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
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.
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
...understand. Thanks for the reply and best of luck in your search.
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.
https://jackstepickluthier.blogspot.com/
@jacknj
Edited by - CaseyHunter on 09/05/2024 12:48:59
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?
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.
That sounds great with the teardrop, Sue - thanks! And yes, I am also unable to access his website.
Just keep your eyes open. If he has stopped building you might have to pay a premium.
Yes, there should be quite a few of these out there, so hopefully one for me as well :)
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.
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.
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.
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.
