ADDED FEATURES TO CZECH D201

[JFKHAWAII]

Aloha

I wanted to share my experience regarding my quest to make my Czech D201 Gold even better. I wish I could attach a picture or two.

After reading many of the posted subjects, hours of studying, adjusting and experimenting with my guitar, some comparison of pictures of the higher-end Avalons, and visits to the Lowden and Furch websites, I

(1) changed out my tusq saddle to bone,
(2) added abalone dot buffalo horn end-pins, and
(3) added a clear pick guard.

All relatively simple do-it-youself improvements .

The sound has improved noticably, the looks are super (in my opinion), and the pick-guard works and fits wonderfully.

I purchased the end pins on EBay for $8 (plus $4 shipping) from Bruceweiart, Taiwan: http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/viewima ... nsion8.jpg

I purchased the clear pick-guard for around $9 on the Stew Mac website USA: www.stewmac.com

The bone saddle came from a Masterbilt Epiphone. I may experiment further with the saddle.

I enjoy my guitar and truly appreciate the craftmanship of the Avalon artisans. Great job and keep it up!



Mahalo
JFK
USA

[chris c]

I also have buffalo horn pins on my Avalon 12-string (ordered it with them). They sure look good !

And on my other Avalon, I changed the ebony pins to bone. The original ebony pins had tall heads which pushed into my right hand when palm-muting. I also think the tone is slightly stronger with bone pins, especially the treble. Moreover, they are more durable.