|
|
Skipper Custom Instruments - TestimonialsExcellence without Pretense"I have performed on many violins throughout my forty-one-year career as a symphony violinist, and I can honestly say none of my so-called 'well-known' violins (modern and vintage) could equal the tone quality of the violin Roger Alan Skipper custom made for me. When it come to craftsmanship, tone quality, depth, resonance of sound, and quick-and-easy tonal response, Roger Alan Skipper is the master of his art! "Roger also created for me a magnificent F-style mandolin that mimics all of the above qualities of my violin. I personally witnessed both instruments being conceived from a slab of wood to a superb masterpiece. "I am proud to own two instruments by a man who will undoubtedly be acknowledges as one of America's great luthiers."
Richard A. DiAdamo, retired violinist "There are a lot of 'professional' luthiers out there these days . . . they are as common as crane flies in a midwest dust bunny. However, once in a while you'll find an 'up and coming' builder whose work rivals that of craftsmen that command prices that are much higher. "Roger Skipper is one such fellow "I recently received an F-5 Skipper mandolin, and I am ecstatic!!! The tone, volume, and playability are impeccable, and the customer service is incredible. The 'gourd' is a work of art!!! Get on the wagon early!!! I heartily endorse Roger's instruments!"
Tab Tabscott
"When I ordered a guitar from Roger Skipper I didn't expect the wonderful instrument
I received. It is so finely crafted it could hang on the wall of the Metropolitan
Museum. The sound is rich, warm, vibrant, and reminiscent of a vintage Martin."
Carlton A. Jones "I commissioned Roger to craft a very special violin for my father's birthday present. Roger was ingenious in his ideas and truly a master of his craft. The violin brought tears to my father's eyes when it was presented to him and he told me that it was the nicest gift anyone has ever given him. I would recommend Roger to anyone looking for that one of a kind instrument." Andrew L. Eiswert "You wrote to Andrew asking about the violin he commissioned from Roger. But, strictly speaking, all he really knows of the Roger Skipper violin he and my other children gave me as a present last Christmas is how very pleased their father was with the gift. (Whatever the shortcomings of the music they have heard produced by the instrument is surely that of the player and not the violin.) I know you are familiar with the instrument having seen and played it. For my part, all I know is that it is a beautifully made violin the playing of which gives me great pleasure and, I am told, renders even my playing enjoyable to others. This is high praise indeed."
Leonard J. Eiswert, Esquire "Roger Skipper's instruments are high quality one of a kind creations. His craftsmanship gives each of his instruments its uniqueness, and they are truly second to none. I am proud to own one of his instruments."
John Markelewicz "When I was asked to write a few words about Roger Skipper's instruments, I wondered how I could convey that the workmanship is of the highest quality and that they produce such beautiful tones. Then I remembered the time, when in his shop, I noticed a mandolin that was near completion. Roger told me that he was not completely satisfied with the tone and that he was going to make a new top for it. I thought it was fine, but Roger's instruments are extensions of who he is. Each instrument he builds is a labor of love. This is obvious by the high standard each has to meet and the attention to detail he gives each one. As a talented musician, as well as a gifted craftsman, Roger draws from both skills to produce some of the finest instruments available today."
Vince Bartlebaugh "When Roger became aware that I was looking for a new fiddle, he brought out several of his recently made instruments and said "Choose one that you like!" They all sounded so good that it was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. Roger's so easy to work with and his bottom line was making sure I was happy with my new instrument. "Now, I currently own two of Roger's instruments. A fiddle and a mandolin. Roger knows wood, and he's also a musician who understands tone. Only the best spruce, maple, craftsmanship and materials go into a Skipper instrument and because of that there will never be a price tag on any of my Skippers! "The new Skipper guitars are incredible. Native red spruce from the Alleghenies, and a tone that resonates through the WHOLE instrument. I don't find many guitars that use the sum of its parts to produce music like that. That doesn't happen by accident."
Shawn Craver "Over the last 25 years, I have owned Martin and Gibson Guitars, Stelling, Gibson, Baldwin, and Erickson Banjos, a Givens' Mandolin, and others. For me, the sound of a musical instrument is critical. I've known Roger and have played his hand-made instruments, including several mandolins, a guitar, a banjo, and a fiddle (which I purchased three years ago). Roger's focus on detail and his set-up skills translate into top-sounding instruments. His understanding of the variables (materials, strings, installation techniques, craftsmanship and pride) has resulted in more than sixty handmade "Skipper" instruments. "For anyone looking for his or her next instrument, do take the time to contact Roger. I have no buyer's remorse." Jack Crites "The mandolin Roger made for me is my first custom instrument. I have always wanted to learn how to play mandolin, and I decided to invest in a good one. For the last several years, Roger and Bill would come down to play a little for us while we were hunting and always had a great time, and every instrument there was made by Roger. I could not believe the sound and quality. I asked Roger if he would make a mandolin for me and he got this big smile on his face; he and I were both excited as we discussed timing, finishes, and price. We shook hands and made the deal. I can honestly say to anyone interested, as long as Roger Skipper is making custom musical instruments, I know I would buy from him before anyone else because of his excellent products, skills, knowledge, pride and his eagerness to make his cutomers happy. I am very pleased with my mandolin and get many good compliments." Gary Kramer "Roger Skipper is undoubtedly the finest craftsman that I have ever known. He made me a banjo with the airplane that I flew during the Korean War on the back, and Roger's inlaid plane looks exactly like the one I flew. The banjo is absolutely the finest I have ever seen or played."
Bob Railey |
