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Cittern under ~2,000$

Cittern under ~2,000$

Located in USA, Looking for a good cittern hopefully under ~2000$. While looking in other discussions I saw lots of refereces to Sobell and Crump. Anyone know how much a Sobell goes for nowadays? Looked on his webpage, but couldn't find any prices. Any other advice on good citterns would be appreciated. Thanks,
Angus

# Posted on August 26th 2009 by buailteoir

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

You can get a very basic model of cittern from Herb Taylor for right around $2000. Even his entry level instruments are fantastic. http://www.herbtaylor.com/instruments/bouzouki/

# Posted on August 26th 2009 by Reverend

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Sobell citterns are usually over £3K, + he's put a hold on adding to the waiting list for the moment.
As I said in a recent posting, if one turns up, sell your granny and buy it.

# Posted on August 26th 2009 by Guernsey Pete

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Hi,
You might get a crump for in or around that.....

You wont get a Sobell unless you add another 3000+, and that would be 2nd hand , as Im not sure he is taking on anymore orders these days with the long waiting list he has.

# Posted on August 26th 2009 by seaniemcg

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Yep, £3K X 1.6 = $4.8K......
....mind you though, they are good.
Many years ago now, a friend of mine ordered a Sobell mandolin, and when it arrived he said "I don't like it." ( Stupid boy ! )
I wonder if he still has it ?

# Posted on August 26th 2009 by Guernsey Pete

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Cittern Saxo is your best bet. I'd recommend an Opel Corsa over that any day though. The French are unreliable and unsafe in the lower engine range.

# Posted on August 27th 2009 by 52Paddy

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

A new Sobell 5 course is around $8,600, but as noted, he is not taking new orders.

Herb Taylor instruments are excellent. He currently shows a 5 course on his web site, but it is a bit over your limit. Roger Landes is playing a Taylor bouzouki that is fantastic.

Phil Crump instruments are also excellent, but might be over your limit. Michael Holmes from Dervish plays a Crump bouzouki.

One of the best buys out there are instruments from Davy Stuart in New Zealand. Price would be under your limit due to a good exchange rate, but his waiting list has increased in recent years.

Bill Petersen makes a nice instrument that is within your price range. He is about the only one I know of who builds on spec so you might be able to get one from him quickly. Elderly Instruments carry Bills instruments, so you might check their web site.

Check the classifieds at mandolin cafe as bouzoukis and such frequently show up.

John

# Posted on August 27th 2009 by John Conoboy

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Davy Stuart. Nine month waiting period.

# Posted on August 27th 2009 by seán_óg

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

A Cittern for under £2000. Is it petrol or deisel?

# Posted on August 27th 2009 by iwerzon

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Wow, thanks for the load of info. I'll look over this. Don't think I'll be getting a Sobell...

# Posted on August 27th 2009 by buailteoir

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

check out paddy burgin in wellington, nz as well....

# Posted on August 27th 2009 by shaneog

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Google "Cittern group".....

# Posted on August 27th 2009 by seaniemcg

Re: Cittern under ~2,000$

Crump's start at $2100, and frills like pick-up and case add up quick. I just ordered one earlier this year (in February) and I'm still waiting for him to start on it. Well worth the money! Another guy who builds great citterns here in the US is named Nick Appollonio, and his goal is to offer quality instruments at resonable prices (VERY resonable!). Email me offlist and I'll get you his email address, if you might be interested in talking to him. Or you can go to the cittern list (yahoo group) as well (he's a member). I've played several of his instruments and they are fantastic! Great time, great playabilty, and greater prices.

# Posted on August 31st 2009 by MR.

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