Hi Bill-
I have a Helmut Gotschy Lute-Back H-G with built in pickup, and I
love it. Since I wanted a custom model (3 chanters, 3 bourdons and 2
mouches, playable in various keys) I knew it would take him a while
to build, and I wanted to get started right away, so I ordered a
"Phoenix" first, which arrived soon and was a great instrument to
learn on... easy to play and maintain, and not too expensive. When
the lute-back was complete, he allowed me to return the "Phoenix" as
part of the payment for the new Gurdy. This helped alot. And I had
been able to practice on a decent H-G while I waited for the dream-boat.
Helmut is a Great Guy, and wonderful to work with. I couldn't
recommend him highly enough...
Good Luck getting started. It's a fun ride!
Aloha-
Don
On Mar 17, 2007, at 4:39 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Hello all:
As I mentioned in my last (I mean previous; don't get your hopes
up!) message, I've started considering the acquisition of a proper,
pro-built HG.
Alden is, of course, the prime source for such instruments here in
the US; but, considering the great demands being put on the shop
these days (yes, I refer to the waiting list), I thought I would
try looking overseas. There seem to be a fair number of builders in
Europe and the UK, offering HGs at what seem to be reasonable
prices; as a matter of prudence, I'd like to run some of them by
the List members, to see what you think. You may have your
particular preferences......
* Chris Allen offers a rather nice Colson copy for a little under US
$4000: I've corresponded a bit with him... Chris has also
recommended Mike Gilpin, who also does a good-looking Baroque style
for around that price, not to mention an interesting Bosch style...
*Neil Brook also has a good variety, including the 'St. Thomas'
model for less than $3000.....
*Moving over to the Continent, my first reaction was to check out
Helmut Gotschy's site. I was rather taken by his 'Renaissance'
model; and his Phoenix 'Da Vinci' seemed rather nice. (I have yet
to get a reply on the price range for the former).
*Kurt Reichmann's HGs were also interesting and attractively
priced; but perhaps the most striking designs were from Helmut
Seibert.....
To tell the truth, I haven't looked much yet at French makers; but
I will probably remedy that soon.
Now, is there anyone who could give an experienced opinion on some
of these builders and their work: their usual backlogs, waiting
lists and such; maintenance histories and so on? That, plus the
advantages/disadvantages of buying instruments from overseas, would
go a long way towards helping to resolve my mind (I think)..... As
for the type of music I'm interested in playing, I'd say it is
rather eclectic: a mixture of Medieval/Renaissance/Baroque/
FolkTrad, plus plain old noodling around on the instrument to see
what I can get away with.....
I hope to attend Jocelyn's NE gathering in July; and perhaps there
I can get some more hands-on experience and personal advice. Till
then, I'll continue searching, comparing, contrasting and, most
inportantly, obsessing......
-Bill Steinmayer
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