Avalon folding?

[rocksteady]

I saw so many guitars in production in the video. what are to become of these? Are they gong to be finished? Can they be bought as is?

[pkelecy]

Some of the "budget crap" coming from China these days is actually quite good (if you haven't yet, check out an Eastman "E" or Walden G series). And that's the problem. It gets to be a hard sell when someone can buy a well constructed, and nice sounding guitar for 1/3 the price. I fear Avalon may not be the last to go under.

[vasilis]

Greetings from the also bank-ridden Greece,

I was sad too, to hear about Avalon having trouble. I wish good luck to you all people in Avalon. I have been enjoying my L32 playing for 2,5 years now, it's sound having been improved (the guitar has 'matured' I guess). I hope we hear from you again being in the market.

[Peter R]

I, too, have just returned from abroad to the news. Devastating for all at the workshop, and my best wishes go to you all. Hopefully some rescue can be implemented, as there is way too much talent there for it to fall by the wayside.

[boombox]

Some of the "budget crap" coming from China these days is actually quite good (if you haven't yet, check out an Eastman "E" or Walden G series). And that's the problem. It gets to be a hard sell when someone can buy a well constructed, and nice sounding guitar for 1/3 the price. I fear Avalon may not be the last to go under.

Good point - I have heard nothing but very good reviews of those Eastmans, which remain in the UK as a best-kept secret. However, while they seem to be an excellent budget alternative to a Martin D or OM, there is very little undercutting there of what I see as Avalon's chief market, ie (Celtic) fingerstyle. The only makers I see as threatening in those quarters are not from the Far East: Stonebridge/Furch in the Czech Republic, or closer to home, Brook, Moon or Atkin. These latter UK-based firms might also be feeling the squeeze too though.

[tcamp22]

So sorry to hear the news. I have had an Avalon D32 for about 4 years now (my wife acutally bought it for me for our 25th anniversary). The sound, quality and workmanship is probably beyond what I deserved. Anyway, I did a lot of research before I went with the Avalon brand, and it was a bit concerning buying an expensive instrument unseen and from overseas. But, Jim took care of me all the way through. I cant say enough about the customer service that I received from him. Pictures during the building process, built and shipped within the time frame stated, and no problems with the shipping. I couldn't be happier with the product or service. In fact, I was about ready to get another one, but I guess that's not to be. Jim and crew.....I wish you guys the best in a difficult and stressful time and hope you land on your feet. There is just too much talent at Avalon to waste. I am sorry to hear the news. I hope possibly a reorganization or possibly a new company will evolve. If so, I am sure that the many loyal and proud owners of Avalon guitars will make your product their number one choice again. In closing, I would like to say thank you for the hours and hours of enjoyment I have gotten (and will get) of this wonderful instrument.

tcamp 22

Tim Campbell
Lakewood, Colorado USA
tcamp22@msn.com

[old59er]

Terrible news indeed..........if you were ever fortunate enough to take a factory tour and saw the level of craftmanship that went into building one of these superb guitars you would know how great a loss this truly is......hand made masterpieces..........guys who loved guitars making some of the finest available........i hope some good can come out of this awful situation.........talent like this is too rare and special to waste..........a big thanks to all the guys at Avalon.

[boombox]

Whatever happened about the official statement? Does the lack of one suggest there may be a possible positive solution? The only hint that something is amiss is the lack of shop and merchandise on the main Avalon page.

Also can someone explain what's going on at the Avalon Facebook page - discussions of labels, videos etc, with no hint of what's happening to JB and the boys. It's almost as if here and the fb page are living in alternate realities!

[stevemac]

It is an incredibly humbling experience to read the many sincere and heartfelt tributes to Avalon, the craftsmen and especially for Jim - no-one has done more to underpin all that we did with truly legendary customer service, backed up with detailed knowledge and no small measure of musical talent!

Whilst we have come to the end of an era, we need some time and space to work through any and every possibility if there is to be a glimmer of a chance to regenerate the Avalon business.

So, please forgive me for not explaining in more detail what happened or what might happen. All in good time, we will report the story and it will appear here on the Avalon forum first. In the meantime, while that glimmer exists, we are updating Facebook regularly with what I hope are interesting snippets - no need to snap the bruised reed or extinguish the fading glow of a spent candle, therefore we'll continue to celebrate Avalon and all that it stands for.

[boombox]

Thanks, Steve - we just worry because we care. Keeping my fingers crossed the candle will flame again soon!

[MIKE 450]

Good Luck Steve!

[onemanband]

Hi,
I've not been an the forum for some time, and the news that Avalon is no more is a bit of a shocker to say the least!!

I am totally devastated that such a dedicated company, employing such a group of truly gifted craftsmen, who create such beautiful, original, truly amazing sounding instruments (no apologies for the under-stated expletives) and support their customers with such attention and care; making up Avalon Guitars, can suddenly come to such an abrupt halt.
I have been lucky enough to have had, over the years, two twelve strings built for me there in Newtownards, one of which is my constant "weapon of choice" on all my gigs, and generates from many people, compliments on both the wonderful sound and the aesthetics of the guitar!!
Jim, I have spoken to you on many, many occasions, your help and advice has always been comprehensive and freely offered and NEVER rushed, and I thank you so much for that.
My only wish is that you and Avalon may all rise like a phoenix, and sometime in the future again be building wonderful instruments for the world to play and hear!
My heartfelt sympathy for you and your staff's redundancy and I truly wish you all the best for the future!!

Brian.

[NigelD]

I have just got back from a holiday walking in the mountains of Greece to this very bad news.
My Avalon IS my guitar. Times are indeed bad when such a talented company can go under.
My thoughts will be with you all whenever I play my guitar which is most days.

[Gerald]

Dear All, Really sorry to hear this. My Avalon is the most beautiful guitar I have ever played - be proud of what you have built. There will always be a place for the highest quality, so I wish you all the best of luck in the future. Gerald

[drmar120]

I haven't posted in quite a while, so was shocked to read the sad news. I feel very lucky to have my A201 and plan on keeping my eyes peeled for any other Avalons that may cross my path (it could happen). In the meantime, I hope that the Avalon crew--together or separately--is back in the business of making peerless acoustic guitars very soon. Thanks for what you've given us!