Without wanting to make too bad a judgment on a different guitar, against the Reid Vaultback, a normal price industry guitar would seems as it were the handicraft of a ten-year old child. Extraordinary, unique, far away from any mainstream and artistically valuable. The Vaultback Halo of DAR is a masterpiece of contemporary lutherie – without ifs and buts. Its unbelievable value as a musical instrument competes with its artistic quality. I am honoured to have been allowed to play a guitar that differs so much from anything known and which leaves such an impression. Considering how rare these creations are, how innovative, refined and special, I want to predict that they will also play a prominent role in the future.

Grand Gtrs Magazine

Realwood Headstock

A show of bespoke luthiers

In light of the Cheltenham guitar show being cancelled, a few of us have got together and organised our own. It's on Sunday 25th July, it's an informal affair and should be great - come along!

The makers present will be:

www.stephensedgwick.co.uk

www.instrumentdatabase.com

www.petebeerguitars.com

www.darluthier.com

www.lucasguitars.co.uk

www.nkforsterguitars.com

A few of us will entertain you with demos of various aspects of lutherie, and it'll be a great chance to get your hands on some first class instruments. Come along and play some tunes! The address is 16 Everleigh st, Finsbury Park, London N4 3AE.

There is free parking in the area on a Sunday and the nearest tube is Finsbury Park, Wells terrace exit (5 mins) Entry is £4 or free if you bring some grub for the BBQ.

Doors open at 11, finishes around 6. If it goes well we shall do them more often with a changing roster of makers. Let us know if you think you are coming. Spread the word!

Written: Wednesday April 27th, 12:56am 2011