Post by dawkins on Dec 19, 2013 13:25:11 GMT
Hi Everyone.
Yesterday, I had a trip to Penrith, of course the home of Roger Bucknall and Fylde guitars. I was collecting my new guitar: the ‘Rio’ Ariel. But first, a bit of background (for those interested). For my 50th a few years ago I bought a used, but mint standard Fylde Goodfellow, but sold it to fund a very expensive classical guitar. The moment I sold it I had deep regrets and recently I found another one and was so happy to replace it. But I had already had my eyes on two Ariel guitars on Fylde's website: the ‘International Ullapool’ with its unusual woods, and the ‘Rio’ which, to me at least, appeared to be of more traditional aesthetic and yet clearly a work of beauty. I made enquiries with regards to both guitars but in the end, after being indecisive with Roger, I made a final decision and opted for the ‘Rio’. Naturally, this was more expensive and I have pledged to my wife that I will do the pots for the rest of my life! However, on the way home from Fylde's I called in at Currys and ordered a dishwasher!
I arrived at Fylde's and Roger made me a brew and we had a chat about guitars and other stuff. The guitar of course is a dream. I nervously played it whilst at Roger's place and straight away I knew this was something special. I must confess that I don't feel as though I deserve this guitar, but I have, I believe, earned it through hard work in my own careers — that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Of course when I got home I was able to really relax and feel what the guitar was like — both acoustic and electrified through a good amp (Schertler UNICO).
But firstly, the build quality is out of this world. For me, it perfectly sits in that space where there is enough detail and yet the instrument is aesthetically ‘clean and simple’. The guitar is medium heavy and feels solid on the knee. It is perfectly balanced and I feel at home straight away. The woods used are detailed on Fylde's site, but of note is the stunning swiss pine top; walnut neck and snakewood bindings and lamination — again, with just the right amount of detail to provide visual interest.
As soon as you strum this guitar the sustain and ring just jump out at you. The sound is really balanced and yet it responds to nuances of attack in such a startling fashion that you wonder how it's possible. Similarly, in fingerpicking each note is articulate and responds to nuances of attack. I swear that I could hit a bottom E and it would still ring after making a brew! The neck is very comfortable and part of the reason I chose the Ariel was because of the 46mm nut width. Plugged into an amp and this guitar is phenonemal. The sound is so big that it's hard to believe it's coming from a guitar only slightly larger than parlour size. So, this brief assessment of the sound leads me to conclude that I have purchased a instrument of great quality and character.
This morning I took the guitar to my teacher who is a highly accomplished player. Of course he loved it and said “You can't have a Fylde like this and not learn Anji”. Off he went to get his sheet music and then treated me to a stunning rendition of Anji so I could here this wonderful sound jumping out.
So of course, you can guess I'm a Fylde fan.
First photo a bit blurry because of poor light in the house !
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i1374.photobucket.com
/albums/ag426/washy21/Rio%20Ariel/one_zpsa2ac8191.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Yesterday, I had a trip to Penrith, of course the home of Roger Bucknall and Fylde guitars. I was collecting my new guitar: the ‘Rio’ Ariel. But first, a bit of background (for those interested). For my 50th a few years ago I bought a used, but mint standard Fylde Goodfellow, but sold it to fund a very expensive classical guitar. The moment I sold it I had deep regrets and recently I found another one and was so happy to replace it. But I had already had my eyes on two Ariel guitars on Fylde's website: the ‘International Ullapool’ with its unusual woods, and the ‘Rio’ which, to me at least, appeared to be of more traditional aesthetic and yet clearly a work of beauty. I made enquiries with regards to both guitars but in the end, after being indecisive with Roger, I made a final decision and opted for the ‘Rio’. Naturally, this was more expensive and I have pledged to my wife that I will do the pots for the rest of my life! However, on the way home from Fylde's I called in at Currys and ordered a dishwasher!
I arrived at Fylde's and Roger made me a brew and we had a chat about guitars and other stuff. The guitar of course is a dream. I nervously played it whilst at Roger's place and straight away I knew this was something special. I must confess that I don't feel as though I deserve this guitar, but I have, I believe, earned it through hard work in my own careers — that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Of course when I got home I was able to really relax and feel what the guitar was like — both acoustic and electrified through a good amp (Schertler UNICO).
But firstly, the build quality is out of this world. For me, it perfectly sits in that space where there is enough detail and yet the instrument is aesthetically ‘clean and simple’. The guitar is medium heavy and feels solid on the knee. It is perfectly balanced and I feel at home straight away. The woods used are detailed on Fylde's site, but of note is the stunning swiss pine top; walnut neck and snakewood bindings and lamination — again, with just the right amount of detail to provide visual interest.
As soon as you strum this guitar the sustain and ring just jump out at you. The sound is really balanced and yet it responds to nuances of attack in such a startling fashion that you wonder how it's possible. Similarly, in fingerpicking each note is articulate and responds to nuances of attack. I swear that I could hit a bottom E and it would still ring after making a brew! The neck is very comfortable and part of the reason I chose the Ariel was because of the 46mm nut width. Plugged into an amp and this guitar is phenonemal. The sound is so big that it's hard to believe it's coming from a guitar only slightly larger than parlour size. So, this brief assessment of the sound leads me to conclude that I have purchased a instrument of great quality and character.
This morning I took the guitar to my teacher who is a highly accomplished player. Of course he loved it and said “You can't have a Fylde like this and not learn Anji”. Off he went to get his sheet music and then treated me to a stunning rendition of Anji so I could here this wonderful sound jumping out.
So of course, you can guess I'm a Fylde fan.
First photo a bit blurry because of poor light in the house !
i1374.photobucket.com/albums/ag426/washy21/Rio%20Ariel/one_zpsa2ac8191.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
Is the Ariel the same size as a 00 sized guitar ? By the way, don`t feel guilty, just ENJOY!
Jo whoever he is.
