Guitar Manufacturers and Makers
www.nationalguitars.com
Can there be anyone out there who calls themself a guitarist who HASN'T
heard of these wonderful and legendary guitars? - played by a string
of legends down through the ages, these guitars are simply the very best
in their field. Even Paul Simon mentions them in his song, "Graceland"
with the phrase "the Mississippi Delta was shining like a National
Guitar"
Here's what their website says:
Each era of music has its share of definitive
guitars. In the 70's, for example, the Les Paul electric became THE heavy
metal and hard rock guitar. In the 60's, Jim Hendrix made the Fender
Stratocaster the definitive rock instrument.Both of those had one advantage
that the 20's bluesmen didn't have. That was electrical amplification
of sound.
Back then, however, Blues guitarists had the next best thing; the National
Resonator type guitar, which was three to five times as loud as any made
of wood, and impervious to the often instrument-unfriendly environments
of the tent shows and juke joints. This was because the guitar was made
of metal, which is what makes it instantly recognizable to even the newest
Blues fan.
National Reso-Phonic Guitars. Inc.:
871 Via Esteban #C,
San Luis Obispo,
California 93401,
USA
Tel: (805) 546-8442
Fax: (805)
546-8430
Email: natres@nationalguitars.com
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www.tomsonguitars.co.uk
Richard Thompson of Tomson Guitars in based in Wigan and has gained
a reputation for skill, common sense and first class workmanship, his
guitars are a highly crafted piece of artistry and he gives the musician
EXACTLY the finely honed playing machine he or she desired. Once you
play one of his guitars (or mandolins) you wonder how you ever managed
without one.
Tomson Guitars
Unit 2, Clayton Place,
Clayton Street,
Wigan,
Lancashire,
WN3 4DA
Phone: 01942 820532
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www.gibson.com
Where do you start when talking about Gibson guitars? If I were to try
and put up a list of famous performers who own one of these it would
probably take me a lifetime and fill several hundred pages of text.
There can be few guitar luthiers that can truly say that they have reached
iconic status but Gibson is one of those names.
The one pictured alongside is the L-200 Emmylou Harris.
Here are the specifications:
• Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for beauty and tone.
•
Hand-fit, tapered dovetail joint to maximize sound vibration transfer
from the
neck to body.
•
Radius top to maximize sound projection
•
Hand-scalloped top bracing for added strength and a light top
The Gibson L-200 Emmylou Harris model features a newly designed body
that is smaller and thinner than the SJ-200 but braced to produce a powerful,
natural sound. Equipped with active dual source electronics with sound
hole mounted volume control.
Gibson Service Phone: 1-800 4 GIBSON
email: service@gibson.com
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www.brianmooreguitars.com
These really are at the top end of the guitar makers skill and expertise.
Played by a range of famous musicians, their players list reads like
a "Who's Who" of the music industry.
Quality just oozes out of every pore of these instruments. Just one
phrase sums up these fantastic guitars - "superb quality"
Phone 800-795-PLAY * 845-486-0744 * Fax 845-486-0745
General Email: info@brianmooreguitars.com
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www.sadowsky.com
Truly great guitars - the craftsmanship of these instruments is second
to none - here are Roger Sadowsky's own words about these remarkable
guitars:
THE SADOWSKY GUITAR is the result of our years of experience working
with the finest professional guitarists and bassists in New York and
around the world. It is our opinion that the most important factor affecting
the sound of solid body instruments is the acoustic quality of the wood.
The better a guitar sounds acoustically, the better it always sounds,
no matter what pickups, electronics, or amplification are used. The wood
for Sadowsky instruments is carefully selected for acoustic resonance,
light weight, and beautiful grain. Our guitars and basses are made from
select alder, southern swamp ash, and figured maple tops laminated to
swamp ash or alder.
We follow our wood selection with thin, durable finishes and construct
our instruments using the highest quality components available. Most
of our pickups are custom Sadowsky designs, as are our active onboard
circuits. We are continuously developing new or improved components for
the instruments and appreciate the contributions of our distinguished
endorsers to our research and development program. The result is a professional
instrument that transcends what is available in music stores.
SADOWSKY GUITARS LTD.
Professional Guitar Services
20 Jay Street #5C
Brooklyn, NY 11201
PHONE
(718) 422-1123
FAX
(718) 422-1120
info@sadowsky.com
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www.brookguitars.com
Acoustic guitars to die for - Each one of these hand-made
beauties is named after The West Country rivers where they are based.
Be prepared to drool over the quality and craftsmanship of their gorgeous
guitars.
Brook Guitars
Easterbrook,Nr Hittisleigh
Exeter, Devon
EX6 6LR
Tel +44 (0)1647 24139
Fax +44 (0)1647 24140
email:TheWorkshop@Brookguitars.com
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http://www.mcilroyguitars.co.uk
Dermot McIlroy started his company back in 2000, and since
has moved on to providing remarkable guitars to some of the worlds greatest
players. These wonderful instruments are lovingly hand-built for the
best in tone, sustain and quality. Truly a remarkable example of the
Luthiers craft and expertise. Lovely guitars!
Phone: +44 (0) 28 94467774
FAX: +44 (0) 28 94467292
email: dermot@mcilroyguitars.co.uk
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www.laceyguitars.com
Oh these guitars will make you green with envy because
you don't own one! - The quality, skill and craftsmanship that goes in
to
these
instruments
is absolutely "top of the tree" - Here are Mark Lacey's own
words on his instrument building philosophy:
"My main influences have been John D’Angelico,
Jimmy D’Aquisto and Gibson. I think my archtops and semi-solid
models reflect this. I have tried to stay fairly traditional in my designs.
I feel this is what most players want. I’ve had the opportunity
to examine in detail many of the older archtops and I incorporate their
best features in my own guitars. Having done a great deal of repairs
over the years one learns how not to build a guitar. I’ve had to
deal with just about every type of repair situation, both acoustic and
electric. My main objective besides building guitars that sound good
is to build guitars that will last."
email: mark@laceyguitars.com
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www.northwoodguitars.com
By combining the finest of tonewoods, an intelligent design,
and the most stringent attention to detail, inside and out, a Northwood
guitar not only looks and sounds beautiful, but performs beautifully
as well.
#308 - 20445 62nd Ave.
Langley, BC, Canada V3A 5E6
Phone: 604.514.7576
Fax: 604.514.7586
Email: info@northwoodguitars.com
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www.breedloveguitars.com
When playing a Breedlove, you will feel the active response of the body
and effortless chording up and down the Slender, Handrubbed Neck; hear
the Unique Sound, the vocal range, balance, intonation, harmonics and
projection. It is part piano, part violin, part harp... part human. Once
you feel the Energy from the instrument, you will know you have found
your Soulmate.
Breedlove Guitar Co.
19885 8th Street
Tumalo, Oregon 97701
Phone (541) 385-8339
email: info@breedloveguitars.com
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www.rondoubletarchtopguitars.co.uk
Ron Doublet makes truly fabulous archtop guitars for the connoisseur
market. Here's what his website says:
I have been involved in all aspects of
carpentry nearly all of my life, from about
five years old when I used to make carvings
on home made bows and arrows, to pattern
and jig making, construction, joinery, shop
fitting, furniture making and musical instruments. I am now in my sixtieth
year
and I still have that enthusiasm for making
things, nothing more so than the Hand
Carved Archtop guitar.
If you are lucky enough to be able to feel and see something in a piece
of wood and
know how far you can bend and work it to what you want it to be, or carve
it to such
an extent that it maintains its strengh and enhances its character, then,
listen to
the sound of the end product being played to the same perfection and
giving the player
the same thrill, then you are as one. I am very lucky to have this.
27 North Street
Wiveliscombe
Somerset
TA4 2LA
email: rondoublet@btinternet.com
Phone: 01984 624833
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www.bacornguitars.com
Roger Bacorn is not only a nice chap, he also makes some
of the worlds finest Guitars and mandolins, but don't just take my word
for it, here's
some feedback from one of his customers
"I re-strung and tried out the ES335 for the first time
at a band rehersal at the weekend. I have to say firstly that the reaction
alone from the other band members was extraordinary and that was before
I had even plugged it in !!!!!!!!!
The clean sounds have a bell like chime and quality to them that is
simply stunning and it filled the rehersal room in an almost surround
sound like way. I should say that I use a stereo amplifier system. The
sustain is never ending and the tone is sweet. I have found that the
clean sounds cut through brilliantly either for lead or rhythm" - need
we say more??
Bacorn Custom Guitars
&
Mandolins
2230 River Rd.
Nichols, NY 13812
Phone: 607-699-3094
email: reb@clarityconnect.com
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www.gosdenguitars.co.uk
Gosden Guitars specialise in acoustic and electric lap steel musical
instruments. All instruments are truly hand crafted by one man from start
to finish. This traditional approach together with a genuine passion
for instrument making result in a beautiful and personal instrument.
Gosden Guitars
2 Chiltlee Close,
Liphook,
Hampshire
GU30 7BP
Phone 07812 183489
Email info@gosdenguitars.co.uk
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www.andymanson.co.uk
This is one amazing guy making some of the finest and most unusual hand-made
quality instruments anywhere in the world. He has made some fantastic
multi-neck instruments, and even a 14 string guitar ! - thats right 14
STRINGS (see below) - words just can't sum up the talents of this guy,
you just have to have a look on his website at some of his instruments.
To use his
own words "Creator of world-class acoustic guitars, basses, mandolins
and multi-neck instruments. You dream it - I'll build it" - and boy
is that true!
Andy Manson
The Ark
18 High Street
Crediton
Devon
EX17 3AH
England
Tel/fax: +44 (0) 1363 773119
Email:andy@andymanson.fsnet.co.uk
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www.fyldeguitars.com
No website on the subject of musical instruments would be complete without
mentioning Fylde Guitars. Played by some of the finest musicians the
world over, these instruments are second to none for quality, craftsmanship,
tone and sheer playing pleasure. I have personally played some of their
instruments and I absolutely adore them. To use the words from their
own website:
"Thirty years of professional guitar making experience, plus unrivalled
technical expertise and facilities, the finest of human skills, and a
desire to make only the finest possible unique musical instruments. -
That’s
Fylde Guitars" - and I agree with that totally !
Fylde Guitars
Hartness Road
Gilwilly Industrial Estate
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 9BD
Phone: 44(0) 1768 891515
Fax; 44(0)
1768 868998
email: rogerbucknall@fyldeguitars.com
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www.randywoodguitars.com
An
icon in the musical instrument field, Randy Wood built his first instrument,
an Autoharp, in the early 1960's. After moving to Milledgeville, GA.
in the mid sixties to work with Tut Taylor, he built his first Mandolin.
The late, "Legendary" Bob Givens also came to work with Tut,
and built his first mandolin. "We were both flying blind",
Randy says of those early days.
Randy moved on from Milledgeville to Muscle Shoals, Ala. and Rual's
Music Service, and then became a founding member of G.T.R. in Nashville,
Tennessee, which later became Gruhn's Guitars. Over the years, Randy
has performed his craft for everyone from Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton,
and Keith Richards, to Vasser Clements, Clarence White, Bill Monroe and
Emmy Lou Harris.
Randy Wood Guitars Voice: (912) 748-1930
1304 E. Highway 80
Bloomingdale,
GA 31302
Voice: (912) 748-1930
FAX: (912) 748-0141
E-mail: info@randywoodguitars.com
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www.lakewood.de
Martin Seeliger makes superb hand-built guitars that are a joy to play.
Here is a few words from his website:
"I founded Lakewood Guitars back
in 1985 with one purpose in mind--- to build very
special
musical
instruments
that
would
become
treasured
by their owners. My love for the guitar dates back to when I was a
boy scout. Playing the guitar together was the one thing I remember most
about being with my friends. When I was 18, a man named Manfred Pletz
offered me an apprenticeship building guitars in his shop. Most of
the
instruments we made at that time were classical guitars, so it's no
wonder that my first love was this type of instrument. We also built
steel string
guitars, all kinds of mandolin-type instruments and acoustic basses.
It was a great challenge, and as a result I learned many things about
this family of stringed instruments. My apprenticeship lasted three
years. I will be forever grateful to Manfred for the lessons he gave
me".
Lakewood-Guitars
Zum Bahnhof 6a
D - 35394 Giessen
Germany
Tel.: +49 - 641 - 43038
Fax: +49 - 641 - 491398
E-mail: martin.seeliger@lakewood.de or info@lakewood.de
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www.burnsguitars.com
Here's a range of famous guitars going back to
the early days of British Pop music. These were played by the legendary
Hank Marvin. Here's what the website says:
"Burns London is proud to announce that it is soon to offer a limited
edition reissue of the original 1964 Marvin Guitar as part of its new
Custom Elite Series.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the guitar, authenticated by Hank
Marvin as a true replica of his original 1964 Signature Model, will be
available as a limited edition only. Its re-release will be in late August.
The Shadows 37-date sell-out UK tour will commence in May, during which
Hank will use the Burns Marvin live on stage".
e-mail; info@burnsguitars.com
telephone + 44 ( 0 ) 208 7833 638
fax + 44 ( 0 ) 208 7833 651
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www.sobellguitars.com
Stefan Sobell makes a wide range of wonderful instruments for the professional
musician. With a rare dedication to making instruments with a superb
tonal value,Stefan really has a range of instruments to suit all
players. Instruments to make you green with envy. Here's what he says
on the website:
"My workshop is the Old School in the rural Northumbrian village of
Whitley Chapel. It's made up of two handwork shops and a machine area,
with space to stack and season the different woods. It's cosy and compact
without being cramped, and has large windows with pleasant views over
green fields.
The best of today’s luthiers combine the skill of traditional
craftsmen with power tools and well-thought out jigs to produce consistently
outstanding instruments. Factories using computer controlled machinery
can build much faster, but without the ability to match each process
and each piece of wood to the preceding one that is so important to the
construction of a great instrument."
Stefan Sobell Musical Instruments
The Old School
Whitley Chapel
Hexhamshire
Northumberland NE47 0HB
England
Phone:(+44) 1434 673 567
email: Stefan@sobellinstruments.com
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