Shetland-Music.com

The story of Burra Isle's Thomas Fraser and his music has become widely known throughout the world. If you listen closely to his recordings you'll hear his strong and steady accompaniment played on his guitar of choice, a Swedish made Levin Goliath. The Goliath, purchased by Thomas in 1961, was the Levin Company's take on a classic American dreadnought guitar. It was by no means a poor copy, in fact in many ways was on a par with the US made original. In addition it had its own unique character. The recordings show that Thomas and Goliath were well matched.

Moon Thomas Fraser Signature Guitar

After Thomas passed away in 1978 his trusty guitar fell into a state of disrepair. On listening to the old recordings he left behind it was apparent that the old Levin had been a fine sounding guitar in its day, so Thomas' family decided to have it fully restored. Moon Guitars in Glasgow took on the task and, in 2001, returned the Levin to Shetland looking like it had never left the showroom and sounding as good as ever.

During his visit to the 2005 Thomas Fraser Memorial Concert Jimmy Moon of Moon guitars was struck by the level of interest in the instruments, especially the Levin, on show in the Thomas Fraser exhibition. He asked the family if they would mind if he made a replica of Thomas's original guitar. Delighted with the idea, the family instructed Jimmy to go ahead and build the guitar and so the Moon Thomas Fraser signature model was born.

The first thing that struck me about the Moon Thomas Fraser guitar was just how resonant it sounded just lying in the case and just how good it looks. I couldn't wait to lift it out and play a few chords. On picking it up I was also struck by its light weight and balance, always a good sign. The first few chords confirmed that this instrument sounds and plays really well, with a nice clear treble end and a good clean bass with a great balance of sound.

Mackie Sutherland plays the Levin original, Brian Nicholson plays the Moon replica

The neck profile is slightly thicker than most modern guitars and the finger board, at the nut, is slightly wider than the norm. Don't be put off as it is, in fact, very comfortable and after playing for 5 minutes you'll never want to go back to a skinny neck. Many guitar builders would tell you that the extra timber in the neck helps produce volume and tone. The overall scale length is slightly shorter than normal making for a nice, soft, and easy on the fingers playing action. This is great for finger picking and does not compromise the volume of the instrument. As is typical on all Moon guitars the frets and finger board are polished, clean and perfect with a great feel - Jimmy's fret jobs are second to none. The thin cellulose finish feels nice to the touch, allowing your hand to feel the neck timber. All in all I just couldn't put it down - it's a total delight to play.

I had a few days to trial the guitar so I took the chance to try it out in a rehearsal situation. With other instruments playing, it had ample volume to cut through. The harmonics especially shone through with a nice clear bell like tone. It really comes into its own as an instrument to accompany the voice. It's a joy to sing along with, whether in a strumming, vamping or finger picking style.

I also had a chance to sit opposite and listen to other people playing the TF signature model. It has a very distinct voice. Comparing it to the classic American dreadnought guitars, it produces a lighter bass response than a typical Martin sound and more "grunt" than a typical Gibson.

At this year's exhibition there was an opportunity to compare the Moon TF to the original Levin, and I was surprised at just how similar the two guitars are. The Moon is made from the same tone woods used by Levin in the original ie. spruce top, maple back and sides with a rosewood bridge and fingerboard. It is finished in the same sunburst paint job. There are one or two minor aesthetic differences and Jimmy Moon explained that he'd changed some of the internal struts in an attempt to make the copy stronger, but overall the guitars have a very similar sound and character.

Where the Moon TF Signature stands out is in the sheer quality of finish and attention to detail. This is not a standard production guitar - this is an investment-quality, custom shop signature model without doubt. Having tried some of the more expensive US made signature/designer acoustics, this guitar more than holds its own in terms of finish, playability and most importantly sound. I took it away to review not knowing the asking price and was most surprised to find it selling for £1850 plus case. I was expecting a much more hefty 2K+ figure. Compared to other similar guitars on the Market I have to say it's a bargain.

I'm sure if Thomas were still here today he would be delighted to play such a fine guitar. Congratulation to Moon Guitars on making such a fine instrument and grateful thanks to Karl Simpson, Thomas' grandson, for letting me play it. It was a real privilege.

By Brian Nicholson

Links:

• Thomas Fraser biography
• Thomas Fraser website
• Moon Guitars