Mandolin.org.uk
Moon Guitars
Maker Review
Moon
Guitars was established by Jimmy Moon in 1979 in a small workshop on the
Island of Arran, off the west coast of Scotland.
Combining his engineering skills and love of music, Jimmy first began producing dulcimers….progressing quickly on to acoustic guitars. His reputation as a fine craftsman soon flourished, and with the help of his musician brother, Brendan, he was soon making and repairing instruments for many of Scotland’s finest musicians.
By 1985 Moon Guitars had outgrown the small workshop on Arran and all was moved to the present workshops in Glasgow.
During
the following years, Moon Guitars established themselves as a producer of
custom built instruments of a very high quality, combined with a comprehensive
repair service for both visiting and local musicians.
(L to R) Innes, Stephen, Jimmy and Joan.
During this period, the company produced mostly custom electric instruments,
varying from a 12string jazz style semi acoustic (Charlie Burchill – Simple Minds)
to a ‘tartan’(!) solid electric (Iain Harvie – Del Amitri).
By 1990, running out of space again, the company extended the original premises, by converting what had once been an upholstery workshop next door.
Moon
A PlusE Series
New to the range, the A PlusE is constructed from fine quality Flame Maple
back and sides. The increased arch of the Spruce soundboard and thinner
ribs, give a punchier sound than the standard A model. A single point, traditional
sunburst finish and gold hardware have been added to complete the classic
look.
The A PlusE comes with a Fishman piezo pickup system and a top quality gig
bag.
Moon
Master Series
Produced from the finest tonewoods, beautifully inlaid and hand finished,
our new carved top and back mandolin is one of the finest examples of our
design and lutherie skills.
Traditional and innovative features have been combined to produce a master
class instrument.
Specifications: Flamed Maple back and sides
Sitka Spruce soundboard
Flamed Maple neck
Ebony fingerboard
Abalone purfling
Multiple Bound Ebony Scratchplate
Cast tailpiece
Hand rubbed tranparent black finish
(All transparent colours available - including tobacco sunburst) With hard
case
The next five years saw a change in the industry, and realizing this shift, Jimmy returned to his roots and began producing more acoustic instruments, whilst always continuing with the custom electrics and repair service.
During this time, Jimmy developed the now well known electro/acoustic mandolin. The Model T was quickly followed by three more body shapes – models, G R & A. The model T in particular is now played around the world, by many professional musicians. (see moon Artists page)
In the last few years, Moon Guitars have extended their production to include the entire mandolin family and a keenly priced folk guitar. (see news page for recent additions)
Jimmy plays double bass in Scotland’s best known bluegrass band The Moonshiners.
Read/add your review on Moon mandolins
Source http://www.moonguitars.co.uk/
October, 2004



