Awaiting My New S201

[riverdog]

hey ya'll out there in avalon land, riverdog here and i'm new to the forum. just purchased my first avalon but my 3rd irish axe. i also have a lowden lse2 and sold a lowden s23 nick webb model that i regret doing since i loved his playing so much and he introduced me to lowden guitars. so i'm trying to replace that fine instrument and came across the s201 concert gold series. this ol italian loves the irish make and music so is there anyone out there that has experience with this cedar/eir lil' git? i am predominantly a f/s flesh with a bit of nail thrown in. awaiting arrival this week down here in florida, can't wait to curl up with this lovely new lady!

[riverdog]

thankyou john. hopefully i'll get the lil' lady by fri. or sat. then i'll post a review with some pics of her and also of my lowden, goodall and maybe even my son's estaban! yes thats right just for that member who posted on the dream guitar topic that his dream guitar would be a plastic estaban with lead paint! i got one for sale! that dude cracked me up 'cause i know exactly what he was sayin! i did buy an estaban for my son to take to school when he first was interested but now he plays my lowden and just used it in his first talent show playing an original instrumental...but i do appreciate estaban sharing the gift of playing guitar with so many people after all he has been thru physically and giving the glory to God...

[riverdog]

ya know john what it took me 10 years to master these youngins' learn in weeks! God bless 'em...i'd be happy to to do a comparison, however, due note that the lowden lse 2 is a auditorium size; lowdens "f" size dimensions except with a shallower depth and the s201 is more comparable to lowdens concert "s" body but slightly smaller in depth and lower bout. also the lse 2 is sitka/eir vs s201's cedar/eir. i do believe that bracing, depth and top wood thickness and species do more for tone then back/sides wood although eir probubly adds more color than a more reflective maple or walnut and mahogany a nice in between from my experience. outside of my lowdens the closest guitar comparable to the irish makes that i have played are the goodalls. i have one that goodall custom made for me that is a concert jumbo cedar/hog that sounds like a baby grand for f/s and light strumming. i commisioned this guitar during the days i couldnt find a lowden and before i knew of avalon but is still not quite the airy tone of the lowdens...so i'm anxious to find out! sorry if i went a little long and boring on my answer; im no expert so if i errored in some of my tech talk anyone feel free to correct me...

[riverdog]

well after much thought, research, playin' lots of guitars and prayers my s201 has finally arrived! props to rocksteady, you were right, i don't regret it, this baby is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet! thankyou avalon! paperwork on its way to ya! the wood and finish are great, even the smell! by my request she came with martin sp 80/20 lites .12 to .54 and the action is just a tad high at 3.0/2.0, but it feels good and NO buzzing.. the neck is very comfy and she is what i wanted and just rings. volume exceeded my expectations and the cedar/eir is tonally exactly what its know for and what i expected; lots of sustain and natural reverb and easy to hold for a dude with my schoulder and left ring finger issues. i might tweak the neck a tad myself, i can do minor fretwork and repairs myself, but right now i'm just gonna play her and let her settle in with her mates.. she is very balanced and surprisingly a little bolder than my lowden lse2 at first impression. i'll put up some pics when i can but you can go to wildwoodmusic.com in ohio to see this exact guitar because that's where i bought her. just click on inventory and go to avalon. i want to say thanks to don and marty at wildwood music for all their help and making this a joyful purchase. they are fellow lovers and players of avalon and lowden. i would recommend them highly and its a pleasure doin' business with these chrsitian folk.. don did send me a truss rod tool thats not exact but he is gonna try and get me one in the future..if any of you can help me get one and the funky lowden one as well i would be grateful. when i adjust my lowden with the straight allen wrench, its a bit difficult workin' around the brace directly in front of the truss opening but i've managed, but the real deal would be nice..well i wish ya'll a happy 4th from the sunshine state, its beautiful outside right now but as usual will be raining later on............which means i'll be inside ticklin' this fine lady

[riverdog]

thnx john...i do recall that on my lowdens so i'll give 'er try. i don't mind a tad high cuz i dislike buzzin' more, but i'm gonna try your recommendation cuz these ol' hands need all i can give 'em...by the way john do you know how i would go about findin' out the actual year this guitar was built? serial number is A00860...thnx again