BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars

Subject: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: Allan C.
Date: 05 Oct 01 - 08:00 PM

A friend of mine once said, "I never cease to be amazed at how many people there are who have more money than I do." I happened to be acquainted with one of those people. That person had decided to spend some of that money on a Huss & Dalton custom dreadnought guitar. I had the good fortune of having the opportunity to play it briefly.

It only took a moment for me to conclude that this was among the finest guitars I had ever seen or played. I will not attempt to try to compare it to any other brands. I will only say that I felt privileged to have played this fine instrument.

Has anyone else seen one of these beautiful products from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia?

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: Jeep man
Date: 05 Oct 01 - 10:53 PM

Yes I have. They are great. Jeep Man

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Oct 01 - 11:22 PM

I haven't, but then again, a great ax is wasted on me anyway....but I do appreciate craftsmanship!!!

These certainly look beautiful and I imagine the sound would match. Lots of nice woods and many options, but you know Allan, their prices aren't all that far out of line. They seem to be pretty standard Martin clones, but truly hand crafted. There are a lot of small luthiers like this and some very creative and innovative ones too, like Rick's friend Grit. Whoever it was that said this is a "Golden Age of Lutherie" certainly hit the nail on the head.

Thanks Allan!

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: Biskit
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 12:30 AM

WHOA! those are REALLY pretty guitars! wish i could play one...i'm sure they sound pretty too! ~B~

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: Allan C.
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 07:54 AM

'Spaw, I didn't say the prices were not in keeping with the market value, I was just saying that they were WAY out of my price range. Right now, I can just about handle the prices at the Salvation Army.

The guitar I played was certainly one of the prettiest guitars I have ever seen. The sound and the volume were at least equal to, but probably better than anything I had ever before heard in any guitar.

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 09:24 AM

Geez Allan.....You can afford the Salvation Army? They took away my shopping privileges here.

I think one of the advantages in the smaller luthiers is the extra "oomph" (even when new) of their instruments. The added time in radiusing tops, sizing braces, etc., makes a lot of difference. I think too you are far more likely to hear the difference in woods than you are with more commercial brands.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: Clifton53
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 10:45 AM

I was fortunate enough to play one briefly just the other day. Not sure which model, but a finer deep sunburst I have never seen. And it sounded great too, as good as anything else out there.

If I were looking to spend some tuition money, I would seriously consider one. They still come in way under some of those commemorative Martins.

Clifton

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: dwditty
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 10:51 AM

Their ads often show what appears to be their interpretation of a J-45. I wish I still had mine. The J-45 is a guitar that can be found everywhere...folk, jazz, blues, rock. Indeed, the workhorse. Someday, I've got to get back down to Mandolin Bros (hey, didn't I just leave that thread?) and try one out in person.

dw

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: Allan C.
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 11:48 AM

I have been told that these two craftsmen used to build banjos with/for Stelling before they broke away and began creating these guitars. I haven't been able to confirm this yet from a second source, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Huss & Dalton Guitars
From: zac
Date: 06 Oct 01 - 12:46 PM

I have never played a H & D guitar, but I am not suprised I have read an article in American Lutherie about the 2 or 3 man company. Stringed and fretted instruments are going through a revival of sorts right now and many small makers are turning out some of the best instruments ever made-- I think one of the owners if not both worked with Stelling. Zac