I am in the market for a new Bouzouki/Cittern and unfortunately baring a lottery win I will not be able to wait or afford a new Foley or a Sobel .
I came across these guys anyone had any experience ,good or bad or know any other mid cost luthier or supplier they would recommend ? http://www.frettedfolkinstruments.com/product3.htm#1b
The Freshwater Bouzouki is an imported pest that hyperactivates aquatic larvae by buzzing in their ears, thus destabilising the riverine and lacustrine ecosystem. It escaped by being flushed down toilets by teenagers who, having recorded ringtones off them, had got bored with them. It has also been used to spike drinks. Possession is now illegal under EU legislation, which now classifies it as Japanese Knotweed as no closer category currently exists in which to place it.
as far as I've had a chance to look at it and play 3 of his bouzoukis and octave mandolin
neck is very thick - like a shovel handle - my hand started to hurt after few tunes
action is high - but you can always fix that - but still you'll need heck of strong fingers to play on it
I don't know that for a fact, but I've heard somewhere that he doesn't wait for his wood to dry out naturally, but uses some chemicals for that.
pick ups he adds to those instruments are cheapest korea or china he can get
I saw his bouzouki made 8 years ago, another one made 6 years ago and 3 years ago. Last one was worst. The only things I find better about those instruments that chineese ones is the fingerboard which is wider and they have a little better low tones.
but probably that's why his instruments are so cheap.
If you'd find yourself one of his products I'd say go for it. http://folkmandolin.co.uk/ check out this guy he has there 2 mp3 files - thought I've never seen any of his work
but it's not that far for you. If you'll go to see him and check out his instruments let me know :D
Thanks Wolf Bird , I do find the idea of a ''Vintage Irish '' Bouzouki amusing Since my Foley is 14 years old does that make it prehistoric ? I am after a 10 string ( lets not start the Blarge /Cittern/Bouzouki name argument thing on this thread ) plus the makers name is unknown on this one.
Thanks also to Padre I was a bit concerned that Clearwater needed to put testimonials on the web site and I had never heard of any of these people I may get down to Cleckheaton for work reasons soon anyway so I may check out this other maker then. I think he may be tied into the themusicroom-online set up.
The eBay item looks like a "Pacific rim" instrument which is also sold under a variety of names including Trinity College, Fender, & Johnson. Some claim there are differences among the various labels, but which is superior seems a matter of debate. They all look pretty much identical except for head stock variation and electronics. I am unfamiliar with the Vintage version. However, I have a Trinity College version which is a fine instrument, but I do not play it much anymore since I have a Crump.
I find it curious that there is shadow image of the bridge on the sound board between the bridge and the sound hole. The instrument must have been sitting around for a long time out of its case (or in bright light) with the bridge in the wrong location. Its probably not important, just interesting.
I've got a Buchanan and it is excellent. I agree about the Freshwater having a neck like a shovel handle. I've tried a Moon mandolin briefly and it was also excellent though even smaller than the Buchanan.
I've posted before about my Freshwater octave mandolin. It sounds really nice but... it was virtually unplayable when it arrived. I had a load of hassle actually getting it from Dave. It took months longer than he said and I was just about ready to go up to Beauly and get my money back.
The neck really is like a tree-trunk - probably because these instruments don't have truss rods. The nut and bridge were perspex - probably acoustically OK, but look awful. The tailpiece was an old budget model that had been bashed with a hammer and new holes drilled in it - again awful.
The Freshwater logos are plastic stickers, the fret markers are brass panel pins etc. etc.
People keep telling me that Dave is a great maker - maybe so, but not at the price he's charging for these things. Too many corners cut to save money.
Keep looking - and up your budget if you can - I'm pretty sure you'd regret buying a Freshwater.
"next year ? I was told a three year wait by someone Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
If you dont mind me asking how much ?"
1800 Euros, and a year's wait. This is for Joe's Standard bouzouki and is exactly the same spec as Eamon Doorley's, who I heard the night before when he was with Julie Fowlis (excellent, by the way).
I'm hoping I don't have to sell my Hullah to be able to afford it as they're like Hen's teeth and draws compliments wherever it goes, but I really fancy a Foley and love the tone of them.
I am currently playing a Freshwater OM. It belongs to a friend of mine who had it built by DF and I have it on kinda perma-loan. My caveats are, it is the only OM/bouzouki I've ever owned and I've only been playing it for a couple of months. It is also the only Freshwater instrument I've ever seen/heard.
I wouldn't disagree a great deal with the above posters. It does have a very thick baseball bat neck, cedar top and maple sides & back. It has the A hole. The Freshwater logo is a bit campy and it is not the best looking instrument I've ever seen. But, I do find the action nicely set up. I find the tone range is a bit limited (that is, the mid range is pretty clean, but the highs and lows are not particularly boastful). It keeps in tune quite well. I find no problems with it going out of tune up the neck (the bridge and nut are not attached which allows for resetting at anytime). I enjoy playing it.
It is not particularly loud and does not have the sustain other OM/bouzoikis I've heard. It tends to get lost in the session if there are more than a handful of players. If I lay a little meat to the pick, it ends up buzzing. I do find my left hand tends to tire easily, which may or may not be related to the neck size(?). It feels a bit odd in your hands because the neck is heavier than the body. But, played with the right touch in a quiet enough setting I find it perfectly useful. I have not tried to amplify it yet. FWIW I play melodies on it and haven't really used it as a rhythm instrument.
The owner reports he had no problems dealing with DF. His work was consistently slower than promised, but I'm told he otherwise was honest and faithful and conscientious in his dealings. I don't know what the owner paid for it 4 years ago, but I'm assuming something less than $1,000 USD. I play regularly with folks who own own Sobels, Crumps, Petersens, Trinitys and Deans. I've heard Foleys at sessions. My humble opinion is the sobel is the nicest sounding zouk I've heard. I'd put the Freshwater I'm playing in with the trinity and petersen zouk's I've heard.
For all I know, every instrument DF makes may be different. Everybody's preference for tone varies. I'd like an instrument with a richer tone and cleaner (less "tinny") highs. But, if a Freshwater could be had for under $1,000 USD I'd not dismiss it out of hand, but a least have a look at it.
Thanks to everyone who responded .
It looks like I will not be getting a Freshwater too much risk and unsatisfied customers . I am going to examine my finances and maybe buy a Crump with the exchange rate at the moment they seem a good buy.
I've been playing a Buchanan for 3 years in sessions and its a great instrument, for the price I don't think you can beat it. I had a fylde touchstone before but after playing the Buchanan the fylde sounded pretty crap by comparison and i stuck it on ebay.
Pinbridge, the way to go!
Freshwater Bouzouki?
Freshwater Bouzouki?
I am in the market for a new Bouzouki/Cittern and unfortunately baring a lottery win I will not be able to wait or afford a new Foley or a Sobel .
I came across these guys anyone had any experience ,good or bad or know any other mid cost luthier or supplier they would recommend ?
http://www.frettedfolkinstruments.com/product3.htm#1b
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
The Freshwater Bouzouki is an imported pest that hyperactivates aquatic larvae by buzzing in their ears, thus destabilising the riverine and lacustrine ecosystem. It escaped by being flushed down toilets by teenagers who, having recorded ringtones off them, had got bored with them. It has also been used to spike drinks. Possession is now illegal under EU legislation, which now classifies it as Japanese Knotweed as no closer category currently exists in which to place it.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by nicholas
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
mmmm ........nearly humour and now back to the normal program .
What do folks think of the fancy sound hole option ?
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
Ha,ha, I fancy the sound hole option ! I suspect Nicholas is merely trying to relieve the tedium of our ubiquitous social angst....
Just saw this one. Is that the sort of thing you had in mind ?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vintage-Irish-Bouzouki_W0QQitemZ230224858198QQihZ013QQcategoryZ101567QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by wolfbird
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
as far as I've had a chance to look at it and play 3 of his bouzoukis and octave mandolin
neck is very thick - like a shovel handle - my hand started to hurt after few tunes
action is high - but you can always fix that - but still you'll need heck of strong fingers to play on it
I don't know that for a fact, but I've heard somewhere that he doesn't wait for his wood to dry out naturally, but uses some chemicals for that.
pick ups he adds to those instruments are cheapest korea or china he can get
I saw his bouzouki made 8 years ago, another one made 6 years ago and 3 years ago. Last one was worst. The only things I find better about those instruments that chineese ones is the fingerboard which is wider and they have a little better low tones.
but probably that's why his instruments are so cheap.
If you'd find yourself one of his products I'd say go for it.
http://folkmandolin.co.uk/ check out this guy he has there 2 mp3 files - thought I've never seen any of his work
but it's not that far for you. If you'll go to see him and check out his instruments let me know :D
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by padre
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
Thanks Wolf Bird , I do find the idea of a ''Vintage Irish '' Bouzouki amusing Since my Foley is 14 years old does that make it prehistoric ? I am after a 10 string ( lets not start the Blarge /Cittern/Bouzouki name argument thing on this thread ) plus the makers name is unknown on this one.
Thanks also to Padre I was a bit concerned that Clearwater needed to put testimonials on the web site and I had never heard of any of these people I may get down to Cleckheaton for work reasons soon anyway so I may check out this other maker then. I think he may be tied into the themusicroom-online set up.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
I could be wrong, b d, but maybe the *make* is 'Vintage'. It is a guitar trademark. Not sure if the company does other instruments though.
# Posted on February 23rd 2008 by wolfbird
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
Is it ? I freely admit I have never knowingly seen one .
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
Yes, the make is vintage . it says so clearly. Nice looking instrument .
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by jig
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
The eBay item looks like a "Pacific rim" instrument which is also sold under a variety of names including Trinity College, Fender, & Johnson. Some claim there are differences among the various labels, but which is superior seems a matter of debate. They all look pretty much identical except for head stock variation and electronics. I am unfamiliar with the Vintage version. However, I have a Trinity College version which is a fine instrument, but I do not play it much anymore since I have a Crump.
I find it curious that there is shadow image of the bridge on the sound board between the bridge and the sound hole. The instrument must have been sitting around for a long time out of its case (or in bright light) with the bridge in the wrong location. Its probably not important, just interesting.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by rob zouk
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
Dunno about zouks but Vintage make very good, well priced guitars.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by strayaway
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
I just ordered a new bouzouki from Joe Foley - can't wait to pick it up next year!
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
next year ? I was told a three year wait by someone Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
If you dont mind me asking how much ?
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
i had one of freshwaters mandolin's and it was crap and i found david very unhelpfull. a moon is a far better option.
# Posted on February 24th 2008 by molloy
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
I've got a Buchanan and it is excellent. I agree about the Freshwater having a neck like a shovel handle. I've tried a Moon mandolin briefly and it was also excellent though even smaller than the Buchanan.
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by wodeninjun
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
I've posted before about my Freshwater octave mandolin. It sounds really nice but... it was virtually unplayable when it arrived. I had a load of hassle actually getting it from Dave. It took months longer than he said and I was just about ready to go up to Beauly and get my money back.
The neck really is like a tree-trunk - probably because these instruments don't have truss rods. The nut and bridge were perspex - probably acoustically OK, but look awful. The tailpiece was an old budget model that had been bashed with a hammer and new holes drilled in it - again awful.
The Freshwater logos are plastic stickers, the fret markers are brass panel pins etc. etc.
People keep telling me that Dave is a great maker - maybe so, but not at the price he's charging for these things. Too many corners cut to save money.
Keep looking - and up your budget if you can - I'm pretty sure you'd regret buying a Freshwater.
HBM
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by Horrace Bampton-Morris
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
"next year ? I was told a three year wait by someone Grrrrrrrrrrrrr
If you dont mind me asking how much ?"
1800 Euros, and a year's wait. This is for Joe's Standard bouzouki and is exactly the same spec as Eamon Doorley's, who I heard the night before when he was with Julie Fowlis (excellent, by the way).
I'm hoping I don't have to sell my Hullah to be able to afford it as they're like Hen's teeth and draws compliments wherever it goes, but I really fancy a Foley and love the tone of them.
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by Sugarfoot Jack
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
I am currently playing a Freshwater OM. It belongs to a friend of mine who had it built by DF and I have it on kinda perma-loan. My caveats are, it is the only OM/bouzouki I've ever owned and I've only been playing it for a couple of months. It is also the only Freshwater instrument I've ever seen/heard.
I wouldn't disagree a great deal with the above posters. It does have a very thick baseball bat neck, cedar top and maple sides & back. It has the A hole. The Freshwater logo is a bit campy and it is not the best looking instrument I've ever seen. But, I do find the action nicely set up. I find the tone range is a bit limited (that is, the mid range is pretty clean, but the highs and lows are not particularly boastful). It keeps in tune quite well. I find no problems with it going out of tune up the neck (the bridge and nut are not attached which allows for resetting at anytime). I enjoy playing it.
It is not particularly loud and does not have the sustain other OM/bouzoikis I've heard. It tends to get lost in the session if there are more than a handful of players. If I lay a little meat to the pick, it ends up buzzing. I do find my left hand tends to tire easily, which may or may not be related to the neck size(?). It feels a bit odd in your hands because the neck is heavier than the body. But, played with the right touch in a quiet enough setting I find it perfectly useful. I have not tried to amplify it yet. FWIW I play melodies on it and haven't really used it as a rhythm instrument.
The owner reports he had no problems dealing with DF. His work was consistently slower than promised, but I'm told he otherwise was honest and faithful and conscientious in his dealings. I don't know what the owner paid for it 4 years ago, but I'm assuming something less than $1,000 USD. I play regularly with folks who own own Sobels, Crumps, Petersens, Trinitys and Deans. I've heard Foleys at sessions. My humble opinion is the sobel is the nicest sounding zouk I've heard. I'd put the Freshwater I'm playing in with the trinity and petersen zouk's I've heard.
For all I know, every instrument DF makes may be different. Everybody's preference for tone varies. I'd like an instrument with a richer tone and cleaner (less "tinny") highs. But, if a Freshwater could be had for under $1,000 USD I'd not dismiss it out of hand, but a least have a look at it.
Best
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by daddae
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
Thanks to everyone who responded .
It looks like I will not be getting a Freshwater too much risk and unsatisfied customers . I am going to examine my finances and maybe buy a Crump with the exchange rate at the moment they seem a good buy.
# Posted on February 25th 2008 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: Freshwater Bouzouki?
I've been playing a Buchanan for 3 years in sessions and its a great instrument, for the price I don't think you can beat it. I had a fylde touchstone before but after playing the Buchanan the fylde sounded pretty crap by comparison and i stuck it on ebay.
Pinbridge, the way to go!
# Posted on March 16th 2008 by Nomad