Wildwood Instruments :: What's New

Courses, Conferences and Construction!

2009-07-04T15:33:00.003+10:00

The next travel guitar course will begin in early August. There are some places still available if you are interested! Check out the courses page for details. The first mandolin course run by Wildwood has just been completed with four happy students taking home their handmade instruments.

Wildwood Instruments will be appearing at the "Sounds Great" music educators conference on the 16th to 18th July. The shop will be closed for that weekend. See you there if you are attending.

A batch of Dulcimers has just been completed, so they are now back in stock. Purchase at will!
I will be starting on some travel guitars and Deluxe mandolins next, so hopefully it won't be too much more of a wait till you can get your hands on one of those.

More books, tools and parts for instrument making have arrived so feel free to drop into the shop any Friday or Saturday 10-5pm and check out what's new.

Oh and Happy New Financial Year!

Back to work!

2009-06-08T14:21:00.004+10:00

Wildwood Instruments is back in the workshop now that the festival season is well and truly over and have had some time to take a breather!

An all new Bottle Top Rattler is now available. It is lighter, louder, more compact and can do less damage to your nether regions in the hands of a small child! Thus, more child and parent friendly! Their improved loudness now makes them more suitable for stage and jam sessions too!

Xylophones are back in stock now as well, with the added feature of all the bars being labeled (stamped) with their corresponding note. This makes it easier to play tunes on and see what key you are in.
Some dulcimers are under construction at the moment and will be followed by a batch of Deluxe Mandolins and Travel Guitars. Work, work, work! Oh well, someone has gotta do it :)

Launched!

2009-05-11T21:55:00.004+10:00

The 10th Anniversary party was a blast! Thanks to all the people that turned up and the great musicians that performed on the night. The Weissenbabies have well and truly been launched with most of the special 10th anniversary editions being sold. This new and very unique instrument is proving to be a real hit. There are still a few available if you are after an affordable, portable, wee little lap slide guitar!

National Folk Festival 2009

2009-04-12T14:51:00.001+10:00

National Folk Festival 2009
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Happy Easter from the National Folk Festival, Canberra! This is Wildwood Instruments' 5th year at the National, and it's been a fantastic weekend. We've also moved our stall to the main street, so come along and say hello if you're in the area. This is also your last chance to preview the Weissenbaby at a music festival this season, just 2 weeks before its official launch!

Hamish & Andy play Panpipes

2009-04-06T21:58:00.002+10:00

On the Hamish & Andy radio show Hamish attempts to "relax the Jack" with a set of Wildwood panpipes. Hugh Jackman will be the recipent of some soothing tunes blown by Hamish on tomorrow's (Tuesday, 7th April) show. *Disclaimer - Wildwood Instruments takes no responsibility as to the quality of sound produced by a DJ.

Yackandandah Folk Festival 2009

2009-03-22T19:30:00.001+11:00

Yackandandah Folk Festival 2009
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Our Sunday at Yackandandah turned out to be a fantastic one! The overcast sky kept the heat away in the morning, but there was welcome showers and sunshine in between. We also met some very happy people with their new Wildwood Instruments! Crowds were out in droves quite early, as pictured above. We hope to see you again next year at Yackandandah!

While & Matthews using Wildwood instruments

2009-03-12T15:05:00.003+11:00

The UK duo While and Matthews, voted best folk duo by the BBC, are touring Australia at the moment. Chris While will be using a Wildwood Bodhran and Dulcimer whilst on tour. Check out http://www.whileandmatthews.co.uk/ to see where you can catch them.

Port Fairy Folk Festival 2009

2009-03-08T14:14:00.001+11:00

Port Fairy Folk Festival 2009
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Greetings from Port Fairy Folk Festival 2009! We hope you're enjoying the Labour Day long weekend. Come visit us at the Glaxo Green if you're in the area!

Sydney Road Street Party 2009

2009-03-01T13:00:00.001+11:00

Sydney Road Street Party 2009
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Greetings from the Brunswick Music Festival! Come on down to the friendliest party in town, where we're set up between Phoenix and Albert Street until 7p.m.

Festivals, Festivals, Festivals.

2009-02-16T22:48:00.003+11:00

We will be at the Sydney Road Street Party on the 1st March, and Port Fairy Folk Festival 6th to 9th March. We will also be attending the National Folk Festival on the 9th to 13th April. Please note that the Wildwood shop will be closed on the 6th and 7th March and 10th and 11th April. We will be open every other Friday and Saturday, so drop in sometime and say hi!

Woodford Folk Festival 2008/2009

2008-12-31T13:02:00.001+11:00

Woodford Folk Festival 2008/2009
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Greetings from Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland! We've been having a great holiday season here, with people out and about for lots of music. We have also unveiled the new addition to Wildwood Instruments: the WesseinBaby. This little slide guitar is now on display during the festival season, and will be released in April 2009 as part of Wildwood Instruments' 10th Anniversary. We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year, and look forward to meeting you at a festival in 2009!

Instrument Making Courses Announced

2008-12-19T10:44:00.003+11:00

The travel guitar, mandolin, dulcimer and xylophone courses for the first half of 2009 have been annonced. Check out the details on our courses page. Be quick if you are interested as there are only 4 places per course.
Please note the I will be uncontactable from 21st Dec to 3rd Jan as phone reception at Woodford Folk Festival is not good with my carrier.

Merry Xmas!

Calendar of Events

2008-12-19T10:32:00.003+11:00

We have added a calendar to our What's New page so you are able to keep track of all the courses, festivals and events that Wildwood Instruments is involved in. Also dates that our shop will be closed for Xmas, etc.

It's Festival Season Again!

2008-11-04T10:28:00.002+11:00

You will be able to find the Wildwood stall at Queenscliff Music Festival Nov 28-30th and at Woodford Folk Festival Dec 26th to Jan 2nd, with more festivals to be announced in the new year. Please note the shop at 307 Albert St. Brunswick will be closed at these times.
The Wildwood workshop is undergoing renovations at the moment so the making of instruments is temporarily on hold. However, the shop will remain open each Friday and Saturday.

First Course Complete

2008-10-19T17:58:00.003+11:00

The first instrument making course has just been completed. Three happy students finished their travel guitars last week. They each left with a fine instrument under their arms, a mountain of luthiery skills and the satisfaction of creating a beautiful guitar, built with their own two hands. Some of their feedback and photos will be posted on the Courses page shortly.
The next course will be set to commence in February 09, after some restructuring of the workshop.

Environmentally Friendly

2008-09-11T21:08:00.002+10:00

Wildwood Instruments are now using bulk unpackaged Martin&Co strings for our stringed instruments. This will save hundreds of tiny paper string packets being discarded. Previously, every individual string was supplied in its own paper sleeve, which accumulated to a substantial amount of unnecessary waste.
This is a small step, but as they say, every little bit helps!

The first Wildwood instrument making course is now about half way through. The three students are enjoying themselves and are keenly taking on the challenge of handcrafting their own instrument. I will post some pics of them at work soon.

Oh, and the latest celeb to join the list of professional players using/owning a Wildwood instrument is none other than Mick Thomas. What an honor to have him on the band wagon!

Instrument Making Course Update

2008-07-06T17:49:00.002+10:00

The travel guitar making course has been set back to the 12th August 2008. This gives people a little more time to gather their pocket money and convince the other half of their intentions! There are a few places left so get convincing!
Details are on the courses page.

Instrument Making Courses

2008-06-19T22:31:00.002+10:00

Build your own Wildwood travel guitar! The first instrument making course begins on 15th July 2008, where you will be guided through all the steps on constructing your own travel guitar. Be quick to book as places are strictly limited. See here for more details.

Closed for the Queens Birthday!

2008-05-13T22:48:00.002+10:00

The Wildwood Instruments shop will be closed on the 6th and 7th of June, the Queen's Birthday long weekend. In fact, I will be unavailable from the 1st to 12th of June. Apart from that, it is business as usual every Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm.

Oh What a Night!

2008-04-21T21:54:00.006+10:00

What an amazing night the launch was! The performers were fantastic, taking on the challenge of playing the whole evening on only Wildwood instruments. With jaw dropping performances by Dan Dinnen, Wendy Ealey with Unsung, Peter Miller Robinson, Judy Small, Mark Pengilly, Michelle Chandler, Christina Green and Jane Coker, and a spell binding set by the fresh new talent of Madeline Hudson.

Peter Miller Robinson jumped up again to play an encore, into the wee hours of the morning. I believe a great night was had by all! The excellent finger food was a highlight, and the little cup cakes with the Wildwood logo went down a treat too! Thanks to everybody who attended.

Photos and possibly some video footage of the launch will be posted soon.

The shop will now be open Fridays and Saturdays 10am to 5pm.(including ANZAC day, Friday 25th) Please feel free to come down and have a browse and say hello. Hope to see you soon.

The Launch Performers

2008-04-04T23:48:00.002+11:00

The phenomonal amount of performers performing at the launch now includes: Judy Small, David Arden, Dan Dinnen, Peter Miller Robinson, Kate Eve, Maria Forde, Michelle Chandler, Mark Pengilly, Wendy Ealey, Christina Green, Madeline, and possibly some extra, extra special guest appearences(if that wasn't special enough!). They will all be playing on Wildwood instruments, so it will definately be a night not to miss. For further details see last post.

Firing Up for the Lanuch!

2008-04-01T23:46:00.004+11:00

With the Launch just around the corner, the Opening Party is set to be a Blast! We have secured some amazing acts, including Judy Small, David Arden, Dan Dinnen, and many many more, to perform on the night. They will be playing on Wildwood instruments, so it is indeed going to be a magical evening!
Everyone is welcome to attend. It is a free concert, with snacks and drinks to keep you happy. We won't be offended if you wish to "bring your own", as I am sure the party will go on till the wee hours!
Please mark in your diaries Friday the 18th April, with a big red circle around 7pm.
Corner of Albert and Leslie St. Brunswick, right next to the Brunswick train station (Upfield Line) or just off Sydney Rd tram line. There should be plenty of street parking too. I really hope to see you all on the night. Oh and there may be a door prize too!

National Folk Festival 2008

2008-03-22T10:07:00.001+11:00

National Folk Festival 2008
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Greetings from Canberra! We arrived yesterday in very balmy weather, but it's turned so cold today! Nevertheless, our Easter weekend has started well, and we've been off to a pretty good start. Have a safe and wonderful Easter!

Port Fairy Folk Festival 2008

2008-03-09T12:16:00.001+11:00

Port Fairy Folk Festival 2008
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Greetings from Port Fairy, Victoria! It's been a rather relaxing weekend, and it feels like the town's festivities slow down after sunset as well. We managed to catch Loren and The Grow Your Owns last night, and watched The Go Set rock the Reardon Theatre, with a Wildwood mandolin, no less! The breeze is blowing through the heat today, so do drop if you're in the area. Happy Labour Day!

Sydney Road Street Party 2008

2008-02-24T17:24:00.001+11:00

Sydney Road Street Party 2008
Originally uploaded by wildwood instruments

Greetings from Brunswick, Victoria! It's been a busy day on Sydney Road, and everyone's out in droves! Come along if you're in the area!