Oakwood Cittern

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: theleveller
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:33 AM

"I'm thinking Tom Buchanan.... "

Just restrung Mrs L's Buchanan mandolin at the weekend. I can't get over what a brilliant instrument it is...I'd love to try a Buchanan cittern.

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep
Date: 19 Oct 09 - 11:17 AM

Yup - me too...went to look at this. It was a nice sound, but the wide flat neck and that extra course of strings just confused me....back to the 'zouk. I'm thinking Tom Buchanan....

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: nickp
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:29 AM

Have an Oakwood mandocello - lovely. Also had one of their citterns but had to trade it in as couldn't get my brains round the tunings. Shame.

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 09:07 AM

Hey will you guys get a room. Jeez!

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 08:47 AM

Hi Dunc! I did mean that the guitars are very tasty, don't want you getting the wrong idea about me!
See you this weekend at The GFF.

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: GUEST,DMcF
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 07:08 AM

Backwoodsman - ''I believe Duncan McFarlane has two Oakwood guitars. Extremely pretty and well-made. Very tasty!''

Yep - I do indeed.
I also owned an Oakwood cittern for a year or two!
I sold it on to my band's leccie guitarist cause I needed cash
for another instrument! Big mistake! I still lust after it!!

Oakwood have got better and better over the years.
Superb instruments, superb people!
They've really taken care of me.
Their after-sales care has been first class - and usually free!

The 'Show of Hands principle' of working hand-in-hand with one's local makers was my first thought.
There are lots of great makers out there - and I principally went for my local one because it simply
makes a lot of sense to be looked after - with the ease of just being able to nip in anytime.

New guitar fretboards shrink - Oakwood had my two guitars back and sorted the resulting proud fret ends - free!
They also sorted my 'dings', as and when (I'm a bit of a runabout on stage with the band - there have been collisions!)
- they're not quite so pretty now, Backwoodsman!
I've also had a hipshot fitted on one (for instant drop D - a la R.Thompson) - Oakwood sorted me 'same day'.
Local is good - cheers! - Dunc

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 05:07 AM

Intrument Aquisition Syndrome is a TERRIBLE thing !

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep
Date: 15 Oct 09 - 05:03 AM

Great - thanks for that.

I need to sell at least one of my 'zouks and an old Yamaha....

I'm thinking of buying a Rochelle concertina as well, but one at a time eh...

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Declan
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 08:33 PM

I've had an Oakwood guitar for years and am delighted with it. I know some people who have bouzoukis and citterns and as far as I know they are happy with them also.

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Leadfingers
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 08:25 PM

Only ever had short bursts on Oakwood stuff , and DO like !! TOO pricy for an Impoverished muso though - And I would need to sell tings to make room too !!

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: theleveller
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 03:26 PM

I tried several Oakwoods before buying my Fylde Cittern. I love the craftsmanship and they are really nice people but I preferred the Fylde (although I did have to try a few to find the best). For me the Oakwood was just a bit too "tight" but if you like sound, buy it - that's the only real test in the end. You'll certainly be getting a fine (Yorkshire) instrument. BTW, if you get the chance, try a Buchanan - he makes damn fine mandolins (bought one the same time as the cittern).

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 11:22 AM

I believe Duncan McFarlane has two Oakwood guitars. Extremely pretty and well-made. Very tasty!

Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 11:04 AM

I took my wounded guitar to Leeds based Oakwood instruments for surgery many years ago, and was quite impressed with the workmanship. I've kept track of their progress year on year by playing some of their instruments each year at the Whitby folk festival. The quality of build has certainly improved over the years and to my eyes and ears they are now among the best you can buy. If I had cash to spare I'd certainly include them in my top luthiers to choose from.

Subject: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep
Date: 14 Oct 09 - 10:54 AM

Hi folks. I'm going to look at a s/h one of these at the weekend. Anyone with any experience of Oakwood in particular or citterns in general? I'm currently playing a flatback 'zouk and a bowlback zouk with a truss rod strung GDAE. (Although this was meant to be playable as an Irish zouk the bridge has sunk! Damn.)