Post by Martin on Apr 18, 2013 13:05:49 GMT
This little gem came up during a routine search on Gumtree. It wasn't cheap, but I reckoned it was worth a look as the seller was based in Glasgow. It turned out to be in MINT condition, absolutely gorgeous, with a great sound right off, and it came with a snug fitting hard case. I didn't even haggle.
This was a really stunning instrument that regrettably I sold a year ago or so to help pay for my new guitar!
Looking back, that was a mistake, and is my biggest selling regret - if I could have it back I would.
Manufacturer & Model: Fylde Single Malt Touchstone Mandolin
Year Purchased: 2011
Sound:
The sound is loud, lively, sparkling and bright with complex overtones. It sounds very full and rich.
Sound Rating: 9
Setup:
It plays beautifully - low action, helped by the zero fret, slightly longer scale than usual making for more space on the fingerboard.
Setup Rating: 9
Appearance:
Same design and specifications as the "Touchstone" model from Fylde but uses reclaimed wood from whisky barrels, thus the name "Single Malt" and the interesting colors in the wood
"A" style body, 11-1/8" body width, 2-3/8" body depth, top is reclaimed Oregon pine, back, sides and body binding are oak, body purfling is unique "Celtic" design
Neck is made by alternating pieces of oak and pine, fingerboard is oak with pearl dot inlays and copper side dots
18 frets plus zero fret, oak headstock overlay with "Fylde" logo decal
Gold Gotoh individual tuners, two b-w-b-w-b rings form soundhole rosette, oak bridge with bone saddle, gold-plated cast tailpiece, 1-3/16" nutwidth, ~14-3/4" scale
It is unusual, exotic and utterly gorgeous looking. Stunning woods and quality of finish.
Appearance Rating: 10
Reliability:
Top quality components, unbelievable build quality. No problems whatsoever with this stunning instrument.
Reliability Rating: 10
Components:
The best - 10/10. The tuners, tailpiece, bridge and woods are all impeccable.
Components Rating: 10
Overall:
As I said above, I wish I still had this. I couldn't afford to buy one new now, and perhaps my meagre skills weren't deserving of such a quality mandolin, but really this one was a work of art - it even smelled good! Something of the whisky barrels must have remained within the build!
Sound Sample
This was a really stunning instrument that regrettably I sold a year ago or so to help pay for my new guitar!
Looking back, that was a mistake, and is my biggest selling regret - if I could have it back I would.
Manufacturer & Model: Fylde Single Malt Touchstone Mandolin
Year Purchased: 2011
Sound:
The sound is loud, lively, sparkling and bright with complex overtones. It sounds very full and rich.
Sound Rating: 9
Setup:
It plays beautifully - low action, helped by the zero fret, slightly longer scale than usual making for more space on the fingerboard.
Setup Rating: 9
Appearance:
Same design and specifications as the "Touchstone" model from Fylde but uses reclaimed wood from whisky barrels, thus the name "Single Malt" and the interesting colors in the wood
"A" style body, 11-1/8" body width, 2-3/8" body depth, top is reclaimed Oregon pine, back, sides and body binding are oak, body purfling is unique "Celtic" design
Neck is made by alternating pieces of oak and pine, fingerboard is oak with pearl dot inlays and copper side dots
18 frets plus zero fret, oak headstock overlay with "Fylde" logo decal
Gold Gotoh individual tuners, two b-w-b-w-b rings form soundhole rosette, oak bridge with bone saddle, gold-plated cast tailpiece, 1-3/16" nutwidth, ~14-3/4" scale
It is unusual, exotic and utterly gorgeous looking. Stunning woods and quality of finish.
Appearance Rating: 10
Reliability:
Top quality components, unbelievable build quality. No problems whatsoever with this stunning instrument.
Reliability Rating: 10
Components:
The best - 10/10. The tuners, tailpiece, bridge and woods are all impeccable.
Components Rating: 10
Overall:
As I said above, I wish I still had this. I couldn't afford to buy one new now, and perhaps my meagre skills weren't deserving of such a quality mandolin, but really this one was a work of art - it even smelled good! Something of the whisky barrels must have remained within the build!
Sound Sample
