Squonk wrote
Bob , these guitars look very interesting. I actually heard one once, CH2 (which is a a kind of flamenco duet thing) they were using a nylon, looked like a smoothtalker. Sounded very good in that Genre and obviously a talking piece for all who saw the Guitar!
They do catch the eye. But that's not all there is to them.
The first time I heard one in action it was at some jam session with rather too many guitars on stage. Yet the smoothtalker really cut through. OK... so they're fitted with a good pickup (Baggs active element) but then so (I know) where other guitars up there. I asked the owner if I could take a dekko, and it's clear that the workmanship was very good.
Since then I've spoken to the guys at my local repair shop and they speak well of Mervyn's instruments. I've also seen Tony Cox playing one, and before I got to put the money down I played one at Mervyn's workshop. They are fine instruments, not gimmicks.
If you want one then it'll cost you nothing to get in touch with Mervyn. Alternatively you might consider making enquiries of some of the other makers in SA. Bear in mind that some of them are selling into an international market via a dealer network and will understandably not sell instruments at a price that will undercut their dealers.
Mervyn's design is a very interesting one as it's modular. Kind of like an acoustic Fender Stratocaster. Thus he can easily accomodate different neck dimensions - all the way to creating a baritone guitar. The top is smaller than on a regular instrument, and the construction more sturdy in some areas but (and this is what I deduce, not a statement from Mervyn) his methods should mean that there is a lot less stress placed on the top and thus he can explore different bracing patterns and the top may work more efficiently.
And just to repeat what others have said, Mervyn is a genuinely nice man with real manners and great courtesy.
