December 2021

(Thank you, David Bowie)

A very special order for a customer in the USA. I'll explain the design features before I talk about the woods and tone.

Comfort in playing was top of the list, every edge and corner has been  "Bevelled" to stop all those conflicts with various body parts, and the neck has been carefully discussed. The customer has found that the only necks that suit his needs are on guitars made by Jim Olsen, but Jim doesn't offer the other essential features. The obvious answer was to contact Jim and discuss his approach to neck shaping and he was very willing to chat. In fact, we have been swapping photographs of our Gardens as well. Talking to other makers is not something I usually enjoy doing, but this time it's been fun - I've found another friend!! 

The bevels on this guitar are made from Claro Walnut,  none of them are thin veneers, that would have been too easy; some parts are three or four millimetres thick,  bent and pulled into shape, others are carved from bigger, thicker pieces , the key being to anticipate the difficulties and plan accordingly.  I think I've explained my procedure before - careful thought, patience, and lots of heat, moisture, muscles, and swearing. The bindings are bordered by delicate marquetry inlays.

The back and side are African Blackwood, the Soundboard Italian Spruce, and the neck is laminated from Claro Walnut and Mahogany with two strong lines of Ebony. Abalone fingerboard inlays and coloured marquetry purflings. The sound is typical for this combination of timbers - I would describe it as "clean and pure". A package of beauty, tone and comfort.

It's amazing what can be found in random net surfing, I've no idea how I came across this one. A Fylde Touchstone Bouzouki, full frontal no less.

I'm wondering if Irish Dancers ever manage to knock over a table full of drink??  It must have happened, surely?  It would certainly happen if I was dancing.  

No, it's not a knitting pattern, or the wiring for an old radio.

It's three distinct pickup systems that we are fitting to Martin's "Indian Orleans" guitar, not one system at a time of course, he wants all three in one guitar!

For many years, Martin's famous amplified sound has been based around Highlander pickups, but they are no longer being made, and he has discovered the equally excellent “K & K” pickups that are fitted to his Taran guitar. He also loves using his vintage DeArmond magnetic pickup through a Fender amplifier. Three systems, one with a microphone and one with a soundboard sensor, so actually, that is five individual "sources" which he can mix and match as required.

What to do?

Simples - ask that idiot Bucknall to fit them all.

It's not easy. All pickups have their individual quirks and difficulties, particularly around keeping loose cables and heavy metal connectors from rattling around inside. If we could climb into the guitar, this would be simple, but I learnt my lesson on this fifty years ago when I actually got my arm stuck inside Martin Carthy's guitar (true, read the book). This time I spent a lot of time drilling holes, making special cable clips from Velcro and planning a sensible procedure, then passed some of the life-threatening parts to Alex. The final stages were back to me with Paul holding scalpels and retractors and making tea with Valium.

Does it work? I've no idea, I don't have a five-input amplifier, but I've noticed that Martin has sacked his bassist, drummer and keyboard player so he must be confident.

Martin's website

Here is a pic of Richards Hawley's new guitar, and of his new case, and of the case's lining, and of the new pickup and of the strap pin...

Richards Website

John left his two Falstaffs with us for a while. Then had a quick drive up and down from Wales to collect them. He'll be off on his USA tour before too long -- it's all starting to open up again. Hopefully. Maybe.

John's website

Arlen is really getting to grips with his new guitar now.

"I sure am loving the Fylde.....can't wait to be able to do my European tour....a good friend has got me booked in Cardiff, Wales and of course, I'll be all over the UK, Spain, Italy etc., if only this damn Covid would stop!"

We'll all try to get to see you on tour Arlen. Maybe we'll hire a bus.

Arlen's website

"The Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship is an international non-profit organisation that celebrates and preserves master craftsmanship and strengthens its connection to the world of design. We want to help people rediscover the ability of the human hand to create, and support those doing it best: the exceptional contemporary European master artisans using long-held traditions, skills and knowledge to make beautiful objects of lasting value. We are named after a beacon in this field, Michelangelo, a visionary artist and master artisan who embodied both creativity and craftsmanship at the very highest level of excellence." 

"Roger, I am reaching out to you because you represent excellence in craftsmanship and we would be delighted to include you in our selection." 

Michaelangleo Foundation Website

Actually, they reached out to me several times, but after looking at some of its members and the work they do, I didn't think I would qualify, so I didn't respond. But they kept on asking, and on their third request, I did. I think it was Mikes photos rather than what I said that did the trick. I made sure that the photos included Alex and Paul's hands as much as mine!

You can see my listing here

So I am now featured in the “Homo Faber Guide”, a digital platform that aims to showcase the best craftsmanship of Europe, they have an upcoming event in Venice - maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to go. Click here for more information on the Venice event

I can hear Moira saying something in the background, it sounds like. "Try and stop me"

and another tune from Chris, this guitar sounds so good!