Avalon future - update.

[stevemac]

Patient forum members, thank you for all the good wishes, support and encouragement for the company and staff over these past few months. It has meant a great deal to us all and provided no small measure of motivation as we looked at the possibilities for a rebirth of Avalon guitars.

I said this forum would be first to know what is happening, so here's the breaking news!

On 31 August, I completed the purchase of the old company assets and have decided to form a new company that will resume production of Avalon guitars sometime in September. I have been in contact with the guys and hope it will be possible to have them back doing what they do best - making great Avalon guitars. We will operate from the same location - 8 Glenford Way, Newtownards - the factory was not part of the liquidation.

The exciting new dimension to the future is that we have been joined at Glenford Way by Ireland's leading school of lutherie, led by ex-Avalon master luthier Sam Irwin. This will run independently but already we see huge scope for collaboration and a surge in interest from potential luthier's wanting to learn the skills and art of guitar making.

I'm sorry this post will be short on detail for now, but I will update you as things develop in the days and weeks ahead.

In the meantime, later this morning (Saturday) at 10am, Irish state radio RTE 1 will be broadcasting an interview with Sam and me about the past few months and future business possibilities - listen online to The Business with George Lee or catch the podcast later.

Steve

[the greypicker]

Steve

That is brilliant news! The link with Sam Irwin will give the new launch a real buzz! Here's hoping you can get all the guys back together again and re-start the flow of fabulous guitars!

Very best wishes for a successful future!

John

[Loki]

Dare I say, "Absolutely Fabulous!" without getting bantered? But it truly, genuinely is.

The absence of Avalon left an unfillable void in the musical landscape.

After a miserable, on more than one level, summer. Welcome back the Avalon name, and more particularly the special people who are Avalon.

Yaaaaay.

[Classe]

Good Luck!

C

[Dr.Dirk]

Fantastic news so far. Is there a link to the Interview ?

Cheers,

Dirk

[stevemac]

I'll post a link when it goes podcast.

Thanks for all the good wishes!

[Peter R]

Great news. Absolutely delighted for all at Avalon.

[Coen V]

Holland is happy

[stevemac]

Here is the web page featuring the link: http://www.rte.ie/radio1/thebusiness/

Scroll down to the bottom half of the page and click the play button for 'Guitar Masters'.

[boombox]

What a fantastic piece of news! Here's hoping you can re-establish the old team, too.

[Lentin]

Always looking on the bright side of life!!!
Great news, Steve.
I will not wish you luck, but SUCCESS.

Now, waiting...

[Thez]

This is really great news! - could this maybe call for the next new model/range to come out with a special name to celebrate. There must be a an Irish name or phrase or something that would suggest rebirth / relaunch - just a thought!

I really pray that Steve and all the guys have a blessed business

Mark

[Rick Jones]

This is amazing news! So pleased for the team, and the luthier school is a brilliant idea, talk about learning from the masters!

On a more selfish note, I am really happy to know I can buy another new Avalon down the line... 'cos frankly, no other guitar does it for me anymore!

Very happy!!! Nice one Steve, and thanks for letting us know!

[stevemac]

Avalon Guitars ... Getting the band back together! Listen to this mornings BBC interview with Steve, from 1:21:46
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/player/b01mf9v4

[boombox]

Nice interview, Steve. Good to hear things are progressing. I liked the bit about hobbyists etc buying guitars, though we can't always afford to buy a new one on a regular basis, . However, what about getting the merch going again, so those of us still partial to t-shirts, baseball caps etc can all do our small bit to help promote. On a personal level, it was very bad timing when the summer came on and my planned new Avalon hat didn't materialise - my current headgear is absolutely hammered. Similarly, with Christmas approachng, what better excuse than to get a t-shirt for an Avalon user - but only on the condition it gets worn to every gig attended.