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Moondog Guitars

18 Aug 08 - 06:21 AM (#2416637)
Subject: Review: Moondog guitar
From: Fidledidee

I`m loking to buy a new guitar, and have been impressed by the moondog instruments. Has anyone tried one? Has anyone got one ? Any comments ?


18 Aug 08 - 07:05 AM (#2416659)
Subject: RE: Review: Moondog guitar
From: GUEST,alex s

My mate is a professional player and he thinks they are superb - better than his Fyldes (and cheaper!)


18 Aug 08 - 08:35 AM (#2416711)
Subject: RE: Review: Moondog guitar
From: Fidledidee

I must admit the price is also very attractive


18 Aug 08 - 01:43 PM (#2417020)
Subject: RE: Review: Moondog guitar
From: Big Al Whittle

Keith Christmas had one and he let me try it.

I don't like them at all. They had a neck that is very similar to a Fylde, sort of wide feeling. If you like fyldes, I think you will be okay with them.

Keith was saying he liked it because it was loud, and tonally good. I note that several great guitarists are using them including my personal guitar hero - Ken Nicol, of Steeleye Span fame.


20 Aug 08 - 10:02 AM (#2418608)
Subject: RE: Review: Moondog guitar
From: Fidledidee

Too late ,gone and bought one , absolutely fantastic, very loud, and unique build and finish. Looking forward to learning more on this


25 Nov 08 - 03:25 PM (#2501456)
Subject: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Hugh Brown

Just as I was thinking about buying a Moondog guitar their web-site disappears and no-one answers their phone. Does anyone know what has happened to this Cardiff based company?


25 Nov 08 - 08:01 PM (#2501686)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Big Al Whittle

I'm glad you didn't get one. They gave ones out to all sorts of famous guitarists. But you couldn't see one in a shop. You had to send for one on the strength of the admittedly fabulous reviews.

I eventually got to try one when Keith Christmas let me have a go on his. I didn't like the neck. Its big and chunky like some Fylde guitars are.


26 Nov 08 - 05:43 AM (#2501861)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Hugh Brown

I was looking at these because of the wide neck and to use so that my precious Fylde Orsini could avoid any further damage by colliding with door handles, cupboard corners, etc. My fingers can't cope with narrow necks.


26 Nov 08 - 06:44 AM (#2501898)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Big Al Whittle

Try Ken Nicol's website - they gave him one. he plays Fyldes as well. Perhaps he will know something about it.


26 Nov 08 - 10:00 AM (#2502046)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Jonny Sunshine

Darn it, I've been thinking of getting a Moondog for a while, and now they've disappeared off the face of the internet.. There's no trace of their eBay store either.


26 Nov 08 - 10:23 AM (#2502061)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Simon G

I tried out a friend of mines Moondog, I liked it, but not enough to buy one.

Some of the website can be found here

http://www.bemoneywise.co.uk/instruments.htm


27 Nov 08 - 03:49 PM (#2503092)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

No idea whats happened to Moondog

I bought one of there guitars about 4 to 6 weeks ago, a Grand Master which is the most expensicve 6 string steel guitar. Its purchase was very strange, I had been brousing the web wondering about this company that seemed to good to be true, I then happened to see these models being auctioned on ebay instead of the usual buy it now. I payed £250 for a guitar that should have been £800, a risk I felt well worth takeing, had to be at least worth that. All I can say is that this is the best acoustic I've ever played and the workmanship seems spot on, can't put it down. Appreciate the comment about necks, personaly I love the neck, but necks are a mater of choice. The guitar arrived in perfect condition and very well set up.

I e-mailed Moondog at the time wondering why so cheap, they said that they where changing the line up a bit, now they seem to have gone! I hope not because there claims certainly live up in the guitar that I purchased, would have been a bargain at the full £800, its got tone and it sings!


27 Nov 08 - 05:15 PM (#2503139)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Murray MacLeod

I had looked at the Moondog site for quite some time, and I always had an uneasy feeling about it.

In my experience, if something looks too good to be true, then it is too good to be true.

Making guitars of the quality which Moondog advertised, at their ridiculously low prices, just didn't add up, imo.

I have no doubt they will surface again, with a more realistic business plan.


27 Nov 08 - 05:21 PM (#2503143)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

Most stuff you read about Moondog is written by people who doubt them, but don't actually own or have tried one of their guitars. All I would say is play one and then comment, they are infact really quite excellent. I think that their main crime is making people suspicious of themselves by selloing a very good product at at very good price.


27 Nov 08 - 05:23 PM (#2503144)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Murray MacLeod

so why have they disappeared off the radar, GUEST ?


27 Nov 08 - 05:40 PM (#2503154)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

Hey, I'm googling looking for that very answer, which is how I wandered onto this forum. Was hoping to find a post by someone who new where they are. There selling pitch was certainly controversial, maybe that's why, maybe they where underpriced, I don't know. Actually finding something by someone who owns one is difficult, maybe they are all to busy playing them, all I now is that the one I've got is spot on


28 Nov 08 - 06:53 AM (#2503419)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,John Mackinnon

Like GUEST, I bought a Grand Master through eBay at a much lower price than they were asking on their website. I already own a Grand Auditorium (the problems with that one were dealt with very swiftly). The GM arrived with a horrible setup, and if I hadn't had some previous experience doing repair work, I would have had to send it back. However, once I had tweaked the guitar, it turned out to be a wonderful instrument. Build quality is a little sloppy, but the sound is unique and very pleasing to my ears.

However, I then won a Liberty Bell twelve-string on eBay as well, and from there on things got worse. At first I received no replies to my email, and when I finally did, it was only to tell me that I would have to wait six weeks for the next batch of guitars to come in. I was miffed, but decided to persevere. Sadly, no one answers the phone now or replies to email, and the website seems to be down permanently.

My impression is that Moondog offered potentially great guitars at very reasonable prices, but that there were serious problems with quality control. They certainly didn't manage to offer the standard of build or set-up they claim on their website. A real pity, since they had a good thing going.


01 Dec 08 - 04:25 AM (#2504651)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Splott Man

They are based in Cardiff. The "boss" of the company has been on extended leave abroad recently, so that may be why business has ceased, hopefully temporarily.

I have to say, that I am very pleased with my Spirit. For the price, a much better guitar than a Crafter for instance (my opinion, please don't shoot me down if you like Crafters).

They are hand-made in China.

I hope they are back up and running soon, as their after-care service was excellent.

Splott Man


01 Dec 08 - 04:28 AM (#2504652)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Splott Man

Incidentally, the web page that Simon G linked us to is dated 2007, and would have certainly been updated, the prices have gone up a tad since then.

Splott Man


02 Dec 08 - 08:19 AM (#2505747)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,John Mackinnon

I hope Moondog Guitars will resurrected, but they will have a hard time coping with eBay feedback such as this: http://feedback.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=moondogguitars&ftab=AllFeedback

It seems things have gone seriously wrong in the absence of Tim Nicolai, who has always been extremely courteous and generous in his dealings with me.


02 Dec 08 - 12:18 PM (#2505981)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,SMUDGER

I too bought a Grand Master for £330 in the auction. It is a very nice instrument and it would be a shame if Moondog have ceased trading. Maybe it was all too good to last.


02 Dec 08 - 02:30 PM (#2506097)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Art Thieme

I knew Moondog! (As well as anybody knew Moondog---which means not well at all.)

Chicago----1963. One day, there he was --- horned headdress and all the Viking accouterments --- just hanging out --- for about a month --- in front of Rose Records. --- That was my day job then. I was singing at The No Exit coffeehouse in town at night.
And then ------ just like this guitar (apparently) he was just gone!

Seeing this thread brought it all back.------It's like day-job-vu all over again!

Art Thieme


02 Dec 08 - 02:43 PM (#2506110)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Amos

I believe that MoonDog went to LA, after that, Art. But he was not a guitar--more of a screwball!



A


02 Dec 08 - 02:45 PM (#2506112)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Amos

No, I am sorry--I had it all wrong. He moved to Germany.

Wikipedia: "Moondog had an idealised view of Germany ("The Holy Land with the Holy River" — the Rhine), where he settled in 1974. A young German student named Ilona Goebel hosted him, first in Oer-Erkenschwick, and later on in Münster in Westphalia, Germany, where he spent the remainder of his life.

Moondog visited America briefly in 1989, for a tribute in which Phillip Glass asked him to conduct the Brooklyn Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, at the New Music America Festival in Brooklyn, stimulating a renewed interest in his music.

He recorded many albums, and toured both in the US and in Europe — France, Germany and Sweden."

Quite the strangebird, he.


02 Dec 08 - 03:56 PM (#2506170)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Art Thieme

Yes, I almost had him convinced to go on the CTA elevated train with me up to the No Exit. At least, I thought I had him convinced. All I got was a sign language of his. No talking. He did come with me as far as the stairs leading up to the tracks, but before we were on the second or third step he split and was gone again.

That would've been a great story for this thread---the ride up to my gig----but it never happened.

Art


02 Dec 08 - 04:28 PM (#2506199)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Amos

LOL!! I can just see you trying to lead Moondog-dressed-as-Thor up the stairs of the CTA station!!!


A


09 Dec 08 - 04:03 PM (#2511035)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

Sadly Moondog appear to have gone bust - a victim of the credit crunch I would guess. I think they offered a good product for the price - no problems with my Studio Classic. I had some communication with them after my purchase about another product but it all went quiet very suddenly. You can see when it happened by their ebay feedback. About a week after I last spoke to them their ebay listing stopped, and another week later their website was pulled as well.

There is nothing more sinister it it than another small business failure, and it is a sad tale...
Sean


11 Dec 08 - 08:06 AM (#2512503)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,keith

I too brought a Moondog, in the last few weeks of the operation it seems. I am more than pleased with my grand auditorium it plays and sounds superb. I went down to Cardiff and bought it direct from Tim Nikolai a more helpful and courteous man you could not wish to meet but I suppose the people who didn't get goods they paid for wouldn't agree. Mine is the gloss finish one used for the promo pics bought before they were on sale officially, did anyone else get a gloss one or do I have a unique guitar? There was also a grand auditorium there with the natural finish and abalone purfling also unique I believe, so someone else has a prize I don't suppose they will be worth a fortune but it is nice to think you have something special.


12 Dec 08 - 02:54 PM (#2513704)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

I bought a Grand Master from Moondog about 10 months ago Although the finish is far from perfect,and it really punishes sloppy picking,I've never come across another matching it for tone absolutely regardless of price(which seems to be the main selling-point of high-end mass produced acoustics).I'm sure that few of the citics have actually played one.I hope that they return because otherwise it could become irreplaceable if lost or pinched.


13 Dec 08 - 03:43 AM (#2514108)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Guest

I bought a Moondog Spirit around a year ago and have had some problems.

The initial setup was poor with fret edges which cut my thumb. A trip back to Moondog cured most of the problems but there was still a bad rattle on the bottom E string. A friend eventually sorted this for me.

The guitar looks great and has a very sweet tone. However, in my opinion it has one serious flaw - it lacks the dynamics I would expect from a spruce-topped guitar of this quality. When I first received the guitar, it was completely dead. It has opened up a little with playing, but is still miles behind my other similar sized guitars (a Johnson Carolina and a couple of all solid Tanglewoods) in terms of responsiveness and projection.

The above may not bother some players, in which case the Spirit is an excellent buy, but in my experience it would not suit an expressive player.

Still, it is a great shame that Moondog have gone under, as they were an excellent company and seemed committed to providing the best possible service to their customers.


15 Dec 08 - 04:37 PM (#2516179)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Hogg-Robinson

I bought my Grand Concert just over a year ago after many hours of discussion with Tim Nicolai.He was more than happy to give me his time and advice me on what route I should take in my quest to learn Guitar. In my view I got exactly what I ordered and was thrilled. My Guitar teacher was so impressed he bought one and so have some of his other students.After six months I had an accident with my Guitar damaging the top, purely cosmetic, but I was gutted. In one of my conversations with Tim I mentioned it and he insisted that he should send a courier to pick it up as they might be able to repair it.In fact what he did was replace the Guitar with a new one and the improved version as well.I did not pay a penny. It is better in every department and I love it to bits.For me Moondog Guitars was a superb company that did what they said they would do!
I went to see Tim Nicolai play a couple of times and he was outstanding,and good company, a true gentleman.
I hope they will be back soon.


17 Dec 08 - 03:54 PM (#2518216)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Tom

Hi, I bought a Spirit Dreadnought about 13 months ago and it is the best guitar I've ever had bar none. I spoke to Tim as well and it is beautifully set up.

However, I always wanted a liberty bell 12 string but at £1000 no way!
Then like some other people I bid on one and won it for £370. Well chuffed until it arrived.
The bridge had lifted, the top was rippled and very cheap wood plus it was unplayable so it went back and said I could have a refund within a month. Didn't happen so Paypal got it back for me.

I did some digging and discovered during November there were 3 CCJ's issued in 3 different towns totalling £22,000!

Guess they're history now.

Tom.


29 Dec 08 - 07:54 PM (#2527026)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Flynned

I am very sad to see the demise of moondog guitars. I have a Studio Bossa, a cutaway classical guitar. It is a wonderful instrument and without doubt the best classical guitar I have owned. It sounds beautiful both acoustically and amplified (excellent pick-up arrangement). I was looking them them up to buy one of their electric violins but sadly couldn't find them.

Whatever may happen to Tim, I wish him all the best for the future. He was a pleasure to do business with.


29 Dec 08 - 08:02 PM (#2527032)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,guest dave jones

Hi,
Bought a Shogun Dreadnought in September 2007.I've played most in my 46 years of guitar, and this is as good as it gets.Solid spruce, rosewood,ebony,grovers,workmanship, the lot.
Hope they come back as this guitar's become precious 'cause I can't get another one if it gets nicked or wrecked.
More power to your elbow to Tim N. and colleagues for bein' so bold,
This guitar sings like an angel.


30 Dec 08 - 04:59 PM (#2527770)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Mackinnon

It's heartening to see that Tim Nicolai is receiving so much kudos. Personally, I'm still disappointed that I never got the Liberty Bell twelve-string I won on eBay. If anyone here has a LB, and might consider selling it, drop me a line...


03 Jan 09 - 02:24 AM (#2530264)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Steve

I also bought a Moondog guitar last year, the Grand Auditorium, a real quality piece of kit. Sounds good and looks great.
Shame to hear that the company has gone, from my dealings with them they couldn't have been more helpful.


22 Jan 09 - 08:17 AM (#2545953)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

I also bought a Grand Auditorium last year.
Mine is a lovely guitar and I bought a strap for it from Tim before Christmas.
Shame they have disappeared.

The guitars are actually made in China by Nanjing Aileen

Interesting that they posted this on 12 Dec 2007.
http://www.a-violin.com/blog/?p=21

or watch

http://aileen.en.alibaba.com/videoshow.html


04 Mar 09 - 06:21 PM (#2581401)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

I have a moondog Shogun for sale if anyone is interested? Contact me on TMF_tuition@hotmail.co.uk

Cheers
Tim


10 Mar 09 - 11:04 PM (#2586115)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,stuart cumming

I purchased a pro electric violin last july. In October it ceased to work so after discussing this with moondog i sent it make for repair or replacement. That was the last I saw of it. No replies to emails, letters to the directors, or telephone calls. In my opinion they have stolen my violin. All I want is it back and I will repair it else where. This is the 2nd company that the directors have had that has disapeared. LEAVE WELL ALONE.


13 Mar 09 - 11:56 AM (#2588055)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,GUEST

I bought a Spirit cutaway electro-acoustic in Feb 2008. When it arrived it was set up perfectly for my style and played like a dream. It was £250 and the case that came with it (hard fiberglass) must be worth £100 of that. The reason why this particular model was so inexpensive is because the back and sides are laminate, it's a stack and scarf neck build, and the electrics aren't the best in the world - 3 things that always make the build cheaper. But judging it by its sound, you'd never know that. However, after a month or so, I couldn't get a note out of it because it "settled" into my house which is far too warm and moistureless for a guitar made from natural products to stay as stable as it should be ex-works - all I got was fret buzz. Moondog took it back by courier - at their expense - reset everything and returned it to me - again at their expense - and it was perfect again. Where they've gone now I don't have a clue which is a bit sad really. The guy who ran the show was called Tim Nikolai and if you want to witness a guitar maestro in action - google his name and watch some vids of him. He's a genius. Judging by their lack of presence right now, I'm guessing you'll no longer be able to buy a new one. But if you see any of their models for sale 2nd hand, they'll make a great buy at the right price.


14 Mar 09 - 07:29 AM (#2588623)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Vegetableman

I'm sad to hear of Moondogs demise. I have a 'spirit' and have just used it to record with. It chimes beautifully. I agrre, the ecelctrics are not top notch but that's no big deal for me. Sad.


14 Mar 09 - 07:44 AM (#2588628)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,richd

I recently bought their top-end acoustic new from a guy in work who was selling off a load of them cheap to help clear the warehouse in Cardiff which they had to clear out of quickly after going bust.paid about 100 pound for it, which is just about the best deal that I've had for 100 pound. It plays lovely, better than guitars that cost 5 times as much. It's still a great shame they folded though.


14 Mar 09 - 09:06 AM (#2588674)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Murray MacLeod

Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,GUEST - PM
Date: 13 Mar 09 - 11:56 AM

... The guy who ran the show was called Tim Nikolai and if you want to witness a guitar maestro in action - google his name and watch some vids of him. He's a genius ...


Maestro ? Genius ? just a tad OTT n'est-ce pas ?

A good competent player for sure, but never likely to attain genius status.


14 Mar 09 - 12:04 PM (#2588767)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

un peu OTT peut-être mais améliore certainement que moi et chaque autre joueur aux lesquels je m'associe.


24 Apr 09 - 04:27 PM (#2618065)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Zonc

Hi Tim,
      this is my 3rd attempt at getting a mail to you.Im interested in the guitar.My address is andymason@cwgsy.net
                            cheers
                               Andy


05 May 09 - 05:53 PM (#2624943)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,ll

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-125977373.html

http://www.joestead.com/Ramblings/March2005.htm


09 May 09 - 07:50 PM (#2627984)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

http://www.joestead.com/Ramblings/March2005.htm


09 May 09 - 08:42 PM (#2628012)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Murray MacLeod

interesting sleuthing by GUEST there.

so maybe Nikolai is back inside ?

it's beyond coincidence that there could be two people with such an unusual name who both have a penchant for conning the public.


30 May 09 - 05:27 AM (#2644080)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Zonc

Have you still got the moondog for sale?


12 Jun 09 - 01:23 PM (#2654978)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Zonc

This goes out to anyone who may be thinking of selling there Moondog on.I am looking for a cutaway version of a spirit or a grand auditorium.
My e-mail is andymason@cwgsy.net
                      Thankyou
                              Andy


12 Jun 09 - 01:33 PM (#2654986)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Zonc

Hi,
   I dont suppose its upfor sale is it?
                andymason@cwgsy.net


12 Jun 09 - 05:17 PM (#2655162)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,English Jon

I've got a feeling there's a Moondog in The Music Room in Cleckheaton at the moment.

Cheers,
Jon


20 Jun 09 - 04:07 PM (#2661089)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Simon

>Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
>From: GUEST,richd
>Date: 14 Mar 09 - 07:44 AM

>I recently bought their top-end acoustic new from a guy in work who was selling off a load of them cheap to help clear the warehouse in Cardiff which they had to >clear out of quickly after going bust.paid about 100 pound for it, which is just about the best deal that I've had for 100 pound. It plays lovely, better than guitars that >cost 5 times as much. It's still a great shame they folded though.

I know this is a long shot, but did they all sell, do you know? Any more Moondog leads, please contact me: bez60@hotmail.com. Cheers, Simon


21 Jun 09 - 10:27 AM (#2661436)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: richd

The guy in work sold the lot I'm afraid. I think that was the last of them.


06 Sep 09 - 07:30 PM (#2717687)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Werner

Just found out they are still being made in China,under the Moondog name.
Here's a link:

http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/lg198545/product-listAbZmzSkWbEhc/Guitars-catalog-1.html


18 Sep 09 - 05:42 AM (#2725875)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

http://www.a-violin.com/blog/?p=42

A good read.


21 Nov 09 - 12:41 PM (#2770557)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars, its not over yet!
From: GUEST,Zonc

HI all,
      My name is Andy ,Im a special needs teacher and part time Muso.I have played my Spirit and My Grand Auditorium just about everyday since I bought them and they just keep getting better.I was very saddened when Tims business went down as I was starting a bit of a collection.Anyway I decided to try and get hold of Tim and Aileen music and with his blessing I have arranged to import 6 Moondog Spirit cutaways and 6 Moondog Grand Auditorium cutaways.I have been in contact with Tim Nicolai and he is happy for me to sell them on.I also have a number of sets of the Shertler Bluestick BOB EQ which Tim used in his top models.There is nothing better.Tim had made a few minor improvements to the design of the GA .Im not trying to set up a business here so I will not be able to offer the sort of service Tim could.However I have the help and advice of an extremely proficient luthier name of Dom Kendall of Kendall guitars Guernsey, C.I and Tim has very kindly offered his advice and expertise aswell .Dom will fit any electronics and set up the guitar to whatever style people want.Or you just get the guitar and hard case as seen. I havent been able to work out a basic price for each model yet.I dont think I can do them as cheap as Tim.Im not working to the same economy of scales.They will be in late December 2009.If your interested mail me at andymason@cwgsy.net.


28 Jan 10 - 01:56 PM (#2823719)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Steve in Leeds

Great shame Moondog went bust. I had dealings with Tim. I ordered a guitar from him but forgot to say cutaway or not. He guessed and sent cutaway which was not what I wanted. Tim sorted it in a day at his expense.
I've now got 2 beautiful moondogs, including the dobro type blaster. I treasure them.
Maybe I should have bought 1000!

drsteveblack@hotmail.co.uk


26 Feb 10 - 09:03 PM (#2851275)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Zonc

Ive just got a small consignment of Moondog guitars.Hand built in the same small workshops as the original Cardiff based company, Moondog Guitars.I have some Grand Auditoriums,cutaways and Spirits.Great build quality, particularly the GA, great sound.Ive just kitted out my new build GA cutaway with a Shertler Onboard,just fabulous, great true sound replication and so fresh.The ebony fingerboard is a delight for your fingers and Tims last design improvements both sound and aesthetically are classic.The cases are of OK quality and some aspects of the final finish are not as good as they seem to be on mass build guitars.They were built with sound as the primary quality and this has been achieved.The Harmony central reviews of the first Moondog GA's were compared to classic Taylors and Martins in the £1500 to £2500 bracket, add a Shertler system and you have a formidable, tough, v-attractive, everyday and gigging guitar.Im a special needs teacher,Im a strummer and harmonica player in my spare time.I use these guitars everyday and they never fail to impress.


02 May 10 - 04:45 AM (#2898447)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Nige

I purchased a non-cutaway spirit when moondog first started to manufacture.Before buying,i rang them and asked many questions to give me some idea who these people were,and if they were genuine.I spoke to Tim Nicolai on the phone.He was very helpful and knowledgeable,and sounded pretty genuine,so i ordered one for £300,more through curiosity really as i have owned many guitars of very good quality.I was absolutely gob-smacked by the quality and sound of the guitar for only £300.After 3 months the electrics went wrong.They were immediately replaced without fuss.I usually prefer a specific guitar for the type of music that i am performing,i,ve found that the spirit wll do more than most comfortably.If you,ve bought a good moondog guitar,you,ve got an absolute steal.
                      atb
                      nige


03 May 10 - 02:35 AM (#2898987)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Murray MacLeod

..."Hand built in the same small workshops as the original Cardiff based company, Moondog Guitars" ...

bollocks ...

These guitars are (were) mass-produced by the Aileen Nanjing company in China, which is an enormous organisation manufacturing instruments of all descriptions in huge numbers.

They make generic guitars and, if you order sufficient number, they will label them as required by the customer.

I actually imported thirty guitars directly from Aileen Nanjing around four years ago, and they were excellent quality, I had no problems selling them.

My order wasn't big enough for them to do a factory label, but if you ever come across a "Guy Heron" guitar, that was one of mine. It will undoubtedly be exactly the same as a Moondog guitar.


26 May 10 - 07:06 PM (#2914951)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Zonc Ive got 7 moondogs .I CAN ONLY PLAY

Hi all,
       long time since I posted a thread.Cant even remember what name I gave myself unlesss it was my name.Andy Mason,still in Guernsey C.I. I didnt get the Moondogs until late January 2010.I had to pay some outrageous delivery and unpacking fees from the couriers on the other side of the channel ,but they arrived!Im mostly very happy, the GA,s are gorgeous and beautiful to play and look at.Needless to say the first cutaway GA had a shertler BOB put in straight away and its mine...all mine.Nice!Im no salesman so ive still got 3 GA cutaways left and 3 full bodied Spirits.Im going to try the e-bay thing but i dont really understand how it works.Give me a seed, I can grow them.Anyway it is still possible to have these babies made and delivered to the UK.However its not as easy or cheap as it might look.Good fun never the less.
             Andymason@cwgsy.net


27 May 10 - 08:01 AM (#2915225)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Ian Hendrie

3 Moondog Grand Auditorium and 2 Moondog Spirit guitars have appeared on eBay here and here. Their location is given as China. I have bought items from China before without any problems but I have my doubts about purchasing either of these.


04 Jun 10 - 04:26 AM (#2920337)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,Dave

I have a Grand Auditorium that I purchase from Tim Nicolai, and have to say what a fine guitar this has been.

Was always looking to buy a Howlin' from him before they closed. Regret I never did.


05 Oct 10 - 09:54 AM (#3000092)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Ian Hendrie

There seems a permanent presence on eBay selling Moondog Grand Auditoriums here (directly from China) at just over £400. So far only 2 seem to have been sold.

Having previously expressed reticence in this thread about buying a guitar from China I am becoming increasingly tempted. There have been some good comments about these guitars and the photos seem to show good quality merchandise. However, I swore never to buy another guitar 'unseen' and don't want to regret parting with a large amount of money. What are the problems owners have had with these guitars? Can they be sorted easily? Would anyone else take the risk of a purchase? Advice welcome.


28 Oct 10 - 11:56 AM (#3017782)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,liam taggart lisnacree'''''''''''''''''''''

I have a grand auditorium which I am thinking of selling. Interested?


28 Oct 10 - 10:55 PM (#3018210)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Simon G

I bought a Moondog Spirit from China this summer and it is a great guitar, especially for the price of 200GBP. Package was great and it arrived in just over a week from China, most of that time it was crossing Canada.

The E and B strings on it when it arrived were all kinked, when I reported this they sent me two sets of strings. However these were dreadful Chinese copies.

I recommend putting a set of your favourite stings on before playing. I did and the guitar is great.

I made the purchase because I had played a friends Grand Auditorium and that was a tremendous guitar.

Simon


16 Nov 10 - 10:43 AM (#3033535)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST

" Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,liam taggart lisnacree'''''''''''''''''''''
Date: 28 Oct 10 - 11:56 AM

I have a grand auditorium which I am thinking of selling. Interested? "


indeed, is it a Nicolai setup, or a later Chinese one? And what kind of price?

email me at brian@bbeuken.freeserve.co.uk


03 Mar 11 - 09:15 AM (#3106181)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: Ian Hendrie

I got a brand new Moondog Grand Master via eBay and am mightily impressed. Lovely feel and interesting smell! I think that is either the rosewood or the oils use to finish off the wood - it's not lacquered.

Does anyone know if I should continue to oil the guitar and if so with what?


09 Jun 11 - 01:47 PM (#3167784)
Subject: RE: Moondog Guitars
From: GUEST,earthcat

I have a moondog resonator which i thinks is amazing value for money.
I paid 185 for an "as new" second hand one recently. fro Tandy's Music Shack Redditch Worcs.

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