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14 messages

Oakwood Cittern

14 Oct 09 - 10:54 AM (#2745582)
Subject: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep

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.)


14 Oct 09 - 11:04 AM (#2745587)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Lowden Jameswright

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.


14 Oct 09 - 11:22 AM (#2745596)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Backwoodsman

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


14 Oct 09 - 03:26 PM (#2745832)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: theleveller

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).


14 Oct 09 - 08:25 PM (#2746091)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Leadfingers

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 !!


14 Oct 09 - 08:33 PM (#2746094)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Declan

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.


15 Oct 09 - 05:03 AM (#2746299)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep

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...


15 Oct 09 - 05:07 AM (#2746301)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Leadfingers

Intrument Aquisition Syndrome is a TERRIBLE thing !


15 Oct 09 - 07:08 AM (#2746380)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: GUEST,DMcF

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


15 Oct 09 - 08:47 AM (#2746460)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Backwoodsman

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.


15 Oct 09 - 09:07 AM (#2746474)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep

Hey will you guys get a room. Jeez!


15 Oct 09 - 09:29 AM (#2746493)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: nickp

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.


19 Oct 09 - 11:17 AM (#2747954)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: Goodboyshep

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....


19 Oct 09 - 11:33 AM (#2747966)
Subject: RE: Oakwood Cittern
From: theleveller

"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.