For
over a century Dyer Harp Guitars have been considered the Holy Grail
of Harp Guitars; the magical quality of these instruments has become
legendary over the years. With a few surviving examples in circulation
they were fast becoming an instrument that would remain in the hands
of collectors, galleries and a few very lucky musicians.
The driving passion behind Holloway Harp
Guitars is simple; to reach into the rich history of the Dyer instruments,
to touch the essence of these wonderful instruments.....to bring
them back to life, to bring them back where they truly belong.....in
the creative hands of today's musicians.
To embark on such an epic journey, where
do we start?
We are very fortunate to own 5 model 4 Dyer
Harp Guitars; some of which have been painstakingly disassembled
and restored and in this process we have created the most detailed
plans in existence of these instruments; including digitally mapping
the entire guitar to gain insight into the thickness of all the
tonewoods.
Our goal is not to make a new dyer or a modern
version of this classic instrument; our goal is to begin our journey
from the point where the Dyer journey ended; to continue the great
tradition of making the Dyer Harp Guitar.
By taking path that is steeped in tradition
and history it gives us an opportunity to try and capture the magic
& warmth of the 100 year old Dyers that drew Stephen Bennett,
Michael Hedges, Andy Wahlberg, Don Alder, and countless others to
its powerful deep sounds. Just listen to Stephen Bennett's recordings
with his old Dyer on the album "Goodwood" and you will
understand a little more of its appeal.
The Guitar is more than just a musical instrument;
it was created by our innermost desire to express ourselves through
music. It has become part of the fabric of our lives in a way that
has changed the course of history.
We want to inspire a new generation of musicians
to explore the wonderful creative opportunities that await when
they choose to be part of the unfolding history of the Holloway
Harp Guitar family. |
