We catch up with Doug Wilkes in August 2012 at his workshop. Doug talks about a few things he has currently in the workshop.
Doug Wilkes August 2012
Doug Wilkes 5 string Bass appears on morning TV with Honey Ryder
Chris Cliff, who plays a Doug Wilkes custom 5 string bass, was performing today on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, Friday 27th July, 2012 with band Honey Ryder.
Doug Wilkes and Mark Hargreaves Bass
Doug Wilkes is joined in his workshop by old friend Mark Hargreaves who has brought in a bass, made by Doug 20 years ago, for a bit of a re-shape and some loving care.
Doug Wilkes Canadian Slut
Doug has recently finished a ‘Rainbow Slut’ for a chap in Canada called Les. Upon receiving the Slut, this is what Les emailed to Doug.
“I absolutely love the guitar. Every aspect of it is incredible. Your workmanship and professionalism is outstanding. You are a genius. I realize that I am a customer, but I consider you a friend and inspiration.
I will be going back out to the shop to rock out and I’m sure I will be playing on it everyday for years to come. It is so comfortable and balanced. I have a show on Friday and one the following week, so it will be the only guitar I will play (hopefully I don’t break a string). Thanks again Doug!!!
This really is a dream come true for me. I have thanked my Mom several times for getting me the issue of guitarist with your article. I decided instantly to get in touch with you after seeing the guitar and reading about your work. I am thrilled.
I will send you some pics of me holding the guitar tomorrow.
All the best!”
Your friend from Canada, Les!
www.godfreyguitars.com
Click here for a YouTube video of the Slut being built by Doug
Carl from Alexfloyd Music collects his 5 string bass.
Here is Carl Moreton, who runs Alexfloyd Music Production, seen here with Doug collecting a lovely 5 string bass. This bass will be used in the studio on all Alexfloyd songs.
Doug finishes the 5 string acoustic bass
Commissioned in late 2010, and handed to it’s new owner Shaun Chivers on 12th September 2011, Doug has had a great time building this beautiful 5 string acoustic bass. For more information click here to see a video filmed during the build.
Doug Wilkes is featured in July’s edition of Guitar and Bass magazine
A deluxe 5 page article details many of Doug’s great achievements from working with Dave Gilmour, The Slut, The D & B and many, many other fantastic guitars and basses.
Get along to your local newsagent and buy yourself a copy.
Plus details to follow about personal ‘One 2 One Master Class workshops’ that Doug will be running later this year. Details to follow.
Ibanez claim they are making the worlds first Fretted Fretless bass, Doug Wikes says otherwise….
Ibanez claim that they are now building the worlds first fretted fretless bass. See article here – http://www.ibanez.com/BassGuitars/model-SR2010ASC.
But, Doug Wilkes was making fretted frettless bases back in 1985 at his old factory. Click the links below to see a review in guitarist from 1985 about Wilkes fretted fretless basses.
Wilkes fretted fretless bass – article 1
Wilkes fretted fretless bass – article 2
Click here to see a forum thread about Ibanez’s claim on basschat.co.uk.
Click here to see more Doug Wilkes fretted frettless bass models from the past.
Doug has finished work on a lovely Custom Les Paul
Doug has finished a very nice Custom Les Paul. For more information on this great guitar, click here. For a video of this guitar being built click here.
Doug starts work on a 24 string Lyre Harp Guitar project
Doug can be seen above describing his initial design drawings and woods to be used for a 24 string Harp guitar project. Click here for the video.