NUD(very late): Fred Shields Soprano

Astein2006 · May 31, 2019

It’s taken me forever to post my newest acquisition from Fred Shields. It is a beautifully crafted mahogany soprano with a nod to Martin Style O but with a few Fred Shields upgrades.
Specs:
All Solid mahogany top/back/sides/neck
Rosewood fretboard and bridge
Ebony nut and saddle
UPT tuners w/ black buttons.

It’s light, resonant, warm with a lovely bark. I have it strung with Aquila Nylguts. It had Martin M600’s but for me they felt too thin under my fingers. Also a bit too bright. The Aquilas give it that old timey sound that suits its build and wood choice. I feel like I’m in the minority on loving the Nylguts. Mr. Shields is a real craftsman and a gentleman to work with. This one is a keeper. I feel honored to own it.

Jerryc41 · May 31, 2019

Beautiful. The first I heard of Fred was in a Brett McQueen video. Fred made a uke for him.

MopMan · May 31, 2019

I have a Martin Style 0 clone soprano (Ken Timms variety), and I like Nylguts on it too. There is something about that fat, classic sound that makes Nylon an inescapable choice for me on that instrument.

Enjoy your new uke!

Lapyang · May 31, 2019

I own two of Fred Shields Ukes. They are very well made, and I am very happy with them.

mountain goat · May 31, 2019

Congrats Astein. what a sweetie!

DownUpDave · May 31, 2019

Congratulations and welcome to the Fred Shields family. I have owned one for about a year now and really enjoy it.

70sSanO · May 31, 2019

Fred makes really nice ukuleles. While his designs are pretty basic, devoid of bling, his craftsmanship is first rate. I stumbled upon Fred’s work at Moze Guitars in La Mesa in 2010. Fred has made a few more for my wife and I over the last couple of years. He is also one of the nicest people out there.

Congrats!

John

SoloRule · May 31, 2019

I am probably responsible for promoting Fred Shields.
I bought three during my first visit then ordered an all cherry pineapple!
Mr Shields craftsmanship is impeccable!
Congratulations and welcome to the FS family!

CommonCurt · May 31, 2019

Astein2006 said:
It’s taken me forever to post my newest acquisition from Fred Shields. It is a beautifully crafted mahogany soprano with a nod to Martin Style O but with a few Fred Shields upgrades.
Specs:
All Solid mahogany top/back/sides/neck
Rosewood fretboard and bridge
Ebony nut and saddle
UPT tuners w/ black buttons.

It’s light, resonant, warm with a lovely bark. I have it strung with Aquila Nylguts. It had Martin M600’s but for me they felt too thin under my fingers. Also a bit too bright. The Aquilas give it that old timey sound that suits its build and wood choice. I feel like I’m in the minority on loving the Nylguts. Mr. Shields is a real craftsman and a gentleman to work with. This one is a keeper. I feel honored to own it.

Super nice. Did you have to contact him directly to have this custom made?

Astein2006 · May 31, 2019

CommonCurt said:
Super nice. Did you have to contact him directly to have this custom made?

Yes. I just shot him an email and told him what I wanted and to see if he was willing to make it for me.

CommonCurt · May 31, 2019

Astein2006 said:
Yes. I just shot him an email and told him what I wanted and to see if he was willing to make it for me.

Okay, cool. I sent you a PM with a few questions.

CommonCurt · Jun 8, 2019

Is there anyway to contact Fred Shields other than facebook?

I don't use facebook.

SoloRule · Jun 8, 2019

CommonCurt said:
Is there anyway to contact Fred Shields other than facebook?

I don't use facebook.

(619) 464-8599

Jerryc41 · Jun 8, 2019

CommonCurt said:
Is there anyway to contact Fred Shields other than facebook?

I don't use facebook.

There's a difference between "using" Facebook and going on someone's page to contact him. You don't need a FB page to do that.

CommonCurt · Jun 8, 2019

Jerryc41 said:
There's a difference between "using" Facebook and going on someone's page to contact him. You don't need a FB page to do that.

I thought you had to have an account to send messages?

CommonCurt · Jun 8, 2019

SoloRule said:
(619) 464-8599

If this is legit, thank you

DownUpDave · Jun 8, 2019

CommonCurt said:
If this is legit, thank you

With all due respect that is a bit of a stupid thing to say. Why would Brend, a long time well respected member who had bought 4 ukes from Fred not give you a legit phone number

AQUATOPAZ · Jun 8, 2019

Jerryc41 said:
There's a difference between "using" Facebook and going on someone's page to contact him. You don't need a FB page to do that.

You DO need a FB account to send a message. How would it say who it's from without one? All FB messages show a sender.

CommonCurt · Jun 8, 2019

DownUpDave said:
With all due respect that is a bit of a stupid thing to say. Why would Brend, a long time well respected member who had bought 4 ukes from Fred not give you a legit phone number

Hi, I was actually trying to be funny.

It was not meant to be disrespectful to Brend at all.

I apologize if anyone thought that.

SoloRule · Jun 8, 2019

CommonCurt said:
Hi, I was actually trying to be funny.

It was not meant to be disrespectful to Brend at all.

I apologize if anyone thought that.

I just spoke with Fred Shields

Email is fine if you don’t believe that’s the correct number

fsukes4u@gmail.com

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