Meilein

The Meilein is our take on the 12-fret parlour guitar. Though modest in size, its voice is rich, articulate, and full of subtle detail.

This model traces its roots back to the early days of Taran Guitars. Commissioned by a client who played one of those early models, this is a new interpretation—shaped by everything we’ve learned over the past 15 years. The result is a compact instrument with a tonal presence that far exceeds its scale.

“Fifteen years ago, I stepped into Rory’s workshop in Leith and played a maple parlour that defied physics. Tonal separation was perfect, harmonics and sustain just right, and warmth across all the strings—even the bass matched my Froggy Bottom. I couldn’t justify it then, but I never forgot it. After trying many parlours over the years, none spoke like that little box on a rainy August day in Edinburgh. When I finally called Rory, he remembered. This new take is everything I hoped for—and then some.” - James Kent, 2025

Meilein is a small hill surrounded by water: freshwater to the east and the salty sea to the west, with long-reaching views over to the island of Scarp. This now-abandoned island was once the epicentre of life on Harris. We like to imagine music rising on the wind, heard as generations sang together while working the fertile ground on Meilein’s slopes.

To enquire about a custom built Meilein, or request a Price List, please click the button below.