Simpson Mandolins are unique, bespoke instruments.

Testimonials

“I've been playing mandolin at Irish traditional sessions since 2020. I bought an off the shelf mando at the local music store and really enjoyed learning and playing that instrument. Then one day, this nice Scottish/Kiwi bloke Davy Simpson let me play on the mandolin he'd built for himself. It was like playing on a wooden bell and reminded me of the sound of my son's marimba. Gorgeous. That was me done. To cut a long story short, I now own a Simpson mandolin and love it. The build process was fun. I got sent unboxing videos of my “fancy schmancy” (to quote Davy) tuners arriving; “it's gooooorgeouuuuus, look at that chatoyancy!” when Davy sourced some beautiful local red beech hardwood; plus many other photos of pieces of mandolin slowly evolving into a real instrument. My two point Simpson has a banjoesque neck profile that is comfortable to play with my old sports-injury-arthritic finger and I enjoy the way the whole instrument resonates with vibration in my hands. It's suitably loud that I have people telling me that its novel to be able to hear a mandolin as it leads into tunes. I've had it for three months now and the sound keeps getting better. Oh, that woody tone! My violin playing friend was very impressed with the playability up into the 15th fret zone and beyond (that's 'twilight-zone' for me unfortunately). I also play some cèilidh band dance gigs and it sounds phat played through a Fishman Platinum preamp either directly into a PA or an amp.”

— Jason Longworth, Christchurch

“Works fucken mean!”

— Sam Bolster, Wellington

“I’d been on the lookout to find a carved top bouzouki for a long while, as they have a distinctly different sweet voice that is not really heard on flat topped instruments… the instrument exceeds my expectations in all regards. The sound is amazing – clear and punchy, growly without being muddy. It has the sweet high tinkle on the treble course I like. It cuts through really well in a session. The action and intonation are spot on, and through good attention to the neck profile when I slide a capo up the neck it remains steadfastly in tune. Pleasingly it keeps it remains in tune incredibly well also, not generally needing any adjustment between songs. The K&K pickup in it sounds great on stage too.

And did I mention it looks absolutely gorgeous, too? The subtle sunburst finish really highlights the flame figure in the Tawhai back and sides, and of course his lovely hare-in-the-moonlight emblem on the headstock is very classy.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend his instruments to anyone, and Davy is very agreeable to work with.”

— Steve McGlone, Coppermine Junction and Round the House & Mind the Dresser, Nelson

“I can’t speak highly enough of my Simpson mandolin. Not only does it look, sound and feel amazing, I love the fact that each one is unique with its own story and component parts. It’s an extraordinary instrument and I love it so much I’ve given it a name!'“

— Fraser Smith, The Deadly Winters, Edinburgh

“This instrument is gorgeous. The build quality is exceptional from the custom made tailpiece to the headstock.  The attention to detail is amazing. Most importantly though, the sound is amazing.  It projects beautifully and with clarity.  Everyone who has had an opportunity to play or hear this instrument has made extremely favourable comments about the quality of workmanship, playability and tone.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Davy in the commissioning of this instrument.  He is passionate about his craftmanship but just as importantly can communicate that passion to someone like me and provide great explanations on tonewoods, shaping etc.

“As you can tell, I am a very satisfied customer.”

— John Doyle, Brisbane