How do Fylde guitars compare to Lowdens and Avalons?

ToneControl · May 2019

I understand the bracing patterns are related

How would a Fylde compare to these?

crunchman · May 2019

From the ones I've tried, the Lowdens and Avalons have sounded better.

earwighoney · May 2019

I'd agree as well. I've played a few Fylde guitars and they never really did anything for me, I'd say they were different to Lowden's in particular - they're a type of guitar that IMO are unique in voice.

steveh · May 2019

I've owned 3 or so of each.

For me, Lowden / Avalon every time.

Sonically they're pretty different (lots of overtones from Lowden, Fylde more fundamental and "woody", less string). Not at all similar IMHO.

Both have been around a long time but Fylde have had variable quality control over the decades - some I've played have been great, some have been complete dogs: An 80s Falstaff that I had would have made better wardrobe than guitar, it was so overbuilt.

In contrast, Lowden / Avalon are extremely consistent.

ToneControl · May 2019

thanks

Wazmeister · May 2019

I have to disagree... its been some years, but every Fylde I played was superb.

I went on to buy a couple of John Hullahs, who used to work for Fylde...

The old one were superb hand made guitars

RiftAmps · May 2019

Whilst I cannot comment on the guitars, I have played a few Fylde Bouzoukis and each has been exceptional.

maltingsaudio · May 2019

My Fylde Alchemist is just awesome, had it from new 15 years ago. I had an Orsini befor and that was great too ergo I’m a Fylde fan! It is sound is very detailed and rewarding, but would add it’s normally the feel given by the zero fret which puts people off. I’ve played Lowdens which are easier to play but never as rewarding as my Fylde.
i’m thinking about retiring the Alchemist and the shopping list includes Lowden or Moon or a vintage slope shoulder country and western as soon as I get the owner drunk enough to sell it!

youngsc · July 2019

Tone is always a subjective thing. I have a Fylde Orsino and an Alchemist and have played Martins, Lowdens and an Avalon. All are beautifully crafted guitars and each has a distinct tone. Of the variants I tried I’d say the Martins and Avalon were at the warmer end and the Fyldes and Lowden were brighter. They are also more distinct in string voicing so quite effective for fingerpicking styles.
Of course all these are specific to the guitar model and size so difficult to generalize.

ToneControl · July 2019

youngsc said:

Tone is always a subjective thing. I have a Fylde Orsino and an Alchemist and have played Martins, Lowdens and an Avalon. All are beautifully crafted guitars and each has a distinct tone. Of the variants I tried I’d say the Martins and Avalon were at the warmer end and the Fyldes and Lowden were brighter. They are also more distinct in string voicing so quite effective for fingerpicking styles.
Of course all these are specific to the guitar model and size so difficult to generalize.

which Avalons do you mean? most of their models are very similar to the 15,000 Lowdens they built in their workshops when they were called the "Lowden guitar company" for 15 years
https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/NI022341

GTC · July 2019

I've only can only speak from personal experience about Lowden and Avalon - but I've heard that there can be a considerable variability in quality and tone between similar Fylde guitars. I also understand that Fyldes incorporate a zero fret.

KKJale · July 2019

A good Fylde can be a wondrous thing IMO. A certain Orsino still haunts me. I had a guitar once by an ex-Fylde maker and he said any Fylde with a serial below 500 tended to be spectacular. Look up Nic Jones (esp. Penguin Eggs, eg. Canadee-i-o) on YouTube... also Pete Townshend doing God Speaks Of Marty Robbins, I think that's an Ariel parlour.

I rather come and go on Lowdens. I tried a lot of the big O's years ago and many exhibited a big kick on the open D that rather annoyed me. My favourite ever was a medium-size rosewood/spruce F in a shop in NYC that really was killer.

Epsilon · July 2019

I own a Lowden and have played about twenty or so. Played 3 Fylde guitars (I also own a Fylde mandolin and bouzouki, but I'll stick to guitars here). One of the Fyles - an Alexander I think - was/is absolutely exceptional, and the other two were very nice but not mindblowing. I only played one Lowden that I didn't find to be inspiring. I don't think they're hugely comparable in feel or sound to be honest, I feel like they both have their own niche.

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How do Fylde guitars compare to Lowdens and Avalons?

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