⌛ Guitar Rental ??

I'm way over on my baggage allowance this year and ain't going to pay Cathay 250 dollars for an extra suitcase. As much as I hate to, I'm thinking of leaving my guitar behind in canada on this trip. I really wanted to brush up on some new stuff while I'm in DGTE. Is there any place that might rent decent acoustic guitars there ? I know many of you would say "Why not buy one. The ones made here are pretty cheap ?". Ummmm.....they're not quite up to my standard, sorry. Plan B would be to stop being so picky and get one of those Cebu cheapies. I played one once but can't remember too much except it was, I think mediocre. Anyone else that knows a playable guitar from one that isn't and could offer a comment on them ? I can't recall the price either.

 

Chuck... i don't know much about this so maybe someone can help me on it. but i've read somewhere about a guy named Jun (short for Junior) Reputana who hand makes guitars in Dumaguete. I don't know exactly where his shop is...i'm waiting on a return email to find out more. BUT, does anyone know this guy or where his shop is?

ronin

 

Thanks Ronin... I actually got a flash of inspiration....I should perhaps look at buying a cheap classical guitar in DGTE. The problem with the cheap acoustic ones and their steel strings is that a low end guitar usually suffers in the area of playability. Specifically the neck of the instrument is usually not right and the steel strings are hard to press to the neck. I could get around this by getting a nylon stringed instrument as in classical guitar and storing it at a friends place over the summer..... so I'm looking for an acoustic or classical. Thanks.

 

Chuck, i found the site i was reading before.....i don't know this guy but he has a great page on dumaguete. here's his link on the guitar maker. maybe of interest to you.

::: Peace Corps Philippines 2004-2006 ::: Photos of everyday life in the Philippines

If anyone knows Tommy, tell him he's got a great dumaguete page.

ronin

 

Hey...thanks a million Ronin. Looks really interesting. I couldn't find any place names on the page though except Tagbilaran. Are you sure he is in Negros ?

 

seemed to be....just wondering if anyone else had any experience or knowledge. i know there's a few musicians on the board...maybe they can help????? i wanted to find him myself when i get back to dumaguete.

 

Luthier address

Ok...Thanks again Ronin...very interesting....I liked what I saw. The thing is though that the only location name I saw on your link was a reference to Tagbilaran....that's on the island of Bohol. It did not say that is where this luthier (guitar maker) lived, but that was the location of one of these public performances of the purchaser of the featured guitar. I'm just wonder how you came about this information ? What was it that made you think he lived in DGTE....There must have been something to make you think this ?

 

This guy Tommy Schultz is a Peace Corps member who spent a great deal of time in Dumaguete. if you check the root page of that link...he has some super super photos from Dumaguete including some live sessions with this group "Frying Nemo" as well as shows at Hayahay. Seems like a good dude...some live tracks recorded from radio shows in Dumaguete. I've sent him an email to get the location of the guy who crafted his 12 string "Dave Matthews" guitar but no answer yet. I thought maybe the guy who made it was in dumaguete but since no one else recognizes his name, you are probably right that the guitar maker lives in Bohol. IF he responds to me i'll make sure i forward you the information as soon as i get it.

 

Decon Phils on this board makes guitars, or used to, He owned a company in the Netherlands making gibson clones. I have seen two examples of his work, they look good, Rhoody has played them, he would be a better source for their playability. The Catch, they are hollow body electric. Maybe he has some acoustics as well. I will know this weekend, or just contact him on the board.

 

Thanks for the info RHB. I'd be a little worried that a Dutchman making "Gibson clones" would not be giving them away for much less than a fortune. I'm looking for something very cheap, yet reasonably playable. I already have a wonderful collection of high-end guitars here at home but I refuse to pay Cathay 250 dollars for excess baggage to bring one and I'm always a little tense someone might steal whatever I might bring. Just looking for a playable , cheap guitar. Thanks.