Happy new year!

It has been a rather busy old year and many of the non woodworking things I planned to do didn't get done - the book, the Mandolin DVD and one or two other things. With a bit of luck they'll all get done this year.  I have a couple of other things in the pipeline too, but more about that later...

All the best for 2010

Nigel

Work in progress

Check out the Blog for recent posts.

Work in progress

Here is a rather smart Cocobolo and Redwood Bouzouki which will be going to the 2010 Montreal show if I get everything else ready in time. Off to Dave Wilson the sprayers in the new year. More images on the blog.

New Model C on YouTube

Here is a new Indian/Italian Model C which is about to go to her new home on the Isle of Aaran in Scotland. Its a great example of how you can work with me to come up with the ideal instrument for you. Talking through things with Nick, the chap who ordered it we came up with a Model C, but built in the simplified (and cheaper) Model S style, but added a few upgrades - Nick wanted the standard head shape with Rosewood veneers front and back as well as Gotoh 510 tuners and a thick Ebony heel cap - no problem, but then, as nick plays a lot in sessions we went for the "Howe-Orme" arch down the centre of the top which seems to make for a very loud instrument. Well done Nick!

Here is a clip of Ian testing the guitar out. More pics on the blog.

NK Forster Guitars in Acoustic magazine

I was interviewed a few weeks ago by a chap from Acoustic magazine - well it appears in this months issue on pages 89 and 90.

Mandolinetto

I've been wanting to make one of these for ages, and this one was intended for the Healdsburg show. Anyway, here is a little article on the blog all about it. Video clips coming soon. Enjoy.

Recent emails to nigel@nkforsterguitars.com

I've lost the lot! So If you have sent me an email and not received a reply, this is why. It should be up and running again soon, but in the meantime you can use my personal address - nigelkforster@btinternet.com

ALso if you have ordered from me in the last two months, drop me a line to make sure I still have your address.

Website sorted out!

I'm on a new website server now and things seem to be running smoothly, if you come accross any problems let me know at nigelkforster@btinternet.com

Ta.

Nigel

Work in progress

Check out the blog to see what I'm upto just now.

Model S at Dream Guitars

US customers can now get their hands on a new Model S. Al Pettiway was done his normal stunning job on the sound sample. See the guitar here.

Book off to the designers!

Well, this is all getting quite exciting really. Ben Tibbs, who designed my website is about to start putting the book together. Dave Best has taken some superb photographs, the combination of his pictures and Ben's great sense of design should mean this book is just the bees knees! Here are a couple of recent shots from Dave Best. Superb!

Bouzouki Model Overhaul!

I've changed how I go about making Bouzouki family instruments. Now there is only one Model. The basic Model is an Arch top (carved) and has Indian Rosewood back and sides and 1908 Cuban Mahogany neck. The difference is now the basic Model is decorated in the same way as my Model S guitar - with binding around the top only. The prufling is three stripes - red, black and white. You can then upgrade to suit your wishes. You want a Rosewood head veneer, front and back, or for 510 tuners? You can go for the fancy slant check purfling and full body binding. Add a soundport or upgrade to a fancier Rosewood. The choice is yours.

To give you an idea, here is on of a pair I've recently finished, this one features the slant check and the three lines for purfling. You may have noticed the Spruce bridge - I'm really becoming a fan of these. They really suit some (but not all) of my instruments. Another interesting idea....

Suggestions for Mandolin instruction DVD?

As some of you may be aware, the rather talented Ian Stephenson and I are getting together to produce a new Celtic Mandolin instructional DVD. It occured to us that the sensible thing to do would be to ask you lot what you would like to see in the way of content. There are a few DVD's already out there, but the subject has not been covered as well as some so what's missing? Any requests?

To remind you of how Ian plays, here is the recent YouTube clip with Ian playing one of my Mandolins.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPVhd...e=channel_page

Healdsburg Guitar Festival

I am afraid that I will no longer be coming to Healdsburg for the festival this year. My mother who has MS is terribly ill and  it would not be appropriate for me to leave the north east of England for the time being. Apologies to those I was planning to meet up with. Next time perhaps.

The instruments I was planning to bring - a  guitar, a Mandolin and a Manolinetto will be sent to Dream Guitars in the next few weeks so US customers will still be able to try them out.

Ex demo Model S available now!

Have a look on the available now page for more details. SOLD!

Interview on Jazzmando.com

You can see what I have to say in a recent interview with Jazzmando.com

FAQ

Thought I'd post the answers to the questions I get asked the most on the blog. Have a look here.

Mandolin clip on YouTube!

Here is Ian Playing my latest offering. Enjoy!

Sunburst Mandolin

Just got this back from the sprayers and couldn't resist stringing him up, another Maple and Spruce Mandolin. As an experiment I am trying out several bridges, all of the same design but of different materials. In this case the bridge is actually made of Spruce. Sounds very warm and woody in the bass with a strong clear treble.

Available soon.

Maple Mandolins

They are finally here! More pictures and sound samples soon. For now read about them on the blog.

Panamanian Rosewood Model C at Dream Guitars

This guitar is a beauty if I say so myself. It took a few months to start opening out but when she did, she really did! Luckily for the folks at Dream Guitars over in Asheville, NC. this "opening out" coincided with them selling the offset Model C they had for sale so off she went to take its place.

Al pettiway has done his normal brilliant job with the soundclip, so click here to have a look and a listen.

Website re-jig

Andrew Waters is re-jigging the website for me just now so apologies if things are a bit haywire. There are a few new sections to make, a lot of new images to post and a good few of the older ones to go so please be patient. It should all be sorted out soon, and miles better.

Here is one of the new pictures - the new version of the Model C. More to come.

Guitar Bouzouki Available now!

Some of you will remember the experimental guitar I made last year with an adjustable neck and a heavily arched top, based on the old Howe-Orme guitars. Well that experiment has very much informed this new design of Guitar Bouzouki.

The top is fomed with a arch down the middle, from tail to heel which does a very good job in resisting the pull of the strings - this along with conventional X bracing allows the top to be considerably thinner than a standard guitar - the result is a very clear and loud instrument - perfect for those noisy sessions. By keeping the decoration to a minimum (Model S style) it was possible to upgrade the timbers to Camatillo Rosewood and still keep the price reasonable. You can read more on the AVAILABLE NOW page and on the BLOG.

See a short video about the instrument here.

Free DADGAD guitar lessons on YouTube!

Ian Stephenson called around today and recorded a great guitar lesson for you all. It covers the basics of playing in DADGAD tuning - which I know interests a great many of you. I've split the lesson into 3 and you can find them all here, here and here. Enjoy!

Guitar lessons on YouTube!

I've asked a few of my pals to record some guitar lessons for you all to enjoy on YouTube. The first out the stalls is me old pal Johnny Dickinson. Johnny spent a bit of time earlier this week recording a lesson which covers many important aspects of improving the feel of your slide playing. I've split the lesson up into easily digestible parts. Here is the first.

In the coming weeks I should have some more for you covering the Blues to Jazz, DADGAD and other open tunings and Chet Atkins/Merle Travis style.

I am kind to you lot I really am....

Model S pics!

Dave Best just emailed me this picture of the latest addition to the range - the Model S. This is my "no frills" model and is a fine guitar indeed. When the rest of the pictures arrive I'll include it in the wesite menu. In the neantime you can read about it on the BLOG

Back from India, happy 2009!

Yes, I got back yesterday and have a load of new ideas to try out, but first things first, you have to look at my holiday snaps - I've put a few on the blog.

Lots to be getting on with, so mustn't keep you. Stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!

What already? I know, this year has gone by quicker than any other I can remember..... It has been an interesting year - the work has moved on again, with new designs and improvments and business has been good, though I cannot pretend the credit crunch has not had an effect on the waiting list - which is now around 4-5 months again. Anyway, I was going through this years customers and I found a few nice comments to share with you all -

"It's beautiful, the best guitar I've ever played,  and I thank you for your time, your artistry and the fun time and great food we had."

Dr David Hartman, Chicago.

Special model DH

"Nigel, I'm speechless. I still can't quite fathom how an instrument can sound THAT good. Exactly the tone and punch I would want in a cittern. Gorgeous, gorgeous work. I played it for 3 hours straight when it came, but I'm sure most people that pick up their instruments from you do that."

Brian Krauss, Arizona

Model 3 Bouzouki

"All is good...holding it as I speak. It really fits in with the sounds in my head if that makes sense, very lyrical and very sweet...and the notes are starting to really fall under my fingers...which makes other guitars feel and sound a bit unsatisfying...yeah, we're pretty much bonded together..."

Damain Lynch. Glasgow

Model B

"...a fantastic instrument...there is no doubt I have never played a steel string instrument like this one before. And I have raised the action a bit. I like it heavy. I just love that adjustable neck. Hey THE WHOLE NECK IS FANTASTIC! Just as wide and beautiful and 100% what I hoped it would be. No, 120% I did not dare to hope it would be that perfect. Thankyou again for the extra time."

Bendik Haanshus, Trondheim, Norway

Adjustable neck Model C

"After the Model D I didn't think I could be any more impressed by your skills,but you've blown me away again with a matching beauty,that sounds every bit as good as I'd hoped,and plays so easily. The Model D has been great to record,with the sound just "being there" rather than having to be worked on and it's obvious that the Model C is going to be just as much pleasure to work with. I don't really know what else I can say except thanks again."

Alan Jenkins, England

Model D and Model C

"Hello Nigel, the long awaited moment has arrived. Fantastic! I really love it. I have barely begun to accustom myself however, i feel I have to change my approach a little, learn anew almost. No bad thing. The sound is glorious, the depth, clarity and sustain wonderful."

Sean pook, Sweden

Model C

"I meant to tell you..I was playing the J last night while a friend was in an adjacent room. He shouted"I didn't know you had a 12 string". It's interesting that several other listeners have said it sometimes sounds like a 12 string. When you are playing on the four highest strings and do certain series of pull offs and hammers within a triad it causes<I think> the vibration of sympathetic strings. It stopped my fingers in their tracks the first time I noticed it. I was hearing more notes than I was playin..now thats a GIT TAR. She's a joy.That's just proof that you design has the board working a whole lot more than other guitars.

The best review I could give you would be to say that every time I get your guitars out for a final pluckin b4 writing a review I end up playin all night instead of writing a review!!"

Kevin Mabus, Dallas Texas

Model J

So, another good year, lets hope 2009 is too for all of us. With a little luck in the new year the book should be out, as well as my new Mandoin, a new Cittern Model and a new "no frills" guitar model. Am also considering putting together a DVD  featuring both players and me building. stay tuned!

email troubles...again.

Have just found out that all emails sent to me over the last few days have gone missing. So if you are wondering why you've had no reply from me, now you know... Sorry folks, but if you could write again, I think it's all sorted out now.

New stuff on YouTube

Borrowed a friends camera to download the stuff I filmed at Ullapool. Mine is bust. Any suggestions what would be a good value replacement?

Anyhow, here is John Smaith and Johnny Dickinson, and one of me making a guitar. More to come in the next week or so.

Work in progress - mandolins

Read all about it on the blog.

Ullapool Guitar Festival

Read about it and see the pictures on the blog.

Model 3 Zouk available now!

This is a used Model 3 in excellent condition. Scroll down  the Available now page to learn more. I shall be taking the zouk upto the Ullapool guitar festival with me this weekend. SOLD!

Latest book images

I've posted a few new shots on the blog by Dave Best for the book we are working on together. Enjoy!

New interview!

Terence Tan of www.guitarbench.com interviewed me recently for his website, he has just sent me a draught as it is yet to be published. I've posted a copy on the blog for you all. Do have a look at Terence's site, there is some interesting stuff on it on all sorts of guitar related matters.

New Rio Model D available soon!

I've just written about this wonderful guitar on the blog. The guitar also features on the AVAILABLE NOW page. The guitar will be for sale at the Ullapool guitar show.

Adjustable neck C and Panamanian 660mm C

Here are two new guitars - both due to go to their new homes soon. Read about the Panamanian Model C here, the Indian one here.

Model D on YouTube

This is old news really, but I ws going through the many YouTube clips I have today and I came across this one - Michael Wattes playing an Indian Rosewood Model D a few weeks ago. This feller can really play and the guitar sounds great. The clip hasn't had many hits so I figure some of you have missed it. Anyway here it is, and enjoy.

More new sound samples

Ian Stephenson recorded the Anniversary Model trial guitar for me just before it went off to her new owner. The guitar is Italian Spruce with Indian/Rio mix back and sides. The guitar is rather like a 14 fret version of my Model B, so I think in the new year I'll make it my standard Model B, the old version will still be available for those who want a 12 or 13 fretter. Here is the sound sample.

Ullapool guitar Festival

I'm heading north for the 10,11 and 12th October for the Ullapool Guitar Festival. With me will be a couple of guitars, an Indian Rosewood Model C and a Rio Model D or F whichever is ready first. I'll be going up there with Johnny Dickinson who will be perforning at the show with his Forster Guitar. I'm also donating a Ukelele to the auction to support the festival. Yes, I did say ukelele, and no I am not adding them to the range! I wanted to make one for myself and it is as quick to make two of them as one, so consider it a limited edition - very limited indeed! The festival should be a right laugh and there are some great musicians playing and it is a lovely part of the world so with a bit of luck I should see some of you there. Come and say hello!

New Indian Rosewood Model C sound sample

Believe it or not this is the first time I've actually managed to get an Indian rosewood Model C in the recording studio before sending it out. Any way here it is in all its glory on the MySpace site, along with the Rio J and and an Indian and Rio mix Model F. Ian Stephenson has done his normal brilliant job. Enjoy!

Anniversary Model trial run

This is an Italian Spruce version of the Anniversary model with Indian/Rio mix back and sides and soundport. The guitar sounds great. Read more on the blog.

Bearclaw anyone?

One of the many figured Spruce tops from my recent trip. Not bad eh? More pics on the blog.

Spruce!

Have just got back from a trip to Germany, Austria and Slovakia in search of soundboards - and I got some GREAT stuff. Read about it on the blog.

New Johnny Dickinson video on YouTube

Johnny came around yesterday morrning prior to playing at the Americana festival at the Sage, Gateshead. He sat and played the experimental model for a couple of hours and ended up taking her home! Here he is showing once again that he's one of the finest slide players to be found anywhere.

Panamanian Rosewood

This stuff is great -  this comes closer to the sound of Rio than any other timber I have found, and it is considerably cheaper. But not for long. I have posted a little piece about it on the blog.

Barbican Guitar show cancelled.

I was due to have a stall at the Acoustic expo at the Barbican in London late September, but they have written to inform me that the show has been cancelled due to one of the main sponsors  - Sound Control - going bust. Pity, as I had been working rather hard to get instruments ready for the show, including an Indian C, a Panamanian C and a Rio D.

I'm currently trying to think of some way of having a showcase for my work in London towards the end of the year. Perhaps I could organose a workshop or two by some of the chaps who have played on my Youtube clips. Mmmm....I'll have a think about that

Two new guitars available now!

Click on my available now page to see two very tasty offerings - an Indian Model D (the one featured in the MySpace sound samples and the current pin up on my Model D page) and a Cuban Mahogany experimental guitar based on a narrow Model F.

New sound samples - Model D and J

I've posted samples of a new Model D and a 17 1/2" wide Model J for you all on my MySpace site. There are other samples too. Ian Stephenson did his normal excellent job. Enjoy!

Experimental guitar

Those who read my blog should be quite familiar with this guitar - I removed the top from my Mahoagany adjustable neck guitar and replaced it with a Spruce one. The strutting pattern and shape of the top is based on a Howe-Orme guitar - they were around in the 1890's and were the first guitars to be designed with steel strings in mind.

Anyway, I loaned the guitar to slide ace Bob Brozman at his recent Newcastle gig - he loved it, and he's not the sort of chap who goes for guitars made of wood normally!

Dave Best has taken some photos of it and I'm still trying to get Ian Stephenson to record a sound sample.  I'll get them all sorted out as soon as I can, then it wil bw for sale. This is a great design and is a perfect guitar for those who play in sessions or want a great blues guitar.

New book images!

Dave Best of the Hexham Photographic society is taking the photographs for the book I've been putting together about guitar making. Click on the Blog to see a few more.

Now there are lots of "How to make a guitar" books out there already so this one is more in depth about the design, direction and motivation behind my work. There should be plenty in there for other makers to argue about (oh how they love to fall out!) And thanks to Mr Best, there will be some stunning images, and not just the usual shots we see time and time again.

The book will be ready when it is ready - I was hoping for this year some time but who knows - we have a decent selection of images already but Dave and I want this book to be stunning - a bit like me guitars!

Dave is also taking new photographs of the guitars for my website - the work has a different look from a couple of years ago so it's time they were all updated. Coming soon...

Camatillo Rosewood Model B goes home

Damian dropped into Newcastle on his way north back to Glasgow to pick up his brand spanking new Camatillo Rosewood/Italian Spruce Model B. You can read more on the blog....

New version of the website!

Apparently the clever flash version didn't work on many folks computers so here is the new old fashioned HTML version. Rather nice eh? Comments welcome as ever. If you click on the pictures they GET BIGGER! Am also busy updating the photos of the instruments as they are rather out of date - if you check out the blog you will see how my work looks these days.

Goodbye Mahogany guitars

I have decided to stop making the Models E and ES, and concentrate on Rosewood guitars. Those of you who wanted to order one ....sorry. I have still the prototype for the adjustable neck model G, which is all plantation grown Mahogany, but I intend to keep it for the time being as it is the only guitar I have!

Richard Dawson on YouTube

Martin Stephenson on YouTube!

Martin called round the other morning to get some work done on his guitars, and very kindly performed a few songs for us all to go on me YouTube page.  Two clips with my Model G and two with the recent Model J. So here they are, and enjoy!

Model J on YouTube

A chap is coming to collect his wonderful new Rio Model J soon, so I nipped down to see Ian Stephenson and filmed him noodling about on it. The guitar is in a tuning unfamiliar to Ian, but he seems to cope! The guitar is tuned CGCGCD low to high. Click here to see for yourself.

Happy New Year!

Sorry there have been no news of late, to celebrate 20 years since I began guitar making, I started the year with a holiday! I've taken much of the last month off - I've been to India. Had a fantastic time once I got used to the place, and I even came back with a slight sun tan - unheard of!

Most of the time was in the lovely city of Mysore, a few hours south of Bangalore (where there are some excellent timber dealers) and me time was spent doing very little, not a pastime I am naturally good at, but  I became rather good at it by the end of the trip.

But I'm back now, and itching to get cracking, I had a load of ideas whilst away, and a good few orders, so things are off to a good start.

I will be spending a day or so a week on the  20th Anniversary Model , and an excellent local photographer  is planning to document it's creation. Perhaps there will be a nice glossy NK Forster Guitars book out before long!

Stay tuned.....

Happy Christmas!

Hope you all have a great time over the festive season. 2007 has been a good year here at NK Forster Guitars HQ, and I'm looking foreward to the new year - plenty of orders, and plenty of ideas. Can't be bad.

I've been very happy with how the work has progressed this year with a few important changes having been made to the soundboards, and this years crop of owners seem very happy too. Here are a few quotes:

I'm emailing in from Cloud Nine.  The guitar is just a dream to play, and sounds wonderful.  I'm full of admiration for your skill and talent.
Russ Clare
Doune, Scotland, Model F

The guitar arrived tonight, safe and sound.  I would have written sooner, but it is too hard to type and play guitar at the same time. 
The guitar is fantastic!  It plays and sounds like a dream.  Very balanced, clear and smooth.  I love the profile of the neck and the action is perfect. It is also very comfortable to play. It's funny, but my other guitar almost feels clunky after holding the Forster.
Aesthetically, she is a thing of beauty.  The rosewood and spruce are top notch quality.   
Anyway, thank you again for such a wonderful instrument.  I think I may need to order a Model C next.
Regards,
Emmett Wood
NJ
USA, Model B

Your bass response is so fantastic I'm having to retrain my "Martin" thumb to push the notes off the E string rather than "thump" it. I just adore the tone. The bass notes develop out away from the guitar. That is exactly what I was hoping for. The look is really pleasing as well,,beautiful lines..great combinations of wood color tones..standing ovation from Texas my man.
Kevin Mabus
Dallas TX
USA, Model C

Dear Nigel ,
Reproductive photography on any internet site, nor any camera could mimick the true beauty of what you just sent me ! I'm truly chuffed 2 bits ! 
When I de-bubble wrapped , and opened the case I swear I nearly keeled over !!
Words fail me .
D. Brown
Hong Kong, Model C

Many thanks for a tremendous guitar. fabulous. so clean and well articulated.  balanced all over, and you can dig in right back at the bridge and get some good cut or get  juicy bell tones up near the neck. the body is light, and the neck is really good.  i don't know what you've done, it must be where it's placed in the body and the shape of the neck itself.....it promotes good posture and proper left hand placement. the guitar likes it good technique and clean fingering. 
There's no superfluity with your model c. Everything makes sense.
Sean Parker
NSW Australia, Model C

See you all in 2008!

Model C review

There is another good review up on Harmony Central, this time from the chap who bought a used Indian Model C from DreamGuitars. He seems rather stuck with his guitar which is nice. What may interest some of you is how it compares with his Sobell Model 1.  Many of you ask about differences and similarities , this may help answer some of your questions.

More Spruce !

Was in Germany last week spending me money on yet more Spruce. Came back with some FANTASTIC stuff, German, Swiss, French (first time I've seen French Spruce - very nice too) Italian, and some really good tight Carpathian. The cream of the crop is a batch of 1930's German Spruce which came from a retired German Classical builder. Let me say that again - 1930's German Spruce. I think it should be pretty dry by now!

It did cost a fortune but it's worth it - but my supplies of it are limited as you can imagine so I think I'll be using it on my new Anniversary Model

It will be 20 years since I started building guitars for a living in January 2008, and to celebrate I'm going to make one guitar next year with this old German Spruce and my best Rio. It will be a new body shape, a 14 fret version of my popular Model B . Can't say exactly when the Anniversary Model will appear as I have quite a few orders to be getting on with, but don't worry, I shall keep you all informed.

Model C at DreamGuitars

Paul and Joe of DREAMGUITARS over in Weaverville NC have the experimental Model C for sale that some of you spotted in my recent Gareth Pearson and Ian Stephenson YouTube clips. It is a superb guitar and if any of you want this design it is available at no extra charge. It works rather like a soundport giving the player more bass. Have a listen to Al Pettiway's soundsample - he said it was a dream to record.

More stuff on YouTube!

The short films I've made of guitar making have been well received so I've just posted two more. These ones are about the fiddly process of fitting a rosette. If you enjoy them, send in your comments and tell your friends!

More to come...

New articles on Blog

Have just posted a couple of "work in progress" pieces on the Blog. One about  a pretty Indian Model B  soundported cutaway, the other about an equally bonny Rio Adjustable neck Model F. Soundsamples coming soon...

Back to normal

Me computer has been fixed, but I have probably lost a lot of emails so get back in touch if you have had no reply from me.

Email trouble

Can't get my business email to work just now so aplogies if you have written to me - I don't seem to be getting any mail at all - not even spam! Shall get someone to fix it soon I hope. In the meantime, you can get me on:

nigelkforster@btinternet.com

Had a great time in America, Asheville is as wierd as ever and Nashville was fantastic - the International Bluegrass festival was on in the hotel I was stopping in and it was just amazing - the new crop of players are taking the music to new heights. Think I may go back next year and take a guitar or two. Austin was knockout - what a city - music, comedy, poetry, dance, drama - every type of art you can think of, every night. Met some great people out there including one of my customers in Dallas who has some great old vintage Martins. Thanks for treating me so nice Kevin and Mel!

It was me second time in the States and I'm getting to really like it...

Another new Model!

I've developed the old idea of Austrian luthier Stuaffer (the chap who taught a certain CF Martin in the 1800's)- a neck attacked by pivots and bolts that allows you to take the neck on and off with ease.

The guitar comes apart and fits in a case that is small enough to carry on as hand luggage. Clever eh? Not only that the guitar will be fitted with the Fishman Aura - in my opinion THE best pickup on the market today. Click here to see images of the prototype. The Spruce and Rosewood verion is coming soon.

Just imaging - no more touring with that thing you picked up for a couple of hundred, and leaving the guitar that inspires you in the house - now you'll be inseperable!

Johnny Dickinson is going to do a little video for us, showing how it all goes together and then dazzling us all with some of his tasty slide playing.

Still havn't got a catchy name for it though so if any of you can think of something better than Model G...

Cheltenham Guitar Show News!

It's going to be great- I have two demonstrators - Ian Stephenson - the chap who plays on all my excellent sound samples and Gareth Pearson - one of the finest fingerpickers on the planet will both be on the NK FORSTER GUITARS stand at the Cheltenham Acoustic guitar show on the 8/9th September. I won't have to do a thing - just sit back and relax! I might bring the video camera as there is bound to be some class playing from those two.
I'll bring along the Model F which has been recorded for the  Fishman Aura system - it's knockout! Ian will probably bring his Model B, and  the experimental Mahogany Overhead Model (you can take it apart and fit it in a little case)

Ian will be available to give 1 on 1 lessons to anyone who wants one (if you give him some money) He's a great teacher as well as a player, and if I'm feeling nice I may lend you one of my guitars for the lesson.

The show runs from about 10.30 till 5.00. in the Cheltenham town Hall. See you there!

Guitar Making in YouTube!

What a miserable looking feller I am! But I 'm not really, it's just me face and me dead pan delivery. Can't be helped. And I thought I was being all smiliey?..Anyhow, I've made a couple of short video's with me bending some linings and some sides. Hope they are of interest to you. More soon...

Cheltenham Acoustic Guitar Show

Forgot to tell you all, I'm coming down to exhibit a few instruments at the Cheltenham Acoustic Guitar Show on September the 8th and 9th. Have no clue what instruments I'll have as the cupboards are bare. Hopefully some of you will lend me your guitars back!

Fishman Aura Samples Part 1

I have never liked ANY systems for amplifying acoustic guitars. They ALL sound awful and many undersaddle pickups harm the acoustic sound. Most soundhole pickups are unbalanced, and whilst the sound can be ok, it is always the sound of the pickup and never the sound of the guitar.

Here is a video of Ian trying the Aura out with his Rio Model B cutaway.

Fishman brought out a thing called the Aura a couple of years back,. It uses sound modelling a  bit like the Variaxe.

I fitted a Highlander into an Indian Model F. Next step was to send the guitar to Fishman to record the guitar at their custom shop. They recorded with several good mikes - Neumann U87, Neumann KM84, and a few others and recorded them with different positions. The signal from the pickup was also recorded. Then some clever jiggery pokery went on that produced some files which I downloaded into my floor mounted Fishman Aura  unit. The files reproduce the sound of the microphone recordings using the pickup as a trigger.

Fishman sent me the Model F back and last week Ian Stephenson and I started playing about with it.