Bill said: > 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.
Just a couple of points here: First, it is not just me who is the "prime source" - Olympic Musical Instruments is the prime source, and OMI consists of more than just me. At this moment there are three of us: myself, my dear wife Cali, and our assistant Patrick. There is a temptation to think that "Alden builds the instruments", but in fact Cali does most of the building and the finishing, and Patrick presently specializes in all things Orca. It's true that we have a pretty long wait for the custom instruments: the Volksgurdy, the lutebacks large and small, the Baroque style, the Bosch, and the Minstrel are all long-term investments that take some time to mature. Our production models, the Chinook and the Orca, have a much shorter waiting time - a few months for the Chinook, and even less for the Orca. There's an Orca coming up soon that is not spoken for yet, so anyone who is interested could get it quite quickly. Good luck on your hunt! Alden
