Who do you consider to be the UK's top guitar builders?

IvisonGuitars

fretfinder said:

poopot said: The guitars @Danielsguitars builds are simply stunning... His own guitars and also the replicas he makes... 

If you want very accurate '50's style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can... Ive tried pretty much all of the "Booteak" and Custom shop guitars over the years and have played examples from a lot of folk mentioned in this very thread... Nowt touches @Danielsguitars stuff IMO... all handmade by him (and no one else) no CNC... and made to true vintage specs!!!!!!

However, I will admit that this post could look more than a bit biased as I have just been given a beautiful burst on permanent loan...

Your post could also look more than a bit biased because, as you’ve said previously on this forum, you use his workshop, he’s helped you make replica guitars and you’re his mate! Fair enough though, I’m sure his guitars are very good and best of luck to him.

But there are other builders out there who make 50s inspired guitars that are “made to true vintage specs”. Like @IvisonGuitars who I recommended earlier on in this thread. Bizarrely someone lol’d my post - can’t think why anyone would do that unless they like knocking other builders.

I didn’t recommend Neil because I’m his mate, but because I know he’s owned more vintage Juniors and Specials than it’s healthy for any man to have, he’s worked on many others, and he’s measured them all meticulously and used those details for his own builds which are stunning. I’ve owned eight 1950s Juniors/Specials myself and having played a few of Neil’s builds I can say that they are scarily close. Journalist Neville Marten agrees as do more than one name guitarist who’s played an Ivison Junior. And other builders, some mentioned on this thread, have been known to tap him up to pick his brains to assist with their own builds.

Unlike you, I wouldn’t say there’s “no one else that can get as close to the originals” and that “nowt touches his stuff”, because that’s implicitly knocking all other makers. I think there’s room for other builders to replicate the best of 50s Gibsons and I wish them all success.

Thanks for the tag and recommendation @fretfinder, it's much appreciated!

There's always a small danger with these "Who's Best" threads for mates/co-workers to recommend their own vested interest but it soon becomes obvious to everyone who's a customer and who's helping with promotion. I think we'd all agree that in this thread, what started with a potentially inflammatory post, @FelineGuitars has shown true class and professionalism in his replies and demonstrated why he's so well thought of on the forum and beyond.

It's such a broad question too, to the OP, I would suggest deciding what style of guitar you are after and then looking at builders who build in that style, as said above I specialise in vintage correct 50's P90 'student model' guitars, but if you're looking for a high output metal guitar, I'd be clueless plus it's not my passion unlike @StormshadowGuitars, @StoneWolf_Mike or @KempGuitars, those guys could build you something absolutely stunning.

Being a relatively new, full time business, I tend to just keep my head down at the minute - I've got a healthy order book, 2 customers returning for second builds, another in build for a name player for a large upcoming US tour and juggling this with frequent repairs from both pro guitarists (some of whom have been clients since my touring guitar tech days) and from one of the UK's biggest vintage guitar dealers - so it's great to find out about markers i'd not heard of before, Carillion & Stonewolf - Wow!

For my recommendations, I think it's pretty much accepted that @DamianP is a master luthier in the UK, the Patrick James Eggle Macon looks unbelievable and, if I wanted an acoustic i'd be beating down the door of Atkin.

The one GREAT thing is that the UK has a great core of absolutely exceptional guitar makers, find the builder that speaks to you and jump in! 

As an aside, I think the lol-ing of other people’s recommendations is completely childish, if you have a problem with the builder, have the balls to come out and say it, this is a recommendation thread after all

Danielsguitars

IvisonGuitars said:

fretfinder said:

poopot said: The guitars @Danielsguitars builds are simply stunning... His own guitars and also the replicas he makes... 

If you want very accurate '50's style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can... Ive tried pretty much all of the "Booteak" and Custom shop guitars over the years and have played examples from a lot of folk mentioned in this very thread... Nowt touches @Danielsguitars stuff IMO... all handmade by him (and no one else) no CNC... and made to true vintage specs!!!!!!

However, I will admit that this post could look more than a bit biased as I have just been given a beautiful burst on permanent loan...

Your post could also look more than a bit biased because, as you’ve said previously on this forum, you use his workshop, he’s helped you make replica guitars and you’re his mate! Fair enough though, I’m sure his guitars are very good and best of luck to him.

But there are other builders out there who make 50s inspired guitars that are “made to true vintage specs”. Like @IvisonGuitars who I recommended earlier on in this thread. Bizarrely someone lol’d my post - can’t think why anyone would do that unless they like knocking other builders.

I didn’t recommend Neil because I’m his mate, but because I know he’s owned more vintage Juniors and Specials than it’s healthy for any man to have, he’s worked on many others, and he’s measured them all meticulously and used those details for his own builds which are stunning. I’ve owned eight 1950s Juniors/Specials myself and having played a few of Neil’s builds I can say that they are scarily close. Journalist Neville Marten agrees as do more than one name guitarist who’s played an Ivison Junior. And other builders, some mentioned on this thread, have been known to tap him up to pick his brains to assist with their own builds.

Unlike you, I wouldn’t say there’s “no one else that can get as close to the originals” and that “nowt touches his stuff”, because that’s implicitly knocking all other makers. I think there’s room for other builders to replicate the best of 50s Gibsons and I wish them all success.

Thanks for the tag and recommendation @fretfinder, it's much appreciated!

There's always a small danger with these "Who's Best" threads for mates/co-workers to recommend their own vested interest but it soon becomes obvious to everyone who's a customer and who's helping with promotion. I think we'd all agree that in this thread, what started with a potentially inflammatory post, @FelineGuitars has shown true class and professionalism in his replies and demonstrated why he's so well thought of on the forum and beyond.

It's such a broad question too, to the OP, I would suggest deciding what style of guitar you are after and then looking at builders who build in that style, as said above I specialise in vintage correct 50's P90 'student model' guitars, but if you're looking for a high output metal guitar, I'd be clueless plus it's not my passion unlike @StormshadowGuitars, @StoneWolf_Mike or @KempGuitars, those guys could build you something absolutely stunning.

Being a relatively new, full time business, I tend to just keep my head down at the minute - I've got a heathy order book, 2 customers returning for second builds, another in build for a name player for a large upcoming US tour and juggling this with frequent repairs from both pro guitarists (some of whom have been clients since my touring guitar tech days) and from one of the UK's biggest vintage guitar dealers - so it's great to find out about markers i'd not heard of before, Carillion & Stonewolf - Wow!

For my recommendations, I think it's pretty much accepted that @DamianP is a master luthier in the UK, the Patrick James Eggle Macon looks unbelievable and, if I wanted an acoustic i'd be beating down the door of Atkin.

The one GREAT thing is that the UK has a great core of absolutely exceptional guitar makers, find the builder that speaks to you and jump in!  

I agree Damien is my choice and I'm probably biased because I've been over to his workshop and chatted about going full time a few years back with him, i like his approach and skill, the only other guy who had unbelievable hand skills was the guy who taught me a college, he had been doing it 30 plus years but hasn't build commercially for a long time

The style of guitar will influence you more than anything when looking for a builder, there's alot of choice out there so find someone you click with, it's that simple 

poopot

fretfinder said:

poopot said: The guitars @Danielsguitars builds are simply stunning... His own guitars and also the replicas he makes... 

If you want very accurate '50's style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can... Ive tried pretty much all of the "Booteak" and Custom shop guitars over the years and have played examples from a lot of folk mentioned in this very thread... Nowt touches @Danielsguitars stuff IMO... all handmade by him (and no one else) no CNC... and made to true vintage specs!!!!!!

However, I will admit that this post could look more than a bit biased as I have just been given a beautiful burst on permanent loan...

Your post could also look more than a bit biased because, as you’ve said previously on this forum, you use his workshop, he’s helped you make replica guitars and you’re his mate! Fair enough though, I’m sure his guitars are very good and best of luck to him.

But there are other builders out there who make 50s inspired guitars that are “made to true vintage specs”. Like @IvisonGuitars who I recommended earlier on in this thread. Bizarrely someone lol’d my post - can’t think why anyone would do that unless they like knocking other builders.

I didn’t recommend Neil because I’m his mate, but because I know he’s owned more vintage Juniors and Specials than it’s healthy for any man to have, he’s worked on many others, and he’s measured them all meticulously and used those details for his own builds which are stunning. I’ve owned eight 1950s Juniors/Specials myself and having played a few of Neil’s builds I can say that they are scarily close. Journalist Neville Marten agrees as do more than one name guitarist who’s played an Ivison Junior. And other builders, some mentioned on this thread, have been known to tap him up to pick his brains to assist with their own builds.

Unlike you, I wouldn’t say there’s “no one else that can get as close to the originals” and that “nowt touches his stuff”, because that’s implicitly knocking all other makers. I think there’s room for other builders to replicate the best of 50s Gibsons and I wish them all success.

So you are knocking me for doing exactly what you have done? Recommending a mate?

So what if Darren is a friend? so what if I occasionally pop in and use his workshop? so what if he has helped me build a replica from scratch? (the replica that you pull apart at every given opportunity I might add)...

I am allowed to have my opinion and I’m allowed to recommend who the fuck I like!!!! Just as you have done more than once in this very thread!...

I have been playing for well over 30 years, for fun and for a living and in that time have owned pretty much every type of guitar going and played thousands more... I’ve owned and sold vintage instruments... I’ve played more than my fair share of vintage instruments also...

I stand by what I have said... 

If you want very accurate 50’s style set neck guitars (replicas or with his own headstock) go speak to @Danielsguitars. ;

And im not just talking about jnrs or specials... Go and have a play on his carved top stuff... carved top guitars that have been mapped from originals not made from plans bought of the internet!...

Am I biased? Yes, very probably, but no more than anyone else is about their own “favourite builder”. Incidentally Phil Harris said Darren’s bursts were the best burst tones he’d heard! And there are more than a few “named” guitarist who have sung his praises!... so we can all start a dick swinging competition on behalf of our chums if we want!...

As for knocking other builders!!!! That’s not my intention at all... but... there are a few builders out there that are not entirely honest about what they (or what they actually don’t) “build” and also the specs that they may or may not build too!...

But... that is all by the wayside... the question I want to know the answer to is why you persist at jumping in on my comments about Darren’s stuff, why you felt the need to knock the build I posted and why you have in the past sent me pm’s slating what I have built and claiming that Neil is the “only one who has accurate vintage measurements” (which he’s not btw).


And sorry if this bit appears as sycophantic as one of your own posts but I actually have to agree with both Neil and Darren on this... Damien probett is prolly the best out there at the moment!

Wonky

I own a number of guitars that are not factory built from as far afield as Australia and America, but our British builders are where I'm personally trying to spend my money from now on.
I own a Jon Case guitar which is a really wonderful creation, truly a perfect guitar in many ways.  Does everything from Zeppelin type stuff to Joe Pass (neck with the tone on 3) and even some proper shred into the right amp.  The Bareknuckles in it are wonderful too and obviously British made.  
I also own a prototype by an amazing builder in North Wales that goes under the name of AVM which is some of finest quality work I've ever seen.  Unfortunately I think AVM may be retired, which is a shame as his work is astounding.  Detail unlike anything I've seen before.
I do currently find myself fancying a Williams Guitars Evo, but maybe later in the year once I've paid off the current horde of lovely's.
TBH I really think that British Luthiers is where it's at for me.  We've got such amazingly talented Luthiers here and I think this thread is wondful expression of that.  I'd personally like to thank all of them for giving us a genuine choice and some of the worlds best guitars.  Well done guys.

57Deluxe

Brian May's Dad

WindmillGuitars

Danielsguitars said:

IvisonGuitars said:

fretfinder said:

poopot said: The guitars @Danielsguitars builds are simply stunning... His own guitars and also the replicas he makes... 

If you want very accurate '50's style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can... Ive tried pretty much all of the "Booteak" and Custom shop guitars over the years and have played examples from a lot of folk mentioned in this very thread... Nowt touches @Danielsguitars stuff IMO... all handmade by him (and no one else) no CNC... and made to true vintage specs!!!!!!

However, I will admit that this post could look more than a bit biased as I have just been given a beautiful burst on permanent loan...

Your post could also look more than a bit biased because, as you’ve said previously on this forum, you use his workshop, he’s helped you make replica guitars and you’re his mate! Fair enough though, I’m sure his guitars are very good and best of luck to him.

But there are other builders out there who make 50s inspired guitars that are “made to true vintage specs”. Like @IvisonGuitars who I recommended earlier on in this thread. Bizarrely someone lol’d my post - can’t think why anyone would do that unless they like knocking other builders.

I didn’t recommend Neil because I’m his mate, but because I know he’s owned more vintage Juniors and Specials than it’s healthy for any man to have, he’s worked on many others, and he’s measured them all meticulously and used those details for his own builds which are stunning. I’ve owned eight 1950s Juniors/Specials myself and having played a few of Neil’s builds I can say that they are scarily close. Journalist Neville Marten agrees as do more than one name guitarist who’s played an Ivison Junior. And other builders, some mentioned on this thread, have been known to tap him up to pick his brains to assist with their own builds.

Unlike you, I wouldn’t say there’s “no one else that can get as close to the originals” and that “nowt touches his stuff”, because that’s implicitly knocking all other makers. I think there’s room for other builders to replicate the best of 50s Gibsons and I wish them all success.

Thanks for the tag and recommendation @fretfinder, it's much appreciated!

There's always a small danger with these "Who's Best" threads for mates/co-workers to recommend their own vested interest but it soon becomes obvious to everyone who's a customer and who's helping with promotion. I think we'd all agree that in this thread, what started with a potentially inflammatory post, @FelineGuitars has shown true class and professionalism in his replies and demonstrated why he's so well thought of on the forum and beyond.

It's such a broad question too, to the OP, I would suggest deciding what style of guitar you are after and then looking at builders who build in that style, as said above I specialise in vintage correct 50's P90 'student model' guitars, but if you're looking for a high output metal guitar, I'd be clueless plus it's not my passion unlike @StormshadowGuitars, @StoneWolf_Mike or @KempGuitars, those guys could build you something absolutely stunning.

Being a relatively new, full time business, I tend to just keep my head down at the minute - I've got a heathy order book, 2 customers returning for second builds, another in build for a name player for a large upcoming US tour and juggling this with frequent repairs from both pro guitarists (some of whom have been clients since my touring guitar tech days) and from one of the UK's biggest vintage guitar dealers - so it's great to find out about markers i'd not heard of before, Carillion & Stonewolf - Wow!

For my recommendations, I think it's pretty much accepted that @DamianP is a master luthier in the UK, the Patrick James Eggle Macon looks unbelievable and, if I wanted an acoustic i'd be beating down the door of Atkin.

The one GREAT thing is that the UK has a great core of absolutely exceptional guitar makers, find the builder that speaks to you and jump in!  

I agree Damien is my choice and I'm probably biased because I've been over to his workshop and chatted about going full time a few years back with him, i like his approach and skill, the only other guy who had unbelievable hand skills was the guy who taught me a college, he had been doing it 30 plus years but hasn't build commercially for a long time

The style of guitar will influence you more than anything when looking for a builder, there's alot of choice out there so find someone you click with, it's that simple 

@Danielsguitars I'm not looking to currently buy a hand-built guitar as I've already commissioned a build elsewhere. This post was merely to gauge opinion on what the opinion of TFB users was on who they'd recommend.

Interesting read all the same!
Ps - my commissioned guitar is being made by someone not mentioned here.. He's also a mate.. So i'll not mention their name lol

Danielsguitars

Anchorboy said:

Danielsguitars said:

IvisonGuitars said:

fretfinder said:

poopot said: The guitars @Danielsguitars builds are simply stunning... His own guitars and also the replicas he makes... 

If you want very accurate '50's style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can... Ive tried pretty much all of the "Booteak" and Custom shop guitars over the years and have played examples from a lot of folk mentioned in this very thread... Nowt touches @Danielsguitars stuff IMO... all handmade by him (and no one else) no CNC... and made to true vintage specs!!!!!!

However, I will admit that this post could look more than a bit biased as I have just been given a beautiful burst on permanent loan...

Your post could also look more than a bit biased because, as you’ve said previously on this forum, you use his workshop, he’s helped you make replica guitars and you’re his mate! Fair enough though, I’m sure his guitars are very good and best of luck to him.

But there are other builders out there who make 50s inspired guitars that are “made to true vintage specs”. Like @IvisonGuitars who I recommended earlier on in this thread. Bizarrely someone lol’d my post - can’t think why anyone would do that unless they like knocking other builders.

I didn’t recommend Neil because I’m his mate, but because I know he’s owned more vintage Juniors and Specials than it’s healthy for any man to have, he’s worked on many others, and he’s measured them all meticulously and used those details for his own builds which are stunning. I’ve owned eight 1950s Juniors/Specials myself and having played a few of Neil’s builds I can say that they are scarily close. Journalist Neville Marten agrees as do more than one name guitarist who’s played an Ivison Junior. And other builders, some mentioned on this thread, have been known to tap him up to pick his brains to assist with their own builds.

Unlike you, I wouldn’t say there’s “no one else that can get as close to the originals” and that “nowt touches his stuff”, because that’s implicitly knocking all other makers. I think there’s room for other builders to replicate the best of 50s Gibsons and I wish them all success.

Thanks for the tag and recommendation @fretfinder, it's much appreciated!

There's always a small danger with these "Who's Best" threads for mates/co-workers to recommend their own vested interest but it soon becomes obvious to everyone who's a customer and who's helping with promotion. I think we'd all agree that in this thread, what started with a potentially inflammatory post, @FelineGuitars has shown true class and professionalism in his replies and demonstrated why he's so well thought of on the forum and beyond.

It's such a broad question too, to the OP, I would suggest deciding what style of guitar you are after and then looking at builders who build in that style, as said above I specialise in vintage correct 50's P90 'student model' guitars, but if you're looking for a high output metal guitar, I'd be clueless plus it's not my passion unlike @StormshadowGuitars, @StoneWolf_Mike or @KempGuitars, those guys could build you something absolutely stunning.

Being a relatively new, full time business, I tend to just keep my head down at the minute - I've got a heathy order book, 2 customers returning for second builds, another in build for a name player for a large upcoming US tour and juggling this with frequent repairs from both pro guitarists (some of whom have been clients since my touring guitar tech days) and from one of the UK's biggest vintage guitar dealers - so it's great to find out about markers i'd not heard of before, Carillion & Stonewolf - Wow!

For my recommendations, I think it's pretty much accepted that @DamianP is a master luthier in the UK, the Patrick James Eggle Macon looks unbelievable and, if I wanted an acoustic i'd be beating down the door of Atkin.

The one GREAT thing is that the UK has a great core of absolutely exceptional guitar makers, find the builder that speaks to you and jump in!  

I agree Damien is my choice and I'm probably biased because I've been over to his workshop and chatted about going full time a few years back with him, i like his approach and skill, the only other guy who had unbelievable hand skills was the guy who taught me a college, he had been doing it 30 plus years but hasn't build commercially for a long time

The style of guitar will influence you more than anything when looking for a builder, there's alot of choice out there so find someone you click with, it's that simple 

@Danielsguitars I'm not looking to currently buy a hand-built guitar as I've already commissioned a build elsewhere. This post was merely to gauge opinion on what the opinion of TFB users was on who they'd recommend.

Interesting read all the same!
Ps - my commissioned guitar is being made by someone not mentioned here.. He's also a mate.. So i'll not mention their name lol

I just got tagged into this thread but nice to get a mention, I'm getting fed up with the negative stuff tbh so i try and stay out of it now

What are you getting made, custom made is good imo and something you can't normally buy

PhilKing

I've got guitars from @FelineGuitars, @WezV, Bravewood and Will Scott (in Pembrookshire), as well as my first couple from a builder called Niall back in the 1990 in Bradford.  I wouldn't pit any of them against the others, as I ordered all of them for different reasons and different sounds and styles.  I will say that I am in awe of anyone who can turn planks of wood into working and extremely playable guitars.  I can put together a Fender style form bits (and have several of them to prove it).  I can also do some routing and finishing, but that's where I stop.

Every one of my custom guitars gets played at some point (with around 125 guitars, it's not everyday that things get played), and several of them have been gigged and had a good workout (especially my Bravewood and @WezV basses).   I understand if you can just get one guitar, then you would like to know who to go to, but I think that everyone would have slightly different opinions when they play instruments.  If I lived in the UK, I would probably pick up an @IvisonGuitars Junior and a @Danielsguitars 59 Standard, since I think they look awesome and I appreciate the work that has gone into them.  As I am lucky enough to have a few Gibsons and Fenders from the 50's & 60's you might wonder why I would want a replica of them.  It is the same reason that I had John Elliott (of Bravewood), copy the neck from my 57 Strat to make me 2 versions of it, a sunburst and a blonde hardtail.  The vintage guitars are too valuable and some of the Gibsons, too fragile to take on a gig.  Having the replicas gets around this, it would be the same with the others.  Also, I don't think I'll ever have the money for a 59 Les Paul Standard, so it would be to satisfy that too.

Having said that, my Feline Lion Anniversary is a perfect gigging Les Paul for me, with features that make it easier to get up the neck and mine has a wrap around bridge, which I really like.  

If the intent of the thread is because you would like to get a custom made guitar, then I would advise you to think of the style of guitar you like, what music you want to play, what features you are looking for and then talk to some of the builders.  I assume you also know how much you want to spend and how long you can wait to get the guitar (I am very patient, I just got a John McIntyre all valve recording preamp which I ordered in the 90's and I have waited several years on some guitars).  There is no point in rushing people, especially with guitars.  Wood is a natural material and it doesn't always work out the way you expect.  That's why you pick a builder, so they will deal with that and that's why it might take longer than you expect (though with John, he's a friend and was totally sidetracked with personal issues, so I was happy to wait and now I have it, it is amazing).

fretfinder

poopot said:

fretfinder said:

poopot said: The guitars @Danielsguitars builds are simply stunning... His own guitars and also the replicas he makes... 

If you want very accurate '50's style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can... Ive tried pretty much all of the "Booteak" and Custom shop guitars over the years and have played examples from a lot of folk mentioned in this very thread... Nowt touches @Danielsguitars stuff IMO... all handmade by him (and no one else) no CNC... and made to true vintage specs!!!!!!

However, I will admit that this post could look more than a bit biased as I have just been given a beautiful burst on permanent loan...

Your post could also look more than a bit biased because, as you’ve said previously on this forum, you use his workshop, he’s helped you make replica guitars and you’re his mate! Fair enough though, I’m sure his guitars are very good and best of luck to him.

But there are other builders out there who make 50s inspired guitars that are “made to true vintage specs”. Like @IvisonGuitars who I recommended earlier on in this thread. Bizarrely someone lol’d my post - can’t think why anyone would do that unless they like knocking other builders.

I didn’t recommend Neil because I’m his mate, but because I know he’s owned more vintage Juniors and Specials than it’s healthy for any man to have, he’s worked on many others, and he’s measured them all meticulously and used those details for his own builds which are stunning. I’ve owned eight 1950s Juniors/Specials myself and having played a few of Neil’s builds I can say that they are scarily close. Journalist Neville Marten agrees as do more than one name guitarist who’s played an Ivison Junior. And other builders, some mentioned on this thread, have been known to tap him up to pick his brains to assist with their own builds.

Unlike you, I wouldn’t say there’s “no one else that can get as close to the originals” and that “nowt touches his stuff”, because that’s implicitly knocking all other makers. I think there’s room for other builders to replicate the best of 50s Gibsons and I wish them all success.

So you are knocking me for doing exactly what you have done? Recommending a mate?

So what if Darren is a friend? so what if I occasionally pop in and use his workshop? so what if he has helped me build a replica from scratch? (the replica that you pull apart at every given opportunity I might add)...

I am allowed to have my opinion and I’m allowed to recommend who the fuck I like!!!! Just as you have done more than once in this very thread!...

I have been playing for well over 30 years, for fun and for a living and in that time have owned pretty much every type of guitar going and played thousands more... I’ve owned and sold vintage instruments... I’ve played more than my fair share of vintage instruments also...

I stand by what I have said... 

If you want very accurate 50’s style set neck guitars (replicas or with his own headstock) go speak to @Danielsguitars. ;;

And im not just talking about jnrs or specials... Go and have a play on his carved top stuff... carved top guitars that have been mapped from originals not made from plans bought of the internet!...

Am I biased? Yes, very probably, but no more than anyone else is about their own “favourite builder”. Incidentally Phil Harris said Darren’s bursts were the best burst tones he’d heard! And there are more than a few “named” guitarist who have sung his praises!... so we can all start a dick swinging competition on behalf of our chums if we want!...

As for knocking other builders!!!! That’s not my intention at all... but... there are a few builders out there that are not entirely honest about what they (or what they actually don’t) “build” and also the specs that they may or may not build too!...

But... that is all by the wayside... the question I want to know the answer to is why you persist at jumping in on my comments about Darren’s stuff, why you felt the need to knock the build I posted and why you have in the past sent me pm’s slating what I have built and claiming that Neil is the “only one who has accurate vintage measurements” (which he’s not btw).


And sorry if this bit appears as sycophantic as one of your own posts but I actually have to agree with both Neil and Darren on this... Damien probett is prolly the best out there at the moment!

Blimey, no need to blow a gasket! I’m not sure you read my post properly - I didn’t knock you for recommending Daniel’s Guitars, I just agreed with your admission that your recommendation, in your own words, “could look more than a bit biased”. 

You’ve also misquoted yourself! You didn’t say in your earlier post, as you claim above:
”If you want very accurate 50’s style set neck guitars (replicas or with his own headstock) go speak to @Danielsguitars.”

What you actually said in the earlier post was:“If you want very accurate ‘50’s style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can.” You also said “nowt touches” his stuff.

So in plain English that means you think Darren’s builds are better than anyone else’s. Fair enough you’re perfectly entitled to that opinion, but it seems you’re now trying to pretend that you said something different to that!

In contrast, I didn’t say that Neil’s guitars were better than anyone else’s. I just said that he also builds to true vintage specs and that his are scarily close to the originals, to make the point that  there’s more than one builder out there making vintage-accurate solid bodies.

I’ll also just repeat what I said at the end of my earlier post (quoting myself accurately): 
Unlike you, I wouldn’t say there’s “no one else that can get as close to the originals” and that “nowt touches his stuff”, because that’s implicitly knocking all other makers. I think there’s room for other builders to replicate the best of 50s Gibsons and I wish them all success.

Oh, and regarding your statement that I “felt the need to knock the build” you posted, do you mean your TV Junior replica thread where I commented “Very nice, good work.”? I don’t recall the details of our PM exchange and deleted them ages ago, but I may have questioned the accuracy of some minor aspect of the build, although that’s hardly slating it!

Rather than derail this thread still further, feel free to PM me if you want to continue the discussion.

Peace.

Hootsmon

Who was the builder (from these here pages) that would do those great replica LP SC  Juniors and add in the Gibson logo if you wanted?

The builder was not tryin' to fool anyone with the addition of the logo.......the original/individual serial numbers put paid to that

DavidRees

I don't know if he is still around but Chris Eccleshall used to build a mighty fine guitar ...

Hootsmon

Since we are on the subject.here's another question....

LP Junior CS 57 guitars keep their value much better compared to the regular USA LP Juniors, how do the UK builders guitars fit in with regard to resale/value?

Iamnobody

Hootsmon said:

Who was the builder (from these here pages) that would do those great replica LP SC  Juniors and add in the Gibson logo if you wanted?

The builder was not tryin' to fool anyone with the addition of the logo.......the original/individual serial numbers put paid to that

JXG guitars. He’s no longer building though he did some labelled as Old Boy as well.

Great guitars...

Hootsmon

JXG yeah, that's the fella.......wots he up to then?

Iamnobody

Hootsmon said:

JXG yeah, that's the fella.......wots he up to then?

Not really my place to comment (apart from I’m a customer) but a number of health problems have resulted in him giving up luthiery.

If I was looking to buy a decent replica now I’d be talking to Neil @IvisonGuitars ;

monquixote

I haven't played many UK guitars but I have played a few Felines and they are absolutely superb.

poopot

fretfinder said:

You’ve also misquoted yourself! You didn’t say in your earlier post, as you claim above:
”If you want very accurate 50’s style set neck guitars (replicas or with his own headstock) go speak to @Danielsguitars.”

What you actually said in the earlier post was:“If you want very accurate ‘50’s style set neck type guitars there is no one else that can get as close to the originals as Darren can.” You also said “nowt touches” his stuff.

So in plain English that means you think Darren’s builds are better than anyone else’s. Fair enough you’re perfectly entitled to that opinion, but it seems you’re now trying to pretend that you said something different to that!

Split hairs all you want dude, it all amounts to the same thing... in plain English, I think Darren’s builds are better than anyone else trying to do the same thing...

having tried guitars from a variety of builders doing similar I stand by that...

I agree tho’ best not to derail the thread any further eh? Although that said it wasn’t myself that started the derailment now was it? If you read back “someone” got all pissy after I echoed positive comments about Darren’s stuff from someone else!...  

Danielsguitars

one day this place might actually all get along fine just like mlp, I've been posting on there for years now and did build threads etc, not one crap/snide/shitty/troll type comment from anyone including well regarded builders and amongst themselves, it was all good humour and helpful advice, admittedly i mostly stalked luthiers corner

Can we just get along and respect people's opinions, be interesting to all get in a room with said guitars and builders for a demo day 

OilCityPickups

Danielsguitars said:

one day this place might actually all get along fine just like mlp, I've been posting on there for years now and did build threads etc, not one crap/snide/shitty/troll type comment from anyone including well regarded builders and amongst themselves, it was all good humour and helpful advice, admittedly i mostly stalked luthiers corner

Can we just get along and respect people's opinions, be interesting to all get in a room with said guitars and builders for a demo day 

I'd like to second that. This thread could have been a celebration of the amazing talent and diversity of UK guitar building ... some of the best in the world I firmly believe ... and once again it's descended into cheap shots and mud slinging. Sometimes I wonder why I bother with this place. Some people here need to grow the f--k up!  

WiresDreamDisasters

I see a lot of people mentioning Feline, but when I had dealings with him, I took my Gibson R8 in to get some new pickups, and I somehow ended up with a Thomann Les Paul copy! I was livid, but too polite to say anything, so I just took it away. @FelineGuitars Can you please check your customers parts box for my guitar please?