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Thread: High End Celtic style in the UK

  1. #1
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    Default High End Celtic style in the UK

    Hi everybody,

    I play an Eastman 514 and an Ashbury Iona octave mando (English and irish music mostly in sessions and folk/morris festivals).

    https://www.youtube.com/@alexharden848/featured
    (I do videos just because it makes me work harder)

    I have been very happy with both but am thinking about a long term upgrade on one or both, as I may have a few grand available this year.

    I have been impressed with Hathaway and believe Fylde are also worth a mention. In the past my first stop would have been TAMCO but sadly thats not an option any more.

    Does anyone have any further suggestions.

    Thanks.
    A mandolin

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  3. #2
    Registered User Mandolin Deep Cuts's Avatar
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Well, these are great videos. I just wanted to say that haha Refording myself makes me practice better too. It sounded so foolish when another person said it to me. But the process of fighting for that perfect take is grueling, but yields gains. I also think Sobell and Labraid would be other good high end options like Fylde.
    Mandolins: Labraid Grand Concert Jazz, Collings MF, Mowry Octave Mandolin
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  4. #3
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    The obvious answer is Sobel but, for reasons that defeat me, used ones tend to crop up more regularly in the US than the UK. What Stefan’s current new price is or how long his waiting list might be, you could always ask him.

    If you’re looking at Fylde, drop Roger an email and ask him to put you on his newsletter list. I don’t think he regularly produces mandolins on spec. but they do crop up from time to time and the newsletter is worth the read anyway. Bear in mind that Fylde only produce flat tops and make sure, if you ever do order one, that they put the fret markers in the right place - Fylde’s interpretation of where they should be will drive you round the bend!

  5. #4
    My Florida is scooped pheffernan's Avatar
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Check out the Taran Springwell: https://www.taranguitars.co.uk/springwell
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  6. #5
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    I have a Fylde Single Malt mandolin that I love. It was an unplanned upgrade from an Eastman 505 after I had the chance to visit the Fylde workshop. As has been suggested, get on the newsletter and reach out to Roger. I think the wait list for mandolins isn't as long as guitars, and he does have used ones sometimes in his newsletter (they usually sell within the day). Also check out Paul Hathaway, https://www.paulhathway.com/mandolins/. His instruments get good reviews here, and are sometimes available at the Hobgoblin stores.
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  8. #6

    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Definitely worth a look:

    https://paulshippey.co.uk/
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  9. #7
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Wow Sobell looks good. My first impression is that the citterns and mandolas would be mesmerising on their own but wasted in an amateur ensemble.
    The regular mando however would be appropriate for both.

  10. #8

    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    I've played a Paul Shippey oval hole mandolin for many years, one word, ' superb '

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  11. #9
    Registered User mandrian's Avatar
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Hi,

    Something to bear in mind when choosing one, is nut width. Celtic mandolins tend to be wider. Sobell is 36mm, Taran 34mm. This is markedly bigger than your Eastman which is probably 30mm. You might be one of those folks that don’t find that a problem, particularly as you seem to play octave, but something to be aware of. Good luck in your search.


    Regards,

  12. #10

    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Another vote for Paul Shippey in Weston-super-Mare. I have a Tone, carved top and back, plus an Axe, flat top carved back. Both have Cedar tops and Maple back and sides. Just great Mandolins. Paul is also a brilliant player.

  13. #11
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    In addition to all the makers listed above, I would say to look out for a used Oakwood - IMO they're generally rather nicer than the Fylde's in the same price bracket - but sadly no longer made I believe.

  14. #12
    Registered User Paul Cowham's Avatar
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Quote Originally Posted by Tavy View Post
    In addition to all the makers listed above, I would say to look out for a used Oakwood - IMO they're generally rather nicer than the Fylde's in the same price bracket - but sadly no longer made I believe.
    Hi Tavy, there is a luthier (David Lim) who lives near me who used to make instruments for Oakwood and still builds. Here is his website https://davidlim-uilleannpipes.com/lutherie/

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  16. #13
    Registered User Tavy's Avatar
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    Default Re: High End Celtic style in the UK

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul Cowham View Post
    Hi Tavy, there is a luthier (David Lim) who lives near me who used to make instruments for Oakwood and still builds. Here is his website https://davidlim-uilleannpipes.com/lutherie/
    Interesting, thanks!

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