Testimonials

 

BPR 003, JULY 1999, played by Elly Beurskens, The Netherlands

Today I’m as much in love with this guitar as I was the moment I first struck a chord on it and heard its beautifully balanced sound. This is definitely my guitar, no doubt about it.

As a bluegrass and folk singer I always liked the Martin guitars that are so popular in this particular scene, but after hearing one of Barry’s attempts at taking the concept another step further, I knew I’d found what I was looking for in a guitar.

 

 

 

I asked him to build me one, based on the HD28 model, but with specific features to fit my taste and playing habits. That’s just what he did, and he came up with this amazing instrument that not only reads ‘Elly’ on the head stock, but sounds it as well.

I love the way it ‘rings’ with its vibrant bass tones that are so important in bluegrass back-up playing; yet they do not dominate the overall sound. The mid range and highs give the guitar a very defined presence, which makes it very suited for unamplified playing that I do a lot in folk clubs and at smaller venues. At the same time the instrument responds very well when played through a microphone – an important feature since I do not prefer playing with a pick-up

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Barry made the neck to fit my rather small hands, and gave the strings an incredibly low action, such without causing the instrument to rattle or buzz. In consequence it plays smoothly and easily, even after hours of practicing or performing.

And last but not least, the instrument has been finished with great attention to detail: the body is bound with maple instead of plastic to match the colour of the spruce top; also the heel cap and the tail part are maple; the bridge saddle has been specifically carved to enhance the intonation; the overall looks are absolutely impeccable.

This guitar and I are friends for a lifetime!

 

 

 

 

Nebula and the Compass Rose Ceilidh Band

Dave Hutchinson of "Nebula" and Flossie Mallavaille

 

"Barry's guitars are probably some of the best I have owned or played. He is a true master craftsman. The tonal quality of my custom built guitar is without a doubt the best ever! I asked for a smaller body, sort of Taylor sized, but with a richer "sound", a wider than normal neck, plus a few extra personal additions. He did the business and I was involved throughout the instruments construction. The end product is outstanding!

I use standard tuning as well as several other "open" tunings: DAGDAD, Open C, C#min. When open tuned, the sound from the guitar is off this planet! Unbelievable!

I have used this instrument exclusively since picking it up in November 2000. It gets better with age! The late, great Chris Jones, (Masterpicker) likened it to his Lakewood. A tribute in deed!

The Fishman electric pack lets the acoustic sound come through.

Get one!

Dave Hutchinson"

 

 

 

 

“More or less from the moment I discovered open tunings I wondered how a guitar, in open tuning e.g. DADGAD, tuned a tone or two down from concert level would sound. This idea remained a kind of fantasy or a dream which has drifted in and out of my thoughts for many years and which, frankly, I did not ever expect to become a reality. When I first heard Barry’s guitars I was, naturally, very impressed and after subsequent conversation with him he agreed to build me a six string. After he started building I remembered my dream again and dropped the bombshell on Barry’s head! He responded like a true gentleman and changed the length of the neck he was about to start, having already completed the body.

 

The result is guitar with a sound like no other I have ever heard. It’s warmth and depth are wonderful and it produces terrific sustain. As soon as I put it into DADGAD tuning I knew that Barry had achieved a fantastic result. Everywhere I play I am approached by audience members who have been blown away by the weight of the sound. The great thing about my ‘Robbo’ is that it is so different and therefore enables me to present an extra dynamic to my music. I always get a huge kick out of watching the expressions on people’s faces when I play the first notes of a song! I can see them thinking, “What is that?” I am now about three or four years down the line with it and every time I take it out of its case the sound still makes my toes curl! These days, people bandy over generous adjectives around like confetti at weddings but my ‘Robbo’ is truly awesome! Thanks Barry, just the job mate.”