I did a yen to dollar conversion on the Brazilian one they had; came out to about 880,000 yen equals $7,600.00. Hate to think what shipping and insurance would add. Otherwise not a bad deal considering BZ is around a 4-5 thousand upgrade for good wood.

I've been through both his brazilian and spruce. The Brazilian is spectacular, all old growth and pretty to very straight grained, with interesting colors.

He about had me talked into a "German" (really from Switzerland) top. They are from a tree cut long ago, and have great tap tone.

The Luthier's collection can sell as many guitars as he can make for $10-14K! A lot of his customers are repeats. He will do a French Polish finish for additonal $$$.

Does Nick only sell through dealers, or does he sell himself as well. I saw no prices when I took a look at his site.

Stuart

I'm not sure if Nick only sells through dealers. I have his phone number if you would like to call him... just send me a PM if you'd like to go that route. As far as his guitars go, my mahogany OM he built me last spring is fantastic. I really like mahogany guitars, and this guitar is easily the best mahogany OM I've ever played. His mahogany prices are considerably lower than the price of his Braz guitars, making it a no brainer if mahogany is a serious consideration.

Thanks Mike,

I would seriously consider it. Mahogany is a great wood. Look what collings and Martin has done with it. Less expensive also allows us to buy more guitars.

Do you or does anyone have any sound files.

For myself, next few guitars are likely to be Mahogany or Brazilian.

I'm trying to recall if I have a recording of a Franklin.

Heard good things, but what's it sound like.



Stuart

quote:

I'm trying to recall if I have a recording of a Franklin

I'm pretty sure that most of Stefan Grossmans recent recordings were made using a Franklin.

If you go to the Dream Guitars website and look under previously sold instruments there's a soundclip of Al Petaway playing a 1991 BZ OM.

You are correct about Stephan Grossman; he has played a Franklin for many years.

Nick mostly sells direct largely to repeat customers; anything that is "overstock" or order cancelations goes to the Luthier's Collection who is is sole selling dealer. Dream guitars has had a couple of used Franklins.

He carves the neck the way YOU want it, and will work with (almost) any woods. The waiting list is short, but the manufacturing time is long. As he says, "Quality takes time".

He has a steady stream of orders, but I know he'd love to make a few more guitars. NO financial interest, he and his wife are friends though.

Are his older guitars better than his newer ones.

Or is that a tough one.

Stuart

IMHO, the new ones are at least as good as the old ones. Nick has kept learning as the field has advanced. I played one of the very few dreads he made back in the 80s and wasn't impressed. My friend's Franklin OM is Braz/German from just a couiple of years earlier than the dread, and it's best OM I've evry played.

I've a Braz/European Spruce under construction. Both of the woods were cut many decades ago, so I've high hopes for the instrument.

I've played an older Franklin OM BZ (not sure of the top wood) that really blew me away. My new Franklin OM BZ/German is probably the best guitar I have ever played and yes I am biased. This instrument continues to amaze me every time I pick it up and I've had it a few months now. Mike Joyce told me I'm only hearing about 60 -70% of it's future potentialuntil it opens up in 12-18 months. Yes it's an expensive investment, and one I would make again in a heartbeat.

What's he charge for a Brazilian about now. An OM. If you don't mind me asking.

Was thinking of ording a Ryan and maybe another guitar, if I can afford two.

Or email me at Stuart@cogeco.ca

I have seen a few prices. Saw one for $9K, but it may depend on direct order.

PS how long is his wait list.

Sounds like a good combo Dr. Bill.


best,

Stuart