Neil uses a Fylde Bouzouki and Mandolin and a Taylor 810 acoustic guitar. He is also currently messing about with an Ozark Tenor Banjo and some whistles.

Neil got into the Bouzouki about 7 years ago, inspired to play by folk bands like Deisal from Ireland, Iron Horse from Scotland and Irish musicians like Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny. He had a cheaper type called a Freshwater for a while then took the plunge and purchased one from Fylde. They are a small company based in Penrith who have made stringed instruments for all sorts of musicians over the last 30 years You can find them on the web at www.fyldeguitars.com

The Fylde Bouzouki is tuned GDAD with Unison strings, ( both strings are the same thickness ). Neil picks with a bass plectrum which gives a strong sound and allows him to switch from picking to strumming and back again instantaneously. This technique has always eluded him on the guitar, possibly something to do with it having six strings instead of 4 groups of eight on the Bouzouki. He's not really sure why, but it allows great flexibility for playing!

The Fylde Mandolin is tuned standard GDAE like a fiddle, and is also picked with a Bass plectrum. It has one dent from a wayward Granny who went spinning out of control at a ceilidh and collided with Neil, a mikestand and the mandolin. The mandolin came off worst.

Neil's Taylor 810 Acoustic Guitar is tuned to CGCGCD with guage 12 strings. It took him ages to find it and it has got a very warm sound for picking. He uses a thumbpick.

Neil also uses a thumbpick with the Banjo. Gerry hates it when he get it out to play!

Gerry's Marine Band moothies