SECTOR SPOTLIGHT TRADITIONAL
Steeped in tradition I
There aren’t many sectors as diverse as the traditional one – ranging from the simplest whistle to the grandest of ornate pluckables. Adam Savage assesses the latest offerings…
t can’t be denied that certain musical trends play a major part in the popularity and sales of instruments of a
“ 44 miPRO
While not ‘cool’, traditional
instruments are going strong and many benefit from comparatively low prices, making them tempting for those wanting to mess around on something different
OCTOBER 2010
certain type. The electric guitar has been the king for many decades because it’s undeniably ‘cool’ and classical instruments have always chugged on nicely due to the level of prestige associated with them. Folk and traditional instruments have
never really been ‘cool’ though, but they’re still going strong and many of the products in this sector benefit from their comparatively low prices, making them great impulse buys or tempting for those wanting to mess about on something simple to fulfill their creative urges. For a supplier that provides the full folk
division, right down to the most unusual instruments found in this sector, look no further than Gremlin Music. If it’s a whistle you’re after, you’re spoilt
for choice, as Gremlin is the largest UK distributor in this field, with models from
Waltons, Clarke, Generation, Dixon, Chieftain and many more. The latter two brands are by far the best sellers and both are made in the UK. The Dixon range varies from simple
one-piece high D models, right up to alloy-bodied versions and Chieftain whistles are for those looking for something further up the scale. These instruments are available in a variety of different keys, in either tuneable or non- tuneable formats and prices start at £94. Kentucky mandolins is another major
line for Gremlin. Although originally intended for use in the bluegrass genre, their versatility would also suit a variety of other musical styles. Made in China, these beautiful instruments start at £199 all the way up to £1,500 for the KM-1000. One final highlight from Gremlin’s lineup is the new Ashbury banjos. The AB- 65 includes maple for the rim, resonator and neck, a presto-style tailpiece and a
flat-type flange, available in either five- string or tenor for a very reasonable £299. The AB-85 five-string has a scooped fingerboard, walnut neck, rosewood fingerboard and brass tone ring for £349. Aria is another distributor that takes a keen interest in the folk market. The AM mandolin collection starts with the AM- 200, sporting a spruce top and mahogany for the back, sides and neck and a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with chrome hardware. It is also available as an electrified version – the AM-200E. Also from Aria, the steel bodied DG-20 emits a brilliant metallic radio chime. The DG-10 uses its wooden construction to produce a rich, warm sound, ideal for finger picking and slide players. Folk guitars are very popular in this market and Aria has plenty on offer. Its steel-strung AF Auditorium line has been an Aria flagship model for many years. High grade spruce, mahogany and
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