlark
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 04:22 AM

Bob and Janita Baker of Blue Lion make wonderful guitars and the best sounding dulcimers I've ever heard. Their website can be found with a search on Blue Lion.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 04:40 AM

The lack of response to taylor is because it's all been said!

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 09:30 AM

Glen Reid.

http://www.onlink.net/~glenreid/Grinst.html

Particularly his fine acoustic bass guitar.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Amos
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 10:39 AM

[Mitchell Guitars]

[Moonstone Guitars]  


[Olson Guitars ]

[Omega Instruments]  
[Jonathan Payne Instruments]


[Pet Gallery]  
[Rainsong Guitars]

[Radicic Guitars]  
[Robertson Guitars]


[Roy Rogers: King of the Cowboys]

[Ryan Guitars]

[Sheppard Guitars]  
[Tacoma Guitars]

[Thompson Guitars]  
[Tippin Guitars]

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Amos
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 10:42 AM

Apologies -- the above links won't work. To find these pages go to Grevin Guitars and use the links at the bottom of that page instead. They are local link references.

A

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: M.Ted
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 12:31 PM

Rather than just posting links, how about a few comments about the instruments--and, JP, since when is Michael Gurian unknown?

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Mooh
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 01:35 PM

I usually take every opportunity to plug Marc Beneteau acoustic guitars. I first played one at the London Guitar Shop (London Ontario, that is) while shopping for a Taylor. After 3 Beneteaus (6, 12, baritone) I still don't have a Taylor. I didn't buy from the shop however, because a visit to Marc, and long discussions about design and so on, meant I ordered direct. I know I/we have discussed this at some length in other threads, so I won't bore you with the details except to say that Beneteau guitars are of the finest calibre in sound, craftsmanship, appearance, and playability.

www.beneteauguitars.com (I think)

There's so many guitars to choose from beyond that threshold of quality which defines a fine guitar nowadays.

Peace, Mooh

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Garydon986
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 02:15 PM

Hoffman guitars are the best I've heard I bought one particularly for a sweet haunting sound good volume as well. Charlie realy stands behind his work too.

Gary®

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Don Firth
Date: 01 Aug 02 - 03:11 PM

Sam Radding in San Diego. He used to run a guitar repair shop years ago where Bob Taylor hung out and learned how to make guitars. Sam is now making small travel guitars, and he has a traditional parlor guitar on the drawing boards that is soon to come out. Preliminary reviews are glowing.

He makes the travel guitars to order, and only a limited number per month. They're small, 33" long and 8" wide, and they look like a cross between a guitar and a canoe paddle. Kinda funky looking, but don't let that fool you. The workmanship is absolutely outstanding. Clean inside and out, and all the joints are flush and undetectable to the touch. Spruce soundboard, mahogany or walnut back and sides, two body sizes (depth), standard or "Grande," your choice.

Last year I ordered a Go Grande Walnut guitar, nylon string model. When it arrived, I took it out of the packing box, removed it from its plush, puffy gig bag, and tuned it up. I was amazed! It sounded like a full-size guitar! Although it's not quite as loud as my full-size concert classic guitar, there is no doubt that this is a real guitar, despite the fact that it looks a bit like a cricket bat with strings.

Most travel guitars I've heard sound more like dulcimers than guitars, but this is not one of them. Some people do use them on stage, and one of the options is a Fishman Matrix pick-up. I ordered mine without the pick-up, but I would have no qualms about using it in a small venue like a coffeehouse or house concert—or anywhere there's a house microphone.

I've had mine for a year, and I like it so much that I recently ordered a steel-string model. I just got an e-mail from Sam that he shipped it yesterday and it should be arriving on Monday. Also, Sam is a great guy to deal with.

Check 'em out.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,ozmacca
Date: 02 Aug 02 - 03:04 AM

Aussie Commercial time! I've hust got to put in my tuppenceworth in this thread, even if I don't actually play strings.

If you live around the South East corner of Queensland, have a word with Doug Eaton and Dale Jacobsen of Stanley River Music. Their two person workshop produces mandolins, guitars, dulcimers (hammered and Apalachian) psalteries etc, mostly to order. I haven't heard of anyone being disappointed yet, and all of their instruments are widely recognised as excellent value and beautiful examples of craftsmanship. Phone [phone] and say the drummer sent you......

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: JohnnyBGoode
Date: 02 Aug 02 - 03:16 AM

I have a Thompson...it's really something, and small, loud, well-constructed, sweet. Sounds good finger picked and strummed.

Also have a brazilian Larrivee lc-10, an even better guitar, even though possibly more mass-produced. Very even, loud, and solid.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 05:23 AM

Kincade, Bristol, England.
Atkins, Canterbury, England.
Armstrong, somewhere in the Midlands, England (comment heard, "People at festivals keep asking me what sort of amplifier I've got in my tent. I haven't. I just play an Armstrong").
The eccentric bloke who builds carved archtops with a structure a bit like a violin in England - same prices as small cars (!), but allegedly just get louder the further away you stand.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: John Robinson (aka Cittern)
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 05:46 AM

Andy Manson - simply superb instruments. He has built two for Julie, including a very unusual instrument which opens up the neck high up.

You can find a photo at:

http://www.AndyManson.co.uk/ellison.htm

Notice where the neck joins the body! Also this instrument has no heel - so the neck is really accessible.

Last time we visited the workshop he was building a mermaid, complete with a guitar which you play by putting your arms around the mermaid - she also has sound hole in the side of her head so that the results of the performance are directed into the player's right ear. Difficult to describe or imagine I guess, but a stunning piece of craftsmansship when you see it in the "flesh", as it were.

All the best
John Robinson
http://www.JulieEllison.co.uk

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: mooman
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 06:32 AM

I agree about Andy Manson making very fine instruments. I played a Manson Kingfisher for many years.

By, as 'Spaw knows, I cannot let the thread pass without a plug for my favourite luthier - Martin Seeliger of Lakewood Guitars, made in Giessen, Germany. My custom "M" series Lakewood surpasses any other guitar I've owned or played including the Manson, Lowden, Gibson, Marin, Guild and others for tone and playability.

Having said this, every guitar from a talented luthier is different and unique and appreciation is in the ear of the player as always.

Lakewood Guitars English language website

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Mooh
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 07:21 AM

Though I've never met the man beyond a friendly email about two years ago, I have a Jim Moon (Moon Guitars) flat-top mandolin which I adore.

There seems to be lots of folks entering the business nowadays. One of my long time guitar students took a course, set up shop, and is now building his first guitars. I took a chance, tried to be supportive, and ordered a guitar-bodied octave mandolin hybrid. I should have it by summer if all goes well.

Another new one is Steve Dickie Guitars. I don't have the link but a quick search would turn it up. I plan to visit his shop this year if the snow ever stops falling and the highways reopen.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Midchuck
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 09:38 AM

Brag time!

The Proulx that I now own (the only slothead dreadnought and the only sunburst, that Mario has yet built) has it's own web page.

Only trouble is, it's so loud my wife discourages my playing it in the house, and I don't want to take it outdoors in this weather even if it was built in North Ontario.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Amos
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:00 AM

Chris Camp of Escondido, California runs a small shop callled Camp Music and is the official Martin luthier for warranty work in this region and an excellent luthier. He is just expanding into custom guitar creations and his work is beautiful.

A

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: van lingle
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 10:13 AM

There is a builder down here in Naples, FL who is doing something pretty different. Ross Teigen makes asymetrical bodied acoustic flatop guitars in his one man shop. His basic model is roughly dreadnought-sized with fairly Spartan appointments and rather than situating a single soundhole in the traditional area just below the fingerboard he has placed a port at the horn of the cutaway and one on the bass side rim which frees him from having to brace heavily around an opening that runs in line with the string pull. This results in a very light instrument with a large area of vibrating soundboard. A rosewood/engleman guitar I recently played at his shop that was less than a month old was one of the sweetest sounding and loudest instruments I've ever played with surprisingly good treble response. His prices are pretty reasonable for a handmade instrument and the craftsmanship seems to be flawless. He has a website but I'm not sure he's updated it in a while. Ross tells me he's going to make some guitars to be sold at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville. vl

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: freightdawg
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 12:44 PM

Well, since others went first, I gotta put a good word in for my friends at Pimentel Guitars here in Albuquerque. (See the link in the the links section of Mudcat). They produce award winning guitars, but are relatively unknown (make about 300 guitars a year). Their guitars are not only musically superior, but the hand worked inlays are some of the most beautiful woodwork that you will see. Each guitar is unique to the owner - no two are ever allowed to be exactly alike. The designs may be similar, but must be altered in some form or fashion (color, some design alteration). Price ranges from about $1,200 up to $10,000 or more. These guitars have been used as awards for guitar playing championships, and are coveted by musicians of all types: classical, Flamenco, steel string, 12-string, jazz fusion, you name it. All the guitar makers are members of the Pimentel family, and two of the sons are renowned classical guitarists. Give them a look-see.

Freightdawg, proud owner of multiple Pimentels, soon to be more.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Willie-O
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 01:36 PM

Van Lingle, Allan Beardsell in Toronto also makes guitars with the soundhole or "port" on the bass side--plus a verry narrow opening on the top. The philosophy is, in part, that the player should get the full benefit of the sound!

Oskar Graf (see his thread listed above) is perhaps the luthier of choice for working professional acoustic guitarists in Canada. Makes a dozen a year, period, generally has a three-year waiting list, so he doesn't need the plug from me. Oskar's instruments are exquisitely crafted but not ornate; his philosophy and approach are that the art is in finding the best pieces of wood and shaping everything to the nth degree to get the best possible sound; the ultimate player's instruments.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Mark Ross
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 02:37 PM

Ivon Schmukler made me a 0000-18 style herringbone 30 years ago, and it is the best guitar I've ever played. He's still in business in western Massachussetts. Check him out at;

www.leedsguitars.com
Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: van lingle
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 09:41 PM

Right, Willie-o. Ross tells me he placed his top port there for acoustic reasons but since most of his customers are living room pickers the in-your-face aspect of it works out pretty well. vl

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Gypsy
Date: 22 Feb 04 - 09:48 PM

David Dart..........you can usually seem him at Kate Wolf Festival, and Wild Iris. Website same name. Incredible pieces......has a koa parlour guitar that makes me wanna play guitar!

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Deskjet
Date: 23 Feb 04 - 06:37 PM

Here's a shout for Derrick Nelson here in Ireland.
He looks after a lot of "Names" and us unknown folk.
He builds wonderful sounding guitars.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Asselbee
Date: 14 May 04 - 09:44 AM

Try Ralph Bowen from York - Great guitars
Saw John Renbourn recently and he was playing one
nuff said

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: cobber
Date: 15 May 04 - 02:35 AM

If you ever come to Australia, check out Chris Ffinch in Melbourne. Easy to find in the phone book as there are not many double f's. Last I saw, he was working at Soundworks in Ringwood. He used to be a designer for Maton guitars and the guitar I use the most was the prototype for a model that was later called the Messiah. I love it. He also does the best repairs. My Stewart banjo got broken right through the enhgraving on the heel, a really messy break. When I got it back from Chris, I couldn't see where the damage had been. He doesn't make many guitares so they tend to be really sought after.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 15 May 04 - 06:02 AM

Paul Shippey in Bristol [ UK ] makes the best sounding mandolins in the UK.
eric

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Simon Alexander
Date: 05 Sep 04 - 02:01 PM

John bailey was the best of them all.he was the pioneer- if anyone else out there has one of his instruments let me know - the dulcimers he made were pretty good too!!

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Sorcha
Date: 05 Sep 04 - 03:51 PM

My friend a couple towns over, Wynne Buehler. Makes lovely fiddles, violas, mandos, etc...He put my harp back together after it self destructed.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 05:11 PM

Check out some of Jay Turser's instruments. You have to be careful
because the instruments vary greatly in quality, but if your persistent
you can find some excellent guitars there! I own one, nice thin bodied
acoustic instrument, with no model # attached (guess it was a prototype)
and some unintended varnish on the high frets, which produces some wonderful and unexpected harmonics and chimes when playing notes on the
highest frets. I love to practice on this instrument- the action is excellent, the notes true right up to the top of the cutaway, and with my head tilted over the sound hole, the ghost notes are simply gorgeous-
by the way, Turser's instruments are priced very nicely too- mine cost under a hundred dollars. Sometimes I even prefer it over my 1957 Martin!

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Eric
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 02:01 PM

I have a Rob Armstrong - though I am not much of a guitarist its wonderful. The secret is the personal touch. My mate and I spent 2 or 3 hours with Rob in 1996 when I was deciding to buy one and he was testing to see if I was serious. A great experience as he showed me the ones we could see then opened the curtain to show me a few more he kept behind there [for serious buyers I guess]. Then he made me what I asked for and added a few touches to make it even more personal. The part of the Midlands he is in is Coventry by the way. He does not seem to have a website but there used to be some links on Gordon Giltrap's site.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,BFG
Date: 12 Sep 04 - 04:40 PM

I have a guitar made by Vince Hockey of Southamptpon, UK.

I don't know about being 'under-appreciated' but he is certainly not widely known.

Vince is the Martin Registered repairer for Western Europe and is featured in the 'History Of Martin Guitars' book.

When Martin decided to bring out the 'Martin Carthy' signature model, it was Vince they sent to discuss requirements and etc.

There are quite a few 'Hockey' guitars around the world now, including a special 'small-bodied', pink one made for Eliza Carthy.

He has also made acoustic guitars for Albert Lee, Big Jim Sullivan (7 strings)among others and a 'guitar-bodied' mandola for James Fagan.

He has a tiny workshop in Southampton and is one of the nicest blokes I have ever met

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 01:52 PM

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: mandotim
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 03:55 PM

Rob Armstrong can be contacted at;
Rob Armstrong Hand Built Guitars
52 Stratford Street,
Coventry,
CV2 4NJ,
tel [phone]
I have two of his instruments; a 1980s mandocello, and a wonderful, huge 6/12 string doubleneck acoustic from the 1970s, both full of 'unnecessary workmanship'. He is a fabulous guy; all his instruments are made in his shed; someone asked him recently why his guitars were different to Taylors...his reply was that if you are thinking about buying a Taylor, Bob Taylor probably won't stop production, make you a cup of tea, listen to you play a few and discuss exactly what sort of guitar will make you sound best! He's also a fine guitar player and songwriter. I don't think he's ever made two instruments the same; he's always experimenting, trying to find new and better sounds. The instruments are one-offs,and so is he. He has a catalogue of sorts, and the best way to describe the photos is stringporn! No financial interest, just a fan.
Tim from 'Bit on the Side'

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,S. Webb
Date: 18 Dec 04 - 04:29 PM

My entry: Robert "Moze" Mossay of San Diego, California.

    I can't tell you how to get in touch with him. I tried but I never could.

    I bought what appears to be his second guitar (serial number 2) made in 1974, on eBay last year.

    It is the best sounding fullest loudest sweetest guitar I've got. (Others: Thompson TDDL, Kronbauer, George Rose, Yamakis, Daions, G. J. Gould, Dobro, and some early Martin Sigma solidwoods; I had a Martin but sold it when I couldn't afford not to.)

    Fast company to keep up with...


Sterling Webb

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: kendall
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 06:00 AM

Taylor 810 steel 6
Apollonio 12
In my opinion these are the top of the heap.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: PennyBlack
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 07:55 AM

MANUEL RODRIGUEZ

Of course the above is well know for his/their classical guitars but they did produce for a short time steel strung guitars, which are lovely - if you've played an original Lowden you'll know the sound and projection.


PB

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Amos
Date: 19 Dec 04 - 12:13 PM

Moze Guitars of San Diego --- also an authorized Martin luthier -- can be found on the web at http://www.mozeguitars.com/.

A

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Little Musgrave
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 08:53 AM

My particular fave underappreciated luthier is David R. Stubbs, a boatbuilder from Cumbria. I was looking foir a decent acoustic when I came across my Stubbs: second-hand; didn't feel too promiosing when I picked it up (seemed a bit heavy); strummed like a complete bastard & filled the shop I was in with a huge, sweet sound which was exactly what I was after. A couple of hours decision time (and a lot of money) later I was the proud owner. I knew nothing about the luthier, and the instrument itself was some 12 years old, but I eventually managed to trace D. Stubbs. Seems he spent some time building a total of 19 acoustic guitars, but had to give up as the wood-dust was exacerbating his asthma, so he went back to building boats. The most famous 'name' player of Stubbs guitars is John Hammond Jnr. I have yet to see another Stubbs, but if anyone has one, please drop me a line. If you see one, it's well worth trying out. For the record, my Stubbs is no. 15.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: C-flat
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 05:50 PM

Of course the above is well know for his/their classical guitars but they did produce for a short time steel strung guitars, which are lovely - if you've played an original Lowden you'll know the sound and projection

As the proud owner of a steel-strung Manuel Rodriguez I can confirm that it is a fabulous instrument and I would need to spend well in excess of £1000 to find a suitable replacement.
Best £300 quid I've ever spent!!

C-flat.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: C-flat
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 06:07 PM

Some years ago I became aquainted with a guy called Pete Back who, at that time, was running a small hardware business in Sheffield.
One day our conversation turned to guitars and I was suprised to learn that he used to produce a range of handmade instruments but had retired after the death of his first wife.
It was clear, looking through his old photographs that he had made some beautiful guitars in the past and, from the way he became suddenly animated when talking guitars, that he had lost none of his passion for the craft and so I persuaded him to make me a guitar along the lines of a PRS, but with some slightly different neck specifications.
He agreed but insisted that the first guitar he made would be for himself and created a stunning semi-accoustic arch-top, numbered 001.
My guitar was 002 and every bit as mouth watering.
He subsequently sold his hardware business and opened up a guitar shop near Rotherham which I would visit whenever I was in the area.
I lost touch with Pete when he moved to the Richmond area (N.Yorks) but I'm delighted to hear that he's still turning out fine guitars and would like to think that I played a small part in getting Pete back (bad pun)into doing what he loves best.

Pete Back


C-flat.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Pete Sumner
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 07:43 PM

My vote goes to the following luthiers based in Lincolnshire, England

John Le Voi...in Alford, makes some of the finest 'Django' style guitars out there..and other mouth watering models - including mandolins.

Ivor Pickard...in Binbrook, made my cittern back in 1991...still folks come up to me at gigs and ask who made it...pin bridge...rosewood back and sides...superb. He also makes superb guitars and all the mandolin family of instruments.

Chris Toogood is based in Grimsby...saw some of his instruments when I was in UK in September - wonderful sounding...makes 'one offs'...a name to remember for the future.

There's also another Chris from Nazareth....they say his family have made a few good 'uns....
Cheers
Pete Sumner
Los Altos
California

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: DonMeixner
Date: 17 Oct 05 - 09:43 PM

Bernie Lehmann in Rochester, NY

Harry Eibert in Syracuse, NY

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: eleanor c
Date: 18 Oct 05 - 03:02 PM

I think the John Renbourn guitar is by Ralph Bown, not Bowen. They are top notch, I'd love one.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Oct 05 - 07:49 PM

A guy called Roger Williams must be one of the best, after all, players such as Gordon Giltrap has one! Check out his 'Cutaway with a difference' on his Web site http://www.rogerwilliamsguitars.com

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument-MOZE
From: GUEST,Guest Johnny Mannion
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 09:56 PM

Robert "Moze" Mossay is by far the best guitar builder I have found. He built me an acoustic back in '83 that is just amazing. I also have an electric he built back in 78. I have owned other guitars he has made, everyone was huge sounding and balanced. A joy to play.
if you want to get in touch with his shop you can find them online at http://www.mozeguitars.com   
the phone number there is 1-619-698-1185 He only seems to make guitars on special order... but his work is worth the wait and he does it the way YOU want it. You can view my guitars on my website on the gear page.
http://www.johnnymannion.com

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 04:10 AM

Anders Eliasson is a flamenco guitar maker near Granada, he charges 1800 euros for his guitars, and he can only physically make 12no a year. He's never going to get rich is he?

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Bruce Baillie
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 12:15 PM

Andrew Whale made some wonderful instruments before his untimely death, I'm fortunate enough to have a parlour guitar he custom made for me and an Octave Mandolin. And he made good Banjos as well!

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,leftydee
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 11:29 AM

This comes from a guy that owns too many Martins. Check out Godin for electric and Seagull (made by Godin ) for acoustic. These are wonderful guitars. They sound better than lots of Martins and are 1/4 of the price. I've been gigging them for a couple of years based on the overall playability and huge sound they produce.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Briagha
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 02:08 PM

Mentioned already by Mooh above, but I have to add my two cents' worth for Jimmy Moon, of Moon Guitars in Glasgow. I have a Moon bouzouki that both sounds great and feels great to play. I also have an inexpensive Asian-made guitar that I leave in Glasgow at a relative's house because I don't feel comfortable taking my good ones over there from LA as checked baggage. Jimmy Moon took this cheapie for one night and turned it into a very playable guitar that I'm happy to take to sessions, etc. He's a nice guy (and not a guitar player-- he plays bluegrass upright bass!), and I'm counting on having a custom Moon guitar some day in the future.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Alana
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 12:09 PM

Yes, Glen Reid instuments are a treasure kept secret.
His web site is www.glenreid.com to view these amazing fine string instruments.
www.glenreid.com

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Mooh
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 12:40 PM

There was a Reid instrument a while back on the 12th Fret listings (www.12fret.com). Always admired his sense of proportion and design, and the ones I've heard have been very very good.

The previously mentioned Joshua House guitars (www.house-guitars.com) have improved to the point where he is receiving international orders, and his recent ones are stunning in every way. I get to see many of them as they're built and can say that they're worth the international attention.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: oggie
Date: 27 Dec 06 - 04:07 PM

I reccomend this one

http://www.lucasguitars.co.uk/lucas/

All the best

oggie

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,kevin b.
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 01:33 AM

Okay Folks!
You want to add some more unappreciated Luthiers to the list.
Here we go! Although I must preface this by saying that I fully appreciate them! You will too!
I have instruments made by the following individuals:
Note; my numeric ordering has nothing to do with craftsmanship, it's just a list.

FIRST: ROSS TEIGEN: Naples, FL. A gorgeous solid body asymetrical (his signature shape) electric mandolin. Think mandocaster. Just great and incredible workmanship. His flat tops are just wonderful.
He's a super guy who works on all of my guitars as well.

SECOND: KEN POTTS: Maui, Hawaii. Ken is a dear friend who has made me a trio of koa lovliness. Baritone, and tenor Ukuleles, and a travel guitar that is truly stellar. All three were made from the same tree so the grain figure matches throughout. Fabulous!
Super guy too!

THIRD: KEN MILLER: Tallahassee, FL. Made me a beautiful holly soprano ukulele. He does wonderful work, and his inlay work is very niice as well. He makes beautiful mandolins, flat top guitars, and weissenborn style acoustic slide guitars.

GOOGLE THESE THREE NAMES, you'll find web addresses for all of them where you can view their work.
There's my two cents worth!
Thanks,
Kevin B.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 03:38 AM

Anders Eliasson: Hand made flamenco and classical guitars for the price of some factory jobs.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: deadfrett
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 08:08 AM

Dave Wendler of Lawrence, Kansas

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Grimmy
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 09:57 AM

"I think the John Renbourn guitar is by Ralph Bown, not Bowen. They are top notch, I'd love one."

Correct on all counts, Eleanor. Clive Carroll plays one too. I am the proud owner of one as well.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Brook Guitars, a small company in Devon, UK. Superb instruments.

The TAMCO website lists many of the independent makers (not just UK).

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Wesley S
Date: 20 Mar 07 - 10:37 AM

Last week I picked up a Lawrence Smart mandola {tuned CGDA}. A fine instrument - it's been very hard to put down.

Smart Instruments website

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Kevin in Seattle
Date: 30 May 08 - 04:05 PM

I truly would recommend a company called Kremona, they are from Bulgaria. For a few generations they have made violins, having studied in Cremona Italy (where stradavarius is from).

I have an acouostic/electric nylon string Fandango model, and it is beautifula nd sounds great. Nice fingering and quality projection. They haven't been in the U.S. for very long, but people are starting to discover them.

Mine is solit walnut back and sides with Spruce top, and I love it.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,stroknvettn
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 09:26 PM

I'll play my Martin any day. I'll play an old Telly or JazzBass, too!

"Thank you Mr. Martin, I'm alright"...

Thank-you, too, Norm...

I have known Ronnie for more than twenty-five years and he's the only one I trust with my axe. Well... If I can't find Ronnie, Randy Wood's not far away and I KNOW that one is way worth his salt, considering whose guitar he works on that ain't a 'Cruz...

I haven't seen Ronnie in longer'n I'd like to admit and heard a couple years ago almost, that he'd had a significant cardiac event. Surely that explains why we haven't heard more from his neck of the pines lately... But he's still here by His grace so let me close with this:

If ever there were a good, multiply factory-certified, keep-his-word and deliver the workmanship and professionalism ya'll have heard about kinda guy... Don't blink at packaging your guitar and spending for premium shipping. And don't be surprised to have your instrument hand-delivered if you guys frequent the same haunts 'n festivals.

Another thing- I know less than a half-dozen people who have one of Ronnie's custom-crafted guitars- two of them early-effort Brazilian guitars- and they are truly outstandingly crafted and tonally exemplary pieces of artisan work. Let's not disclose the exact number of folks I know who are elated with their Griffin Guitar, rather, I'd close this rambling oratory by opining that there's about 99% satisfaction with those folks instruments and their relationship with Ronnie and his shop.

Ronnie surely deserves to know who believes in him, and his mission. Here's wavin' atchya, old friend... I still need to send you the one with the separated top!

-Frank Farley- (Jax/Sarasota/Crystal River, FL)

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 09:36 PM

Kevin!

Just reading and cought your mention of Ross Teigen... Awesome guy, lmao, HATES upright basses... Have you seen/played any of his fretless basses? WOW! I like an old 'Bone, so his guitars in that design are less important to me- although they are equally remarkable instruments... I just got a real kick back about 1990 when I acquired my 130y/o Czech monster... Rode down from Sarasota to his shop and he wasn't impressed with my relic, and made it real clear that he didn't give a s**t to have a string-bass on his premises!

But then, we got to talking as I noticed some of his basses hanging next to me, and have been acquainted ever since. I can say with certainty that taking a big-bass to his shop is as unholy as visiting a vegetarian friend with some Mountain-House freeze-dried Turkey Tetrazinni lurking in your tote, and the wife kindly goes to do your laundry!

Visit Ross while you're venturing south to check out Ronnie Griffin. Expect something like the Lorax and go away with a new perspective. A heckuva neat individual who deserves cudos for his progressive mindset.

-Frank-

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: theleveller
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 05:44 AM

I agree with Richard that Atkin guitars are excellent - came close to buying one recently but got a great deal on a ex-demo Avalon with a very rare Brazilian Rosewood body instead. Ralph Bown guitars are excellent, too, and I know several people who own them but, if you want one, you'll have to wait several years.

Peter Barton in Addingham near Ilkely makes superb instruments - mainly classical guitars, but also great steel strung guitars (Kate Rusby has two, John McCusker has a cittern).

Thomas Buchanan of Cleckheaton makes absolutely wonderful instruments of the mando family. Mrsleveller has a brilliant mandolin and Tom Bliss has a mandola.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Hamish
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 06:06 AM

Guitars built by Luthier Alan Marshall in Derbyshire in the UK. Specializing in Steel String Acoustics. www.northworthy.com

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 06:21 AM

Is yours a Northworthy, Hamish? It's a beauty!
Sharon Fountain plays Northworthy too.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Hamish
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 06:30 AM

yes, of course. She has a big sister, too. She's also rather nice.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,Gary
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 06:21 AM

I have an acoustic guitar made by PETE BACK of Rotherham, I bought the guitar reasonably cheaply as I had learnt to play on an old Westfield which was dying. I have since played in several folk clubs and a couple of 'professional musicians' have been impressed by the guitar. One of them had a Martin which he said cost over £2000 and thought my guitar was of comparable quality.

Does anyone have more info on Pete or his guitars. It seems he made mostly electrics and both Clapton and Gary Moore played them, along with the band Saxon. I am particularly interested in finding out more about his acoustic guitars.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,999
Date: 19 Feb 12 - 06:48 AM

http://www.peteback.com/

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 06:48 PM

For the attention of Simon Alexander (2004 message) and anyone else who is interested.

My mother owns the first ever guitar made my John Bailey (friend and colleague) circa 1950 / 1955, an acoustic. I'm looking for advice on insurance valuation and restoration.

Can anyone help?

Feel free to email me at: [e-mail]

Cheers

David

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Betsy
Date: 17 Jun 12 - 08:30 PM

There's a lot of you keep talking about instruments and not "under appreciated luthiers" as per the thread title. Come to think of it I'm not sure what the Title means , but whether he is is appreciated or not in the UK there's only one Kiddo in the UK - Vince Hockey.
Top man - you either know or you don't.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST,John Foxen
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 11:32 AM

I don't think Richard Bartram qualifies as a Kiddo among UK luthiers as he's even older than me. But his guitars are beautiful to look at, a dream to play and highly appreciated by those of us who have made the trip to his workshop hidden away in the Cambridgeshire fens. He's a very accomplished jazz and folk player and his instruments are crafted for the needs of the players.
His mandolins and bouzoukis are mouthwatering as well.
And his repairs are marvellous.
"Could I trust him to cure the fret buzz on my Martin?" someone asked me recently.
"Sir," I replied, "He could strip your Martin down to its soundhole and rebuild it from that -- then it might sound half as good as my 30-year-old Bartram."
Do have a look at his work at Bartram Guitars
He has just started making nylon strung guitars that would be wonderful for anyone interested in playing in the styles of Baden Powell and Charlie Byrd.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 12:14 PM

http://mickjohnsonguitars.com/

Mick Johnson from Reading is an excellent builder and repairer of acoustic and electric guitars. Check out his web site.

Subject: RE: Underappreciated luthiers and instrument
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 18 Jun 12 - 01:40 PM

"Chris Toogood is based in Grimsby...saw some of his instruments when I was in UK in September - wonderful sounding...makes 'one offs'...a name to remember for the future."

|Heard some of Chris's guitars and actually had a quick play on one he made for his Boss...
Superb sounding guitars and very nice guy...