How do the UK guitar builders compare?

musicman100

blueskunk said:

musicman100 said:

willo said:

I'm interested in better understanding the relative quality of some of the British guitar makers - the ones I'm most aware of are:

- Fidelity
- PJD
- Gordon Smith
- Ancoats Guitars

(I'll leave Eggle out of it because my understanding is they are exceptional quality, but the price is above anything I would be able to pay).

How do the above makers, and any others in that sub-£3k bracket, compare to more established brands in terms of quality, and to which would you compare them?

Michael Eastwood is probably you of the best U.K. luthiers 

Brian’s lad? 

Yeah, he’s great 

Philly_Q

stickyfiddle said:

iheartreverb said:

mo6020 said:

I’ve only played Ivison and Atkin, and they beat the pants off pretty much anything I’ve played from the big US brands, but they’re also above the bracket you mentioned. 

I’d second this. The Atkin electrics I’ve tried have all been exceptional 

I haven't played any electric Atkins yet but their acoustics are incredible and easily up there with any of the boutique guys in the US

I didn't know Atkin made electrics.  I've just visited their website, they look fantastic!

strtdv

I'd never come across Fidelity guitars before, they look fantastic

Philly_Q

Pleased for Saka after the shit he got for missing his pen at Euro 2020.

Rich31k

Philly_Q said:

Pleased for Saka after the shit he got for missing his pen at Euro 2020.

If he’s as good a luthier as he is a footballer, put me down for one 

Philly_Q

Rich31k said:

Philly_Q said:

Pleased for Saka after the shit he got for missing his pen at Euro 2020.

If he’s as good a luthier as he is a footballer, put me down for one 

Oops, I fucked up there, didn't I? 

TheMarlin

strtdv said:

I'd never come across Fidelity guitars before, they look fantastic

I’ve played a few. Fabulous guitars, definitely doing their own thing, but the ones I’ve played had very narrow necks. 

The guitar player from Public Service Broadcasting has one, I’d love one like that but with a wide chunky neck.  Might have to save my pennies. 

Moe_Zambeek

I have a Probett, which is exceptional, highly recommended if the models he offers meet your needs. 

timhulio

TheMarlin said:

strtdv said:

I'd never come across Fidelity guitars before, they look fantastic

 very narrow necks

Just checked mine that has their standard neck. Nut width is 43mm, 51mm at 12 fret, which is the same as Fender. Not narrow.