Hans H Rasmussen - Posted - 09/04/2024:  06:16:57

Hi all

I'm looking for one of Neil Russell's teardrop or regular shaped weissenborns, so if you have one for sale, I would love to hear from you.

Thanks!
Hans

docslyd - Posted - 09/04/2024:  08:12:18

I know its not what you asked for, but I have a Bill Asher teardrop Weissenborn for sale. You may want to check him out...one of the best, most authentic and quality builders out there.

Hans H Rasmussen - Posted - 09/04/2024:  12:01:35

Thanks for your message, docslyd. I'm sure Bill Ashers instruments are outstanding but unfortunately also out of my price range :)

Edited by - Hans H Rasmussen on 09/04/2024 12:01:54

docslyd - Posted - 09/04/2024:  15:03:09

...understand. Thanks for the reply and best of luck in your search.

CaseyHunter - Posted - 09/05/2024:  12:48:27

A comparable builder and price point, and a member of this forum is Jack Stepick. I would reach out to him to see what he is building or could build. I know he has built a teardrop and multiple styles of weissenborns. I have one and they are excellent, especially at his price point they are a steal.



jackstepickluthier.blogspot.com/



@jacknj

Edited by - CaseyHunter on 09/05/2024 12:48:59

Hans H Rasmussen - Posted - 09/05/2024:  13:43:56

Thanks for the tip, Casey, but I'm quite set on a Neil Russell build this time. By the way, I haven't been able to find out whether he's still active. Does anyone know?

islandgirl - Posted - 09/05/2024:  22:51:07

I don’t think he is still building, Hans. I live in Victoria, where he has his workshop. His website has looked inactive for a few years. His instruments do pop up from time to time in shops and for sale online here, so I’ll keep an eye out. I believe I saw a teardrop in a music shop about an hour’s drive from here last year. I’ll try to find out if it’s still there.

Hans H Rasmussen - Posted - 09/05/2024:  23:21:44

That sounds great with the teardrop, Sue - thanks! And yes, I am also unable to access his website.

FrederickPatterson - Posted - 09/06/2024:  16:02:01

Just keep your eyes open. If he has stopped building you might have to pay a premium.

Hans H Rasmussen - Posted - 09/08/2024:  14:39:29

Yes, there should be quite a few of these out there, so hopefully one for me as well :)

islandgirl - Posted - 09/08/2024:  23:01:04

Just for your info, Hans, I thought I’d share this listing I came across just now. The seller is builder Michael Rusen, who was Neil Russell’s apprentice until he went out on his own. People raved about his instruments, and I got the chance to play one. It was magical, and I always regretted not buying it. This one is $2150 Canadian, or $1850 US. It’s on Facebook Marketplace. I’ll still check to see if that Celtic Cross teardrop has sold yet. Hmm, I seem to have forgotten how to upload a picture. Anyway, it’s a solid Hawaiian Koa teardrop with rope binding.

Hans H Rasmussen - Posted - 09/10/2024:  14:06:00

Thanks, Sue. The Rusen is above my budget unfortunately, but would love to hear more about the teardrop if you can get info on it.

FrederickPatterson - Posted - 09/10/2024:  17:52:20

Since Hans is so set on purchasing a Celtic Cross Weissenborn it would be interesting to know what it is about them that is so desirable.

Hans H Rasmussen - Posted - 09/11/2024:  11:13:56

Hi Frederick,
Well, I believe they are highly thought of by the community as a great option at their price point. They are also one of the "brands" that I remember from back in 2008 when I bought my first weiss and have been keeping an eye on since. And I guess I just like them :). As Neil was very prolific there should also be quite a few out there so hopefully I have a decent chance of finding one.