Liddy Mandolins
by Trevor Warner
(published in
Country Music
Capital News,
December 2001, p32)
About 12 months ago I had the pleasure of playing the first time a new F5
mandolin made by South Australian luthier John Liddy. It was his first attempt
at making the intricate classic shaped bluegrass instrument.
I was amazed to say the least, as were the other players, at the
instrument’s exceptional tone, volume and workmanship. Certainly one of the best
mandolins I have seen in the past 10 years. John’s
first instrument was a solid body electric guitar which he built for his son
Matt in 1990. From then on he began building F-hole jazz style guitars. In 1999
he produced his first
F-style mandolin.
Being an exceptional wood carver by trade he learnt about instrument making
by attending evening classes taught by the late Peter Kempster who lived at
Scott Creek in the Adelaide Hills. Local guitar
collector and musician Terry O’Riley was so impressed in the quality and sound
of John’s instrument that he encouraged him to produce a batch of F5 mandolins
which have just been completed and nearly all sold.
There has also been much interest shown in the USA where Kym Warner is currently
playing a Liddy mandolin. I know his instruments will be in big demand.
published in
Country Music
Capital News,
December 2001, p32
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