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Catching up with Stefan Sobell - Michael Watts - Luthier Stories

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  • Опубліковано 25 сер 2018
  • Thanks for visiting! Please Subscribe to support my channel!
    Stefan Sobell makes some of the finest guitars in the world in his workshop in Hexham UK. His instruments are famous for their powerful, steely tone and loved by players around the world including Martin Simpson, Mark Knopfler and Darrell Scott. And me!
    I last visited Stefan's workshop in 2010 and this meeting was a welcome chance to catch up and put the world to rights. I had a camera and mics set up just in case and this video captured our conversation as well as performances with some new Sobell guitars. Utterly stunning, each and every one.
    For more about my work please visit www.michaelwat...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 87

  • @Mister_G
    @Mister_G 9 місяців тому +2

    Late to the party, but what a beautiful liitle film. Truly a glimpse into a different world of world class musician and luthier. Fantastic - thank you both very much.

  • @johnhastingsinfo
    @johnhastingsinfo 6 місяців тому +2

    Love this channel. Craftsmanship and musical mastery.

  • @MrMickey519
    @MrMickey519 3 роки тому +4

    Recently purchased a 2009 Martin Simpson signature model. Purchased it at Rudy’s Music in NY. I had not heard of Sobell until Rudy put it in my hands. I could not get over the clarity of the guitar. Has to be one of the best sounding and feeling finger style guitars I own. In our quest for the perfect sounding guitar, Sobell is getting pretty darn close. A true work of art! Thank you Stefan.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  3 роки тому

      Congratulations Michael! I love Stefan’s work and have done for years!

  • @KL3NCH
    @KL3NCH 2 роки тому +3

    Just delightful. I am the lucky custodian of a New World and I have sipped at these calm workshop vibes too. The relatively low volume of the video is actually redolent of a conversation with Stefan! Many thanks for this.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  2 роки тому +2

      Congratulations! Calm vibes are good vibes and New Worlds are very special!

  • @darringodden7225
    @darringodden7225 2 роки тому +2

    I have just watched this video accompanied by my Yamaha Fg 110 from 1970.
    A fantastic interview between two men that fully understand their craft.
    I use this as inspiration to keep on practicing.
    My bricklayers hand benefits so much by the change in use
    And my ears have been damaged by site noise.
    But I can hear the various tones and that's a revelation and an encouraging marker for my late in life past time.
    Thank you

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  2 роки тому +1

      What a lovely comment, thank you Darrin! I really glad you enjoyed the video - keep playing!

  • @MrAuell
    @MrAuell 9 місяців тому +1

    what a fantastic-sounding gutar! i've heard of the brand and i've heard Martin, so I have heard Sobell, I'm sure. What a lovely guitar! Great playing!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  9 місяців тому +1

      Thank you for watching! Really glad you enjoyed it!

  • @CamsCampbell
    @CamsCampbell 6 років тому +4

    I enjoyed that a lot. More like this please! Not only were the conversation, instruments and music wonderful, but my favourite book got discussed and quoted!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Cams Campbell more like this? Yeah... I think I can do that!

  • @paulboden7850
    @paulboden7850 5 років тому +2

    Terrific interview. Stefen Sobell is an absolute gem.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому

      Paul Boden he is indeed! It’s always a pleasure to spend time at the Sobell workshop

  • @luckyluke9160
    @luckyluke9160 3 роки тому +3

    Lovely sounds!! that D guitar sounds out of this world to me!!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  3 роки тому +3

      Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, that D guitar... I can still hear it! Massive sound

  • @Frozenguy1
    @Frozenguy1 3 роки тому +2

    Great calm atmosphere, great guitars, and marvelous playing!!

  • @dr_lulz
    @dr_lulz 5 років тому +3

    Fantastic. You are like a modern day Alan Lomax in some ways Michael. Here you are creating a wonderful record. Capturing a snapshot in time of an evolving tradition and rendering, with due care and respect, the spirit and specialness of these artisans and the products of their energy and experience. I’m off to determine if Vetiver is available on Vinyl and pick up a digital copy regardless. Thanks to you both for this video.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому +1

      Dr Lulz that made me smile, what a lovely thing to read first thing upon waking up in Cape Town! The luthier built guitar is my passion and as a player I am very fortunate to count many of its finest creators as personal friends. I’m very glad you’ve been enjoying the videos and I look forward to sharing more as the series progresses.
      Thank you for your support, it really does mean a great deal to me. I’m actually looking into offering Vetiver on vinyl at the moment and will report back when I have found a cutting house I’m happy with.
      All the best
      MDW

    • @dr_lulz
      @dr_lulz 5 років тому

      Michael Watts - A beautiful land of juxtaposed opposites in my experience. Hope you are enjoying yourself. Great news about a possible vinyl release, I shall look out for that. It is really my pleasure to support your wonderful work, I have been singing your praises in an effort to spread the word and will continue to do so. Best wishes.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому

      Dr Lulz thank you so much!

  • @sobellfanatic
    @sobellfanatic 6 років тому +8

    This is gold dust, to hear a luthier of Stefan's esteem, talk at great length about his work and aspirations for his guitars.
    That unique "Sobell" character comes across very strong in this unadulterated, direct recording. Which model was your fave Michael?

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому +1

      sobellfanatic thanks for watching Steve, I’m glad you liked it! I would have taken them all home with me if I could... but that D model is still ringing in my ears... just an astonishing machine. The bass is incredible but the trebles are even better!

  • @kevingreene6893
    @kevingreene6893 4 роки тому +3

    A lovely interview Michael. Nice insight into Stefan’s world. I thought his “pause” when asked about advice for aspiring luthiers was indicative of his approach to his craft; taking the time to consider how he sees his advice as being of actual value in delivering a meaningful outcome. He is such a talented luthier and creator of beautiful and giving guitars...

  • @AntonEmery
    @AntonEmery 6 років тому +3

    what a lovely interview. thanks so much for doing something like this.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Hey Anton! I'm glad you liked it. Stefan is a legend and it's always a joy to sit down with him. I'm glad I was able to share the results this time.

  • @sangirardiecavicchi648
    @sangirardiecavicchi648 6 років тому +2

    Thanks for uploading this Michael, very interesting, and it’s always nice to listen to your playing.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Sangirardi e Cavicchi you’re very welcome! Thanks for watching, I hope you guys are well and look forward to seeing you both again soon

  • @markclaydon
    @markclaydon 5 років тому +1

    I can't actually play a guitar but I love the sound and the extraordinary art of making a guitar. Thank you for making this video!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому

      markclaydon wow, thank you for your comment Mark! To be honest it never occurred to me that there might be non-guitarists watching so the fact that you took the time to get in touch really does mean a lot to me. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy future videos, I’ve got some good ones coming through!

  • @patberning
    @patberning 5 років тому +1

    Thank you, Michael fir this beautiful, inspiring video.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому

      Pat Berning you’re very welcome! I hope you enjoy the others in the series just as much. Thank you for watching!

  • @TonchoBluegrass
    @TonchoBluegrass 5 років тому +2

    Thank you so much for this video, I've had the chance to email Mr. Sobell to ask him about his guitars and he was really wonderful to me. I've had the chance to play two of his guitars, they were older and very client specific. I think they were both double topped guitars? I may be getting that wrong but since i like to play with my fingers it wasn't a good much, but they were gorgeous nonetheless. Its still a dream to get to a play one of his smaller bodied guitars i've always fancied his steinbeck models. Cheers!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому

      TonchoBluegrass you’re very welcome and thanks for watching! Stefan is an amazing man and wonderful to talk to. I hope you’ll get the chance to own your own Steinbeck one day!

  • @MrTewhare
    @MrTewhare 2 роки тому +1

    Great advice I am on my journey of building guitars going through a lot of imposter syndrome moments gotta stay grounded. And yes My dad did tell me there is more than one way to skin a possum nothing is set in stone. Thanks Michael for the content

  • @daviddkilpatrick
    @daviddkilpatrick 6 років тому +2

    Great steady rolling interview. I had Carpathian spruce for a decade on the tops of re-specced stock instruments - mostly mando-zouk but everything from bass balalaika to classical guitar - which I imported from HORA of Reghin before their switch to the euro made the custom models and the transport costs too high. Some of the Carpathian tops were strikingly beautifully figured, like watered silk, and some of their sycamore (maple) when not stained as they used to do was equally lovely. Any luthier who saw them had nothing but good to say about the Romanian spruce.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      David Kilpatrick thank you for watching! There’s some amazing Carpathian out there. I really glad you enjoyed the video

    • @daviddkilpatrick
      @daviddkilpatrick 6 років тому

      Great little bites of playing too. Made me go and pick up a guitar for a few minutes. Also gave me cause for thinking a bit about aiming for more controlled, assertive or positive playing (as opposed to fast, light and sloppy).

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      David Kilpatrick well that’s nice to hear thank you! Stefan’s guitars certainly allow for precision as well as lightness of touch. That’s one of the reasons I love them.

  • @StefanoZanolla
    @StefanoZanolla 6 років тому +1

    This interview is so natural and dense. Thank you!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Thanks for watching Stefano!| You're very welcome!

    • @StefanoZanolla
      @StefanoZanolla 6 років тому

      @@MichaelWatts Oh, man, you always keep us awake 'til late with those freakin'hot woody beauties!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому +1

      Stefano Zanolla yeah sorry about that #notsorry

    • @StefanoZanolla
      @StefanoZanolla 6 років тому

      @@MichaelWatts gotta get back to London to visit the shop :last time I couldn't find it!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому +1

      Stefano Zanolla well ok but it’s nothing to do with me anymore, I left over a year ago. Give them a ring before you visit and they’ll help you find the place

  • @PhilTaylorGuitar
    @PhilTaylorGuitar 6 років тому +1

    Excellent work Michael. Really enjoyed it and look forward to the next!! Regards, Phil

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Not Pete! Glad you enjoyed it my friend. Stefan is a joy to listen to isn't he?!

    • @PhilTaylorGuitar
      @PhilTaylorGuitar 6 років тому

      @@MichaelWatts :) as I said on the Acoustic Soundboard he seems a lovely man.

  • @SillyMoustache
    @SillyMoustache 6 років тому +1

    Hi Michael, I had to watch/listen to this video without interruption on a cold rainy Sunday. Very interesting, charming and informative. I flinched a little over the confusion of redwood and red spruce, but it was quickly resolved, and part of a nice relaxed conversation between two masters of their art with a close connection. Well done - I met Stefan some years ago at a RMMMMMGA (?) meeting.
    One point if I may, you are softly spoken - and sometimes - a little difficult to hear clearly compared to the levels when playing those wonderful guitars. The UA-cam subtitling was amusingly inaccurate.
    I look forward to more videos. All the best in all your endeavours!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Silly Moustache hello Andy, yes, this is nothing more than a gentle conversation between friends with a bit of guitar thrown in for good measure. The mic levels were set for the guitars rather than voice but headphones help...
      Thanks for watching and for your support as always!

  • @billwendt1256
    @billwendt1256 2 роки тому +1

    Wow!

  • @domrh1
    @domrh1 5 років тому +1

    Fantastic. Sobell - So erudite

  • @ilandiamond
    @ilandiamond Рік тому +1

    Beautiful head stocks he makes

  • @PhilTaylorGuitar
    @PhilTaylorGuitar 3 роки тому +1

    Just enjoyed watched this again Michael on the back of your Instagram interview with MS. Like your TNAG interview with Clive Carroll I doubt it will be the last viewing..........

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  3 роки тому

      Thank you Phil! I'm glad you're getting some mileage out of the videos!

  • @yannlecorre1395
    @yannlecorre1395 5 років тому +1

    These guitars are sound guns ! what knowledge and research to reach this level of craftmanship and results...

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому

      Stefan is an amazing man and one of my favourite guitar makers. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for your support!

  • @elguitarolerno
    @elguitarolerno Рік тому +1

    Ive heard these guitars described as a little unforgiving and leaving a player no place to hide in terms of fudging errors. This was not said as a bad thing, merely as an observation (by a luthier of note). How does this description sit with your own experiences of mr sobells work micheal? Thank you, beautiful playing as always

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  Рік тому +1

      Stefan’s guitars are an inspiration and a joy. They have a unique voice that responds immediately to the player. I’m fact, if you are used to less immediate guitars then they do take some getting used to. There is, quite simply, nowhere to hide but the rewards when you hit it just right are well worth the effort. But really, the best advice I can give is to try one for yourself.

  • @Jason_Music
    @Jason_Music 6 років тому +1

    You're really building up a very nice UA-cam Channel with content that every passionate musician love so much and is quite hard to find. You're kind of the only one doing this. You seem very active and as of recnelty upload many videos and I hope you keep this nice pace ! by the way, do you have your tab version of "She moved through the Fayre" ? Love it ! Thanks for what you're doing

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Thanks Jason, I'm really glad you're enjoying the videos so far, and this is just the start! No TAB of She Moved Through the Fayre yet... All the best MDW

    • @Jason_Music
      @Jason_Music 6 років тому

      Would be cool to have you play this piece entirely in another video. Tabs would be a nice addition :)

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  6 років тому

      Jason_Music I’ll do what I can!

  • @josephs7278
    @josephs7278 2 роки тому +1

    Sonic heaven, is this the same guitar on martin's Simpson's smoke and mirrors album.!!!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  2 роки тому +1

      I’m not sure it’s the same instrument but I believe it’s the same model - thank you so much for watching!

  • @cannibalholocaust3015
    @cannibalholocaust3015 Рік тому +1

    Do any recordings of music exist using the D guitar? It’s extraordinary. Would love to be able to listen with headphones to an instrumental using it.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  Рік тому +1

      I think Martin Simpson may have used one on record!

  • @musik102
    @musik102 5 років тому +1

    Re the D guitar. Pete Seeger famously extended the neck of the banjo to make singing easier.

  • @wiloghby
    @wiloghby 3 роки тому +2

    Seriously... his FIRST guitar has that sustain and volume??? How??!!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  3 роки тому

      I know! Natural talent does play a part here I think!

  • @WHUAT
    @WHUAT 2 роки тому

    Brother, you can choose what song that you want to react :
    The Eagle - Hotel California
    Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody - 12 million viewers.
    Queen - We are the champion
    Queen - Love of My Life
    Eric Clapton - Wonderful Tonight
    Jerry C. - Canon Rock
    Bon Jovi - It's My Life
    Celine Dion - My heart will go on ( flute & guitar )
    Avenged Sevonfold - Burried Alive
    Extreme - More Than Words
    Gun's n Rises - Patient
    Linkin Park - Numb
    Yiruma - Kiss the rain
    Yiruma - Rivers flows in you
    Jenifer Lopez - On the floor
    Michael Jackson - Black or White
    System if a down - Toxycity
    Red hot chilli pepers - Californication
    Gary Moore - Still Got the Blues
    Seal - Kiss from a rose
    Jhon Denver - leaving on jet plane
    The god father
    The last mohicans
    And many more...👆👍😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩🙏🙏🙏🤣🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩

  • @desdearibasiempre2545
    @desdearibasiempre2545 5 років тому +1

    those guitars are full of dust inside. waooooo! men. he dont vacume them.

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому +1

      ariel Cruz the wood shavings in a Sobell guitar will make a man of you!

    • @desdearibasiempre2545
      @desdearibasiempre2545 5 років тому

      @@MichaelWatts like it did with you rite?

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  5 років тому +1

      ariel Cruz yep!

  • @MindbodyMedic
    @MindbodyMedic Місяць тому +1

    No name on the headstock son? Its expensive put it down!

    • @MichaelWatts
      @MichaelWatts  Місяць тому +1

      @@MindbodyMedic I like them with no name on

  • @WHUAT
    @WHUAT 2 роки тому

    Hi Brother, would you like to react the fenomenal Alip bata guitarist fingerstyle from Indonesia on youtube channel. I can guarantte, this is bloody mindblowing.🤩🤩😍😍🇮🇩🇮🇩🙏🙏

  • @EddieCostelloMusic
    @EddieCostelloMusic 2 роки тому

    Bored as fk