My first Post

[glearner]

Hi Guys,

Just thought I would say hello. I am a newby to the forum having only just acquired a very beautiful A320C in need of some TLC. I have just installed a new Fishman Matrix Infinity pickup in it & given it to a luthier friend of mine to get it properly set up.

I have to say from the outset, that this is one outstanding guitar. Not only does it have a beautiful classic look about it, it is also wonderfully made. It is difficult to fathom just how the guys @ Avalon were able create such a wonderful instrument. But thankfully, they did. And now its mine.

In terms of sound, this baby has it all. It can be as quiet or loud as you wish it to be. But for me, its magic is in its projection when fingerpicked.When I pluck a string it feels as though the note is coming up from the soundhole to meet me-(If that make any sence). Wow!
I have long since been a huge James Taylor fan & oft admired the sound from his Olsen guitars. I never imagined that one day I would own a guitar that could to some degree, replicate this sound.
In all honesty, this guitar is too good for the likes of me, but just try parting me from it.

I don't quite know what it is that excites a player about a guitar.
Maybe its the guitar's instant playability or indeed its tonal qualities along with some appreciation of the skills required in hand crafting the instrument,but suffice to say that if there is such a thing as guitar heaven, I've just arrived.

In advance of buying this guitar, I read a lot about Avalon. I was struck by the fact that no one had a bad word to say about either their guitars or indeed the company itself.In fact quite the opposite was true of the reviews.People talked almost affectionately about Jim and how helpful a guy he was. I thought "I want to be part of this". And now I am.

Anyway, thanks for listening and sure drop us a line if you feel like it.

Regards,
Tom

[JB]

Welcome to the forums Tom and a big thanks for your extremely kind comments

It's most definitely a team effort to get our guitars built and into the players hands, there's a lot goes on in each workshop and although most people only get to deal with me, all the credit goes straight down the line to our luthiers, Ernie, Robin, Mark, Balazs and Steve ... these guys are the best and it's a pleasure working with them

Hey, you're only a couple of hours down the road so maybe we'll see you visit us sometime, get a wee tour ... all the best with your A320C.

JB

[riverdog]

Welcome Tom!,
I too was so impressed an encouraged by the JB, Greypicker and the folk here that I couldn'twait to be part of such a wonderful fellowship. It's been right at a year and I'm still discovering the beauty of my Avalon. It will be my next guitar as well.
Hope to hear your music maybe on YT or something. Meantime enjoy!
riverdog

[Rick Jones]

Hey Tom,
Congratulations on getting the Avalon! I agree, there's something special going on in the soundbox of these guitars.....it's kind of like a tuned engine!

I've never had a guitar make so much sense in all the tunings I use, usually there are a few chords/intervals I will avoid in certain tunings on different guitars, because they just sound off or phasey....my Avalon keeps the richness all through the range, and has a piano like quality that I've never had in a guitar before. Plus I can pretty much throw anything at it and it will cope; bass player type thumb slapping, delicate fingerpicking and hard flatpick playing with a 3mm pick and rest strokes. They do it all.

I think you will find yours continues to amaze you for a good while!
Also, you hit the nail on the head with the company, it's a small team who are the best at what they do, and great folks with it.

See you round the forum!

[glearner]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your kind welcome. It's much appreciated.

JB: I feel it is me who should be thanking you and your team for designing such a lovely guitar. Please send my regards to the lads & there is nothing surer than that I will be taking you up on your kind offer of "a wee tour". Lokking forward to it already.

Riverdog: Good to talk to ya. Unfortunately, I am a poor guitarist with an appreciation of good guitars. I fear it migt be a while before you see me on YTube however, with my new axe, you never know. Stranger things have happened.

Rick: I have read some of your posts on the forum & have established that your knowledge of both guitars & guitar playing is vast. I on the other hand, am a novice which means I will probably pick your brains from time to time, if that's ok.
Just on the Company side of things, it occurs to me that it must be an enjoyable experience as Managing Director extolling the virtues of Avalon guitars to prospective customers, happy in the knowledge that you have both a great product & a great team behind you.Talk about job satisfaction.

Talk to you soon. Regards, Tom

[boombox]

Riverdog: Good to talk to ya. Unfortunately, I am a poor guitarist with an appreciation of good guitars. I fear it migt be a while before you see me on YTube however, with my new axe, you never know. Stranger things have happened.

First of all Tom, welcome aboard.

I fall in that category above too, but the guys here are very forgiving and helpful!

You will learn a lot, without a doubt.

[glearner]

Hi Boombox,

Good to know I'm not alone in that.Its a comfort, no doubt.Thank you for you kind welcome & I'm sure we will bump into one another over time.

Regards,
Tom

[Rick Jones]

Rick: I have read some of your posts on the forum & have established that your knowledge of both guitars & guitar playing is vast. I on the other hand, am a novice which means I will probably pick your brains from time to time, if that's ok.

Hey thanks Tom! We are all forever learning though, and I am not always right!!! But sure, if ever I can help with anything feel free to ask!

[glearner]

Thanks Rick. Appreciate it.

Regards,
Tom

[MIKE 450]

Welcome Tom, great to have you onboard ! Don't let anyone tempt you to sell you new fond love.


Go now,and write a No.1 Hit song for us all.

[glearner]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the welcome.
Don't worry. I have looked long and hard for "My Avalon" & I'm not about to give it up for mere monetary gain.(Yuck!)
I don't want to end up in the "Guitars you wish you hadn't sold" thread, thanks very much.
I like your other option much better. A number 1 hit, now there's a challenge. If i'm lucky enough to come up with something, you will be the first person i contact.
Regards,
Tom

[glearner]

Hi John,

Thanks for the welcome. You are right, we have come to the right place.I'm lovin this community already.
I sense I may be conversing with a fellow Neil Young fan? ("Long may you strum!!!").
I gotta tell ya, I cannot get over the welcome that has been extended to me over the last day or so. It's been overwhelming. Me thinks that Avalon should advertise the forum as a bonus to purchasing one of its wonderful guitars. You guys have really made me feel part of the experience & I thank you all for that.
I look forward to talkin with you in the coming months.
Keep on Rockin in the free world!
Regards,
Tom