Celtic Cross Weissenborn

[bananafist]

Saw Tim Tweedale with Sarah McDougall recently playing one of these with a sunrise fitted. Sounded nice acoustically, though not very loud. (used to play with a guy who had a Gosden, which was a cannon, but not as sweet.)
Anybody own one or have views on them, as compared to other makes?
As they're made in Canada, the shipping and import duty is a factor.
Are there any UK makers apart from Gosden Guitars?

Thanks

[honeyboy]

The only other UK maker I know of is Pete Howlett He made some truly great Weissenborns a few years back, but he now specialises solely in world class Ukuleles. He will probably build you a one off (but it won't be cheap - around £1700+ at last ask).

Ermanno Pasqualato in Italy makes excellent Weissenborns, has very good prices (and quite a long waiting list). He speaks very good english. He charges between 630 - 1000 euros depending upon exact spec.

Other than that your choices are:

1. A Goldtone Weissenborn (Frank from Frailers of Runcorn always has a few in stock that you can try out in the shop - From £500 - £1000 depending upon spec)

2. Buying from the US.

Rance White from Lazy River Guitars makes excellent instruments (around $2200 ish for a Blackwood model), but you do have to pay about 24% extra in import taxes on top of shipping and the quoted purchase price for any instrument purchased from the USA.

Top of the range new instruments come from Bear Creek and Asher Guitars, depending upon your preference. Dont expect to have much change from $4500 - $5500 + shipping + 24% import taxes.

Finally, try a search on gbase.com - it is still possible to pickup original koa instruments from the 1920's for between $2000 - $4000+ depending upon spec and condition. (Obviously you have to add on shipping and import duties).

[Deleted]

I agree with all, but I'd add Paddy burgin to top end. No postage charge and he helps with the customs too. Standard model $2700. Mine cost well over $4000 and the customs ended up being little over £200. When I bought my Dobro from Beard it cost $300 postage and £475 customs. Sheeesh!!!

[bananafist]

Thanks guys, thats a really comprehensive list Honeyboy, much appreciated.