What a joy today, to go and visit Hobgoblin Music shop in Rathbone Place, London, where all sorts of mandolins are practically falling off the walls. Over from Germany for a short week (where it's hard to find any choice of mandolins at all!), I knew this was my only chance to get some for a real hands on experience- with a view to buying an instrument that I could truly love.The shop staff are totally friendly, helpful,and the atmosphere relaxed - wonderfully English in that way that you notice and treasure when you've been out of the country for a while. "Go and have a look at the mandolins," I was bidden, "there's a pile of new Paul Hathways on the settee (couch) that he just brought in yesterday..." And indeed there was, about ten of them, with more hanging up, and a distinctive hint of linseed oil (?) in the air. And, of course many other models, including Kentuckys and Ashburys.
But my eyes (primarily) were drawn to the English, handmade, natural wood and silky finish of Paul Hathway's instruments, which simply tick all the boxes for what "my" mandolin should be. Admittedly, in hand they feel a little chunky, but that reassures me, and the tone and stability is wonderful. I know that they have been designed and built by a man with enormous experience, using quality materials, all solid woods, and his own design of tailpiece, and am surprised (but glad) that they do not bear a much higher price tag. So, after about 40 minutes noodling (having sent my wife to go and have a coffee), my mind is made up, and we're sealing the deal with great amicability.The model I choose has, like most of his instruments, solid mahogany sides, back and neck, with spruce top, and the fingerboard and bridge are walnut, and basically resembles the photo of the M1 from his catalogue.
So, if you're ever anywhere near Oxford Street/Tottenham Court road, go and take a look. There's lots of other nice instruments too. Mr Hathway also builds a mean bouzouki....
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