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Post by dobro on Jun 16, 2017 15:19:14 GMT
As some of you might remember, I took delivery of a Fylde Alexander about a year ago, as a 60th birthday gift to myself (quite generous of me, if I may say so). The thing is, this autumn I will be going to Cumbria with some Norwegian traditional folk musicians for a short "pub tour", and will bring my Alex. I am a big guy (1.90 cm), and have come to the conclusion that I'm also a "big guitar-guy", and mostly use a J45 or a D35 at gigs, with the Martin as my go-to. As you have probably guessed, my plan is to take my Alex back home (to Penrith), and politely ask Roger if he would help me sell the Alex if I order another of his models. I also hope to try out guitars at the workshop.
I really like the Alex, but would like something a bit bigger. I am a singer-songwriter in the folk-style, and I both strum and fingerpick. I dabble in open tunings, but my default is drop-D. So why this post? Since most of you ladies and gents on this forum are in GB, I guess some of you might have some experience with other Fyldes ( I have read O'Carolan's reviews with admiration and interest), but would like those of you in the know to chime in with whatever you like.Needless to say, I really look forward to the Cumbria trip, and GAS has again taken it's hold of me, and taken me in it's clutch, a feeling I would think many of my forumites are acquainted with.
So: Which Fylde model would you recommend for a big (in a strictly physical sense) Norwegian singer songwriter using both a 1mm plectrum and a thumbpick (not at the same time) ?
So with this, I wish all of you an excellent summer, with loads of acoustic bliss.
Regards, John
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Riverman
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Post by Riverman on Jun 16, 2017 16:23:57 GMT
A big guy? At 1.9cm high John, I could fit you in the pocket of my guitar case... I'd look no further than an Orsino (cedar/mahogany, plain appointments) or a Falstaff (spruce/rosewood, higher end appointments). The Falstaff is probably more versatile if you'll be doing much flatpicking, but it's about 50% more expensive. I have an Orsino (as well as an Ariel) and it's a very fine fingerpicking guitar that really shines in open tunings. It records beautifully; sound wise it's woody, crisp, airy...archetypal cedar/mahogany. The standard Falstaffs I've played have typically had a stronger, more forceful and louder tone. They've also been quite a bit heavier, as you might expect. If you want the best of both worlds, the Ken Nicol signature is basically a Falstaff with a cedar top. It's the most expensive of the three, but would be my choice if I was looking for one guitar of that size that could tackle just about anything. Good luck with the trip!
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Post by dobro on Jun 16, 2017 18:00:44 GMT
Thank you for your answer Riverman. I must agree that 1.9 cm is nothing to brag about I must admit that my thoughts have wandered in the same direction as yours. The Orsino seems like a good option, and very competitive in price, being not so much more than the Alex. I might also choose it for diversity, since the Falstaff is more in the ballpark of my D 35, at least in specs. The Ken Nichol looks great, but may be a bit beyond me economically. But, this time I intend to try before I buy.
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dadog
Strummer
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My main instrument is: Fylde Alchemist
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Post by dadog on Jun 18, 2017 12:06:06 GMT
Hi Dobro. I can't aspire to your size as I measure up to 1.854! (Note how I stretch the millimetres in an effort to get to 1.9)! I guess it's not always the size of a guitar that works comfortably; but the shape also. I have an Alchemist which is now some 12 years old and find it always unobtrusive and sits so comfortably where I want it, standing or sitting. I certainly think it a good idea to try the various Fyldes if Roger has some available. Otherwise, as an instrument, the Alchemist is so sweet and responsive, cedar top, English walnut body...a finger pickers delight and through an AER 60 amp full of power and tonality.
Hope you find what you want. Good luck.
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Post by dobro on Jun 18, 2017 12:27:48 GMT
Hi dadog.After turning 60 the shrinking process starts, so I may measure down during the next years. I will certainly try out the Alchemist if there is one available (same outline as the Alex, but bigger?). Thanks for chiming in!
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dadog
Strummer
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My main instrument is: Fylde Alchemist
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Post by dadog on Jun 18, 2017 14:13:00 GMT
Hi Dobro. After turning 80 the shrinking process gets alarming!!😳 Yes, interestingly, the Alex is exactly the same size as the Alchemist - the only real difference being the cutaway. Maybe the Orsino would suit, as suggested. Certainly bigger and deeper all round. I envy you going to see where these instruments are built. Nearest I get to that is that Roger is going to reset the action and do a refret on the Alchemist shortly, but I'll not be taking it down personally!
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jun 18, 2017 17:52:30 GMT
Is this just the physical size of the guitar that is prompting this dobro, or a sound thing? Why not try Alex+ - ie Leonardo, or Alex++ - Magician. More expensive again, but would certainly "feel" bigger. If you mostly play unamplified outside the home I'd definitely think seriously about a Falstaff, which has the edge over the Orsino in ultimate power and, espcially, projection. But if you play mostly either at home for your own pleasure, or "out" plugged in then Orsino has it IMHO. Enjoy your research and let us know how you get on. Keith
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Post by dobro on Jun 18, 2017 19:35:50 GMT
ocarolan: Well, maybe a little bit sound as well as size. I have played big guitars since I was sixteen (where did the time go?), and guess the extra power and sustain is something I'm addicted to/used to. I really like the Alex, it has a beautiful chime and is a wonderful fingerpicker, but, again, for my style of playing, I find the D 35 the best suited all round, although I sometimes feel it lacks somewhat in the treble department, especially for fingerpicking. Very difficult to write about sound.. but maybe the Falstaff would be too similar all round to the Martin? And then there's the price, of course. Anyway, in theory I lean towards the Orsino, but that can change if I get the chance to try many models. I play both at home, in studio (with condenser mics, unplugged out and plugged out. I have used both my Gibson and Alex out, but when the going gets tough, I will grab the D 35.Thanks for all kind advice!
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Post by K Tresp on Jun 18, 2017 19:51:35 GMT
+1 for Falstaff.
If you are interested in a special one have a look in the classifieds
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Post by dobro on Jun 18, 2017 20:22:43 GMT
K Tresp: Very, very nice, but alas, out of my league economically..
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Post by K Tresp on Jun 18, 2017 20:47:40 GMT
Keep your eye out for a Falstaff though there are a few that pop up occasionally. I would very much defer to Keith ( ocarolan) who has an expert eye on all things Fylde so he may have a few additional words of advice. Good luck with the search.
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Post by slasher on Jun 20, 2017 13:39:43 GMT
About 18 months ago I had the good fortune to find a used Ken Nicol at my local guitar store, Promenade Music in Morecambe. It is basically a Falstaff but with a cedar top instead of spruce. Sounds good and can be very loud if played hard. Quite a physically large guitar might not be comfortable for some players but well worth a try to see if one would suit you. Good luck on your guitar hunt.
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Post by dobro on Jun 20, 2017 19:04:07 GMT
Thanks Slasher. I'll be on the lookout!
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mandovark
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Post by mandovark on Jun 20, 2017 19:39:59 GMT
I played that Ken Nicol signature in Promenade Music. Great sounding guitar, and it played beautifully - and I say this as someone who doesn't always get on with Fylde neck profiles.
I'd also put in a good word for the Magician. I used to play in a ceilidh band with a guy who had one. It was a really nice fingerpicker, but it also had a big sound - less bright than the bigger spruce/rosewood guitars, but lots of projection and really warm bass.
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Post by dobro on Jun 20, 2017 21:25:56 GMT
mandovark: The Magician is on my list
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