Advice needed - buying in the UK

[rpsayles]

Hi all

I'm interested to know the thoughts of the forum concerning buying top end new resophonic instruments in England particularly the north.

I'm talking both round and square neck resonator guitars and also resonator ukuleles.

I very keen to try before buying ruling out internet purchases and have noticed little in the way of options for brands such as National outside of London. I live in Leeds and it seems there is limited supply of top end gear with hobgoblin being the only stockist themselves only carrying three models of National for example . This is understandable given demand I guess but makes life tricky in terms of playing and trying various models.

The obvious choice given my location would be to go with Steve at Beltona especially as it ticks all three instruments and of course the obvious quality of the craftsmanship.

It would be a shame not to check some Nationals and other high end makers. Have I missed a trick or is it just a very limited market for the UK buyer.

Thanks
RP

[catsmiler]

www.frailers.com

[leeophonic]

Steve Evans of beltona and Frank at frailers for a good choice of other models new and vintage.

Lee

[maui_chimes]

Maybe try to connect with some enthusiasts/players/collectors in your area who own a few guitars? Most guys like that usually have one or two extra guitars, already set up and playable condition.

[Deleted]

I bought an NRP Estralita at Frailers around five years ago and Frank couldn't have been more accommodating and gave me a discount without even asking. He just sat reading his newspaper while I spent a couple of hours noodling in what was probably an annoying fashion.Assuming he's still carrying the same selection of reso's then a visit is well worthwhile.

[RichardK]

Frailers doesn't have quite the range that it once had, but it's still the best place I know of for NRP guitars in the north of England. And Frank hasn't changed a bit!

[jono1uk]

Have you looked a an MM Guitar Richard?

[blueshome]

If you are planning substantial investment then I would be prepared to travel to try a guitar or to commission from a bespoke maker.
The best maker of resonator guitars around today is Fine Resophonic. Mike Lewis is a genius at capturing the soul of the original Nationals in his instruments.