|

Feedback

Emails from recent buyers.
I
know how risky it is to buy a musical instrument on the internet and I
really appreciate those who have trusted me. Because of this, I try to
make my instruments more than fulfill their expectations. I have only
ever had positive feedback from buyers. If it should happen that a
buyer is not happy with an instrument, I offer a full refund.
This
forum has some interesting info on my guitars and others
____________________________________
from Yyan Ng: Launceston, Tasmania 13/9/11, acoustic guitar
The more I play it the more interesting it gets, its a truly exceptional guitar. Its clear now that its not an acoustic guitar in the traditional sense. Its all the things I like in classicals: note seperation, full spectrum notes, roundness of notes. All the things I like in an acoustic: ability to ring big chords, clear and ease of play of harmonics/tap harmonics/relative harmonics, strong mid range tones, soft intimate notes. All the things I like in an archtop electric: Smooth and clear clarity, punchy lead, and a lead that cuts through.
Fantastic!
Y
____________________________________
from Rick Knous: Cottonwood, Arizona 27/8/11, slide guitar
Daniel,
The guitar was indeed delivered this morning and it arrived safe and sound. I of course opened it immediately. Daniel....it is so very very beautiful. The finish is so satin-smooth and flawless, and the wood just glows. I love the tapering of the "fretboard", the subtle asymmetry of the bridge, those mystical sound-holes, and the double purfling is so fine and wonderfully artistic....it might be my favorite detail. I'm impressed by how all the components seem to fit together seamlessly....like they just magically joined together somehow.
I'm not a lap steel player yet, so I couldn't do much more than a simple I IV V I 12 bar blues for now, but I can tell I'm going to get much enjoyment from my new instrument. I'm more than completely happy with the instrument.
____________________________________
from Daniel Bornstein: Elsterwick, Victoria 28/5/11, ukulele/lute
Hi Daniel -
I have received the instrument and oh! it is so beautiful.
Thank you so very much.
I'm sure I'll be calling upon your services in the future.
Regards,
-Daniel
____________________________________
from Colin Ivory: Ayr, Queensland 27/3/11, slide guitar
G'day Daniel,
Lap Steel Guitar Blows Me Away! An absolute joy to play and mesmerizing to look at! The Carbon lattice soundboard is clear,balanced and load! So many design innovations that all work so well. I wish every guitar was this good! I'm pleased with the choice of timber and an enjoyable process. I look forward to you building me a guitar, I'll be fully blown away again.
Cheers
Colin Ivory
____________________________________
from Gavin Burrows: North Curl Curl, NSW 22/1/11, slide guitar
Hi Daniel,
I haven't plugged it in yet but the guitar is awesome. Even the missus,who is not the biggest guitar fan said 'what a beautiful sound'. It will be heading off to Tokyo with me next Saturday and I'm really excited about exploring it a lot further.
Cheers,
Gavin.
____________________________
from Gunnar Lundestam: Paris,
France 11/1/11, slide guitar
Daniel,
great news... the guitar is finally in Paris tonight, safe and sound,
and where it belongs... on my lap.
I'm totally overwhelmed, what a beautiful piece of work... and the
sound, it rings like a cathedral. If I had any doubt from you first
sound file, it's completely gone now. Simply amazing, so powerful, yet
very balanced, harmonic and sweet.
Wow, what a sound... you're an absolute genius Daniel. I'm in heaven...
can't go to sleep...
Thank you ever so much Daniel and stay well,
Gunnar
____________________________________
from Richard Stewart: Shreveport,
Louisiana 1/10/10, slide guitar
Hey Daniel!
The guitar got here all safe and sound.
All I can say is...WOW! It's beautiful, and it sounds even better than
it looks. I haven't been able to stop playing it. And man, that pickup
sounds really good in it as well. Again...WOW! :)
I think I'll be back in touch at some point, to see if you would build
me one of your fretted acoustic guitars.
Thanks for everything Daniel. I'm notoriously lazy about recording, but
when I record this guitar, I'll send you the mp3s.
Take care, Daniel.
Richard
____________________________________
from Ian Burrell: Main Arm, NSW
17/12/09
Hi Daniel
Just wanted to finally get back to you with 6 months under my belt with
the guitar. The sound it produces is truly beautiful. Whenever I play
it people are just amazed at the tone and rich sounds it
produces. I have been playing it live too and the k&k pickup is
very sweet.
I have showed this slide off to quite a few people and some very fine
craftsman and all the feedback I have had is so positive. The finish
and attention to detail is world class.
I have been venturing up the neck to higher notes and I now have more
of a feel for it and love the notes it produces. I have also been using
steel finger picks and I love the tone and brightness these
produce.
I am very much looking forward to my steel string acoustic and hope
that one day you are achieving the price these fine guitars are truly
worth.
I have absolutley no hesitation in recommending anyone considering
buying one to beg borrow or steal to own one.
Thank you so much for this guitar
and opportunity to own such an amazing piece. This will definitley
never be for sale.
Regards Ian burrell
____________________________________
from Hamish Forsythe: Palo Alto, California 17/9/10, slide guitar
Subject: Thank you very much _ the instrument looks and sounds incredible!
Daniel,
How are you? Thank very much for this wonderful instrument. Awwww... the tone!
Hamish
____________________________________
from Evan Leach: Narberth, PA USA
14/9/09, long scale slide guitar
review
The guitar arrived very quickly in perfect condition. The fit and
finish is excellent, comparable to guitars costing several times the
price of this one. The set up is excellent and the quality of the
building materials are first rate. This guitar is both louder and
richer sounding than my other lap slides and more responsive as
well. I think the combination of the bracing and the deeper body
produces greater bass response, however this guitar has great cutting
ability and a huge dynamic range. I was initially worried that I
would overdrive the cedar top with metal fingerpicks and an aggressive
picking style but it took everything I threw at it and got louder as I
dug in. In addition, I was a little hesitant to buy a guitar
sight unseen from halfway around the globe. However, Daniel
provided excellent communication and support throughout the build
process. I am very happy with this guitar and would recommend it
without reservation to anyone who is looking for an exceptional
acoustic instrument. Well done Daniel!
Thanks for an excellent experience on my first commissioned instrument!
Evan
____________________________________
from Angus Ainsworth: Surry Hills,
Sydney 14/7/09, slide guitar
hi daniel
got the weissenborn last friday and have now had a few days with
it. absolutely fantastic - looks great, plays great and sounds great.
the pictures and sound files on your website don't do them
justice. a lot a comment is made about the loudness of your
weissenborns, i think that misses the point- there is
no use for an instrument being loud if it doesn't
sound any good. i like to think of it more like your weissenborn's
have a wonderful full acoustic range -best one i've ever played. thanks
very much for all your efforts, much appreciated. how do i stop at one?
kind regards angus ainsworth
followup email:
hi daniel
weissenborn going great - took it to intermusic bondi ( my local
guitar shop for 20 years or so - all good friends as well ) they
were all blown away -ringing people to come on down while i was there
to have a look - the k and k pickup - has huge ouput as you said
- lovely acoustic sound - you were right again - couldn't be happier.
____________________________________
from Joe Juliano website: Travellers
Rest, South Carolina 18/6/2009, slide guitar
Guitar arrived today in great
shape. That was quick! WOW! WOW! and WOW! Nice Daniel! Great
workmanship great sound. Love it. I haven't plugged her in yet as I am
loving the acoustic sound the way it is. It was well worth the wait.
You are a craftsman my friend.
Joe
P.S. I'm sure you know this but you could get much more for your
instuments!
____________________________________
from Alex Wilson: Mangalore,
Tasmania 7/4/2009, steel string guitar (non slide)
Daniel
Just wanted to let you know how much fun I've been having playing my
new guitar. It is so responsive – it's as if the wood is singing.
I'm surprised at how hugely different the sound is to my Cole Clark
– it has a beautiful resonant woody timbre.
The neck width is perfect for my fingers - not
cramped at all on the open A major chord and can still comfortably
manage open G. And the Gotoh tuners are brilliant – very direct
and responsive – the CC tuners have a bit of give in them which
is frustrating. I am going to have to work with the volume a bit
– my tendency with the CC was to push the volume as much as I
could – but with your guitar that's not necessary so I'll have to
develop a lighter touch.
Cheers Alex
____________________________________
from Steven Hamill: Benicia,
California 27/3/2009, long scale slide guitar
Daniel,
it arrived today, in flawless condition. It's all I could hope for. It
sings like a choir in D with that gauge strings. I have sets of 62's
66's and 70's to try. I'm going to let the guitar tell me what it
likes.
I'm really happy with it Daniel.
Thank You
____________________________________
from Bob de Andrade: Durham, North Carolina 12/2/2009, mandolin
Hi Daniel, This weekend was the first
time I was able to get to play it. I played it for several hours.
It's great. Beautiful wood, tone, and wonderful plugged in.
I absolutely love it. I'm hoping to get my chops back and work on
playing out with it. Thanks for doing such a great
job! Hope to work with you again in the future.
Thanks for everything, Bob
Follow up email
I'll say it again. Great mando...plays great...sounds great...and
amazing wood. Played with it this past weekend and had quite a
few wows from other players. And the pickup is flawless through
the system. Thanks Again Daniel
____________________________________
from Jim Brobeck: Chico,
California 30/10/2008
Daniel,
My initial impressions are favorable. The beauty of the joinery, unique
design and silky finish inspires caressing the smooth facets of the
guitar in between songs. The volume compares favorably with the Wechter
Scheerhorn resonator guitar… not quite as loud, but projects
nicely across a 20' room. There are more volume and tone dynamics
available than I expected from the fixed bridge.
When I plugged it into my medium sized amplifier I was amazed at the
power of the bridge-pickup. There is a huge depth that is unvieled with
the amplifier.
Thanks for creating.
Jim Brobeck
(Jims 2nd feedback email)
Daniel,
I have been playing my Brauchli hollowneck for about a week. As
expected, my initial appreciation of the tones has increased with every
session and is still going up as I discover the dynamic variables
associated with different string attack positions, strength and
plectrums (soft fingertips, fingernails, picks).
I particularly love the buttery quality of the music that emerges when
I align my attack with the smaller flame tone-hole. The sustain is
incredible, providing delicious endings to many compositions and
allowing sweet lead notes.
While most of my time spent playing has been strictly acoustic, I have
enjoyed several plugged in sessions using my Boss Loop Station. The
K&K is amazingly powerful, easily matching my electric lap guitar
in terms of signal. Using the looper has allowed me to experiment with
extensive single string lead lines and the articulation of notes is
satisfying.
Last night I brought the instrument to the stage and my audience
literally gasped with curious appreciation when they saw the unusual
structure and marvelous wood patterns of the laptop.
Thanks and Praise,
Jim Brobeck
Jim's
youtube site
____________________________________
from Julian Scollain: Sydney 14/10/2008, steel string guitar
Dear Daniel,
I finally got to play the Acoustic Guitar that you made through an Amp
for the first time last week. I was already moved by the Beauty of the
Craftmanship and the full Dynamic Range of this incredible work of
Art....but then to plug it in and realise that there was even more
potential.
As you say in your own description on your website it Truely has the
Character of a Classical and a Fine Steel String at the same time, and
you can push it either way depending on your attack. With a Capo
it can become Harp or Lute like. The K and K pick-up that you have used
is obviously the right choice.
Those who have heard it also think it is certainly the most realistic
Acoustic sound they have ever heard through an Amp. I certainly hope
you continue to produce this more traditional style of Guitar. It could
well start a whole new tradition. It's certainly a
benchmark. Hope you can live with the compliments, I won't be the
last.
Eternally Grateful Jules S. Sydney , New South Wales
____________________________________
Carl Bludts: Antwerp, Belgium 16/10/2008
Hello Daniel,
I received the mandolin this morning in fine condition.
I tuned it up and played it for a while and my first impression is
really good. Plays easier than my Eastman and it's certainly
louder in the trebles, bass is slightly less tubby than the
Eastman. I also like the neck shape. It looks like I'm
going to have a lot of fun with this little thing.
I don't know how you do it but just like the guitar the mandolin didn't
go through customs at all. I just had to pay €10, which is a
sort of forfeit sum they charge for all small packets. Maybe is't
because you
don't pack it in a big carton box? Anyway, I'm not complaining :)
Thanks again and all the best,
Carl
Youtube recording of
the mandolin.
____________________________________
from Mitja Novak: Slovenia 8/3/2008
2 days ago ...it happened...guitar is here in
my hands. When I saw it ... this is a beautiful little sexy guitar with
incredible shape, tone, sustain, craftsmanship... beyond my
expectations. A responsive instrument which demands "know how", a
sensitive player...Thank you very much for responding all my questions,
for building a beautiful instrument (I'm already hooked)...
Best regards, Mitja
____________________________________
from Richard Brent: Ocean Shores, NSW 6/2/2008
Guitar arrived ok. It's a great instrument,
thank you. I spoke to Craig Potter & Peter Woolnough (Byron Music)
yesterday and showed them the guitar. They were very impressed. They
had one of *******'s guitars there and it was an interesting
comparison. The standard weissenborn type didn't sound anywhere near as
good.
Thanks Richard
*I have removed the makers name as I don't want
my positive feedback to be negative for someone else. The Weissenborn
copy was priced at $3850
____________________________________
from Carl Bludts: Antwerp, Belgium 23/5/2007
I received my guitar this morning
in fine condition. Wow, it is loud and responsive, plays very easily
and shows remarkable high craftsmanship throughout. Your fretmarker
system works very well. It didn't take me 10 minutes to get used to it
(I think you should put your elegant logo "db" on the 12th fret, maybe
between a smaller version of your soundhole design (love that too)
Played with the KK pickup it still has a natural and balanced sound.
Cheers, Carl
Carl has put some videos on
youtube. Here is a couple of them.
Blackwood
Bay and Red
River Valley
His other videos will show up in the related links on the above pages.
You will also see videos of other weissenborn style guitars being
played on youtube. A good chance to compare them.
____________________________________
from Ashley Perrow: Tugun, Queensland 26/4/2007
The guitar arrived today
-absolutely superb. The guitar has a beautiful crisp, well
balanced sound. The tuners are smooth as anything and it truly is
a pleasure to play. I have tried it in a range of tunings and it
sounds great in all of them. There are many beautiful touches -
from the unique headstock to the floating bridge it really is a work of
art. Congratulations on such a great design. Thanks for
your correspondence through the process and I look forward to playing
it live. The pickup really does present the guitar well and, as
promised, has a high output.
All the best and thank you, Ashley.
____________________________________
from Ken Gammon: Kilsyth, Victoria 6/3/2007
Hi Daniel
The weiss. arrived this afternoon. I've had a mess around with it for
an hour or so. It looks and sounds fantastic! Really like
it through the amp. too. I couldn't be more impressed with the
contrasting brightness and depth. I've tried it out in high G and D and
they are both excellent. I'm very impressed and couldn't be happier!
It's going to be a late night.......
Cheers, Daniel. Great stuff! Ken.
____________________________________
from Geoff Brackstone: Bangor, NSW 7/11/2006
Hi Daniel,
Guitar arrived safely late yesterday. Visually it's a stunning looking
instrument, from the top right down to that beautifully figured strip
of wood on the tail block (a nice touch). I'm very pleased.
Love the tone as it is now, can't wait to hear what it will become when
it opens up. The sustain seems almost endless. I've got a lot of work
to do so my playing will do this instrument justice.
Love the pickup, it's got plenty of volume and a really nice sound.
Buying blind like this is always a bit of a gamble but this is one that
has paid off, it's everything I hoped it would be. It has been a
pleasure dealing with you - I will spread the word.
Thank you, Geoff Brackstone
____________________________________
from Karen Gautney: Alexandria, Virginia 5/10/2006
I love it. I can't wait for my season to slow
down a bit so I can really spend some good time with it. Thank you,
Daniel. I consider myself very fortunate to have such a finely crafted
piece.
-Karen
____________________________________
from Gerry Cockrell: Abilene, Texas 18/9/2006
Daniel,
I have now had the chance to spend some time playing my new
Brauchli Weissenborn Guitar. I previously e-mailed you about how
beautiful the guitar looked. Now I can add that it also has an
absolutely supurb sound. My good friend and playing partner put
it best after hearing the guitar: "That guitar sounds like music
from the Angels!" And he is correct! Great tone and tremendous
sustain. I am also very impressed with the K & K
pickup. It is much hotter than the McIntyre Feather in my other
Weissenborn and really conveys the acoustic sound of the guitar. I am
now trying to learn your instrumental on This World Is Not My
Home. Thanks for building me such a fine instrument. I can
hardly wait to expose some of my "more professional" resonator guitar
friends to your guitar.
Gerry Cockrell
____________________________________
from Tim Grice: Brisbane 22/6/2006
Hi Daniel,
I've just got back from PNG. My guitar arrived earlier in the week.
Haven't had much of a chance to play it yet, BUT my first impressions
are that it is the best weiss that I have had, either yours or anyone
elses. My wife said it is also the prettiest guitar that I have
had and I tend to agree. The sound is awesome. Great bassy sound but
well balanced all round. Very loud and sustain to die for. Detail is
awesome and I love the tuners.
Thanks again, Tim
____________________________________
from Craig Freeman: Canberra, Aus. 14/6/2006
Hi Daniel,
My cedar top guitar arrived today. A really beautiful
finish, and an absolutely gorgeous sound and great sustain,
congratulations. I have only tried the electronic pickup with my
busking amp, but it is really true in sound similar to being unplugged.
Craig Freeman
____________________________________
from Henry Miller: Mule Creek, New Mexico, USA 8/4/2006
Dear Daniel,
Been out of town and got home recently--what a package awaited me. The
guitar is stunning. Flawless craftsmanship. Perfectly balanced, a
tone to die for, and a dream to play. What more can I say? I got more
than I ever dreamed I would get in an instrument, and I'm very grateful
for your talent and artistry.
Warm regards, Henry
____________________________________
from Rémy Le Bray: Dinan, Britanny: Check his band at www.waraok.com 14/3/2006
Hi daniel,
The mandolin arrived well. I'm very happy with it. The sound is very
good, it's easy to play and it's very beautiful. The mandolin is more
beautiful in reality than on photos... When I was waiting for it,
I put the photo on the wallpaper of my computer.
Many thanks... Rémy
____________________________________
from Trent Heaft: Stanmore, NSW 28/10/2005
Dear Daniel,
I received the guitar on Tuesday and I must say that I am one happy,
happy customer. It is a beautiful instrument. As you know I had the
guitar delivered to my work at Newington College where it has generated
quite a lot of interest. I have had the Design and technology
department admiring the sheer craftsmanship and the Tasmanian Blackwood
and the music department have had a play and drool. I look forward to
many years of creativity and joy with my new instrument. Many thanks,
Trent
____________________________________
from Björn Liden: Göteborg, Sweden 7/9/2005
Hi Daniel,
Just want you to know that after some weeks playing I am very pleased
with the guitar. This is an absolute great instrument and it
sounds as lovely as it appears with a clear balanced tone. I am also
impressed with the craftsmanship. Keep the good work going.
Best regards, Björn
____________________________________
from Mike Mustonen: Herbster, Wisconsin, USA 6/9/2005
Daniel,
Sorry, I've been out of town camping. The guitar arrived safedly.
Beautiful work with a magnificent voice.
Thanks, Mike
____________________________________
from Pierre-Yves Ezavin: Libreville, Africa 30/9/2005
You were right , the floating bridge has a very good sound specially in
D open. Moreover, the guitar is wonderful, very good finishing and it
sounds very loud. I will send you a picture of your guitar on an
African Beach. I really enjoy it.
Regards. Pierre
____________________________________
from Lars Bostron: Stockholm, Sweden 27/7/2005
Hi Daniel,
Don´t know if you received my previous mails ... just want you to
know how satisfied I am with the guitar you built. It´s a
wonderful instrument, with a tone loud, clear and sweet. Beyond words,
really. The guitar is being played a lot, and I am amazed at the sounds
I can get out of it. Hope everything´s OK in Tasmania, and that
more players discover these great instruments.
All the best, Lars
____________________________________
from Rics Vintage Guitars in Freemantle WA: www.ricsvintageguitars.com
5/7/2005
Hi Daniel,
we've just bought one of your weissenborn style guitars with the fixed
bridge, pickup and case, I've seen some others in the states at 3 times
the price and just the same quality etc, if they are this price,
they're too cheap, up your price, you cant buy anything handmade for
that! I would have thought that for this one a starting price of $3000
considering how it looks, plays and sounds
regards, ric
____________________________________
from Bert Deivert: Stockholm, Sweden Click for link
19/4/2005
I just strung up the guitar on
Sunday --- came on Saturday. THANKS!!! GORGEOUS work on the
details and overall. It is a fantastic guitar and i am VERY pleased
with it. The lacquer is very good too! I will be showing it around and
gigging with it as soon as I get my head around the hand technique... I
play lots of slide on Nationals so this is a bit different.
____________________________________
from Leslie Rees: Hobart, Tasmania 17/12/2004
Dear
Daniel,
Left a message on your answerphone - you may not have rec'd it - just
to let you know that the mandolin has a beautiful tone and I have
already written a tune for you!! Can't stop playing it
love Les
|