Impressions on a few guitars...

[ace1979]

Had a chance to try out a few guitars yesterday that I had not been able to find anywhere else...Blueridge, Avalon, Norman..unfortunately they did not have any of the specific models I was looking for...but still interesting....1)The Avalon was a small body cedar/mahong combo...that unfortunately this store had left hanging around on the wall for awhile...and in all honesty was quite dissappointing (dull and lifeless)...hopefully I will get a chance to find some others at another store as I have heard good things about theses guitars 2)Normans...did not have the ST 68 which I have been wanting to try, but I played a B50 with solid spruce top, maple back sides...not back, nice neck, good projection...overall good impression, leaves me wanting to try out more....3) Blueridge, had BR140/240...spruce with mahog..like others have reported, very skinny necks, sort of gaudy headstock, and on these particular models the "vintage toner" looked very orange....but pretty lively guitars to play, very responsive, could feel the body resonating...enjoyable to play..again wanting to try more out...

 

all in all an interesting encounter with guitar brands I have been wanting to investigate...hopefully I can locate some more in my area...but has been tough...

[Harmonycat]

I often wonder how representative the specimen that I play is in accordance with other guitars of the same brand and model.

 

I reserve my judgements initially, but do make note of them.

 

That said...I too have some first impression and a couple of reinforcements.

 

Some models and brands do not show up here in Canada on Dealer shelves.

 

I played my first Blueridge the other day....Model BR-1060 Memorial Issue....I thought it was glitzy, but sonically a little muted. Frankly for the asking price, I was NOT impressed. These are NOT Martins...kinda like Sigmas, but that was this particular beast. It was a trade in marked at $1000 CDN.( $1150 with Tax) I have solid wood guitars that I paid 1/4 as much, that are better.

 

A Guild GAD-50 was quite nice and reaffirmed the things I have read about it. The most striking thing about it was it's family resemblance to a Washburn Timbercraft model. After playing the Guild I could lay odds that they were built in the same factory in China. It was a nice guitar, intricate build quailty, albeit overpriced. Sonically, it was pleasing but not spectacular.

 

The Gibson Dove I played fell into another in the long line of new Gibsons I have played that were not impressive. Great Gibsons are magical...I just haven't played a good one recently out of the dozen or more I have played, in the past year. However I have played several Epi Mastercraft Series that were quite nice....If you like that kind of guitar and want to save a boatload of dollars, pick up one of the last remaining Washburn D200SWM or D200SWGs, that P-Hill has left for about $270 US.

 

The 20th Art & Lutherie I have picked up over four sessions confirms that I never played one that I liked. Very thin sounding. On the other hand, I have never played a Simon & Patrick that I did not want to take home. Lush thick overtones for the money.

 

Seagulls drive me nuts! Love the sound....hate the necks. I pray that they will build a line with a different neck profile. Great guitars!!

 

I become less and less impressed with lower line Taylors, up to the 300 series and think the Big Baby is right there with the Art & Lutheries having no depth whatsoever.

 

Larrivees are amazing and Martins never cease to impress me. Love them both dearly, after playing many of each.

 

All in all it reaffirmed my suspicions that a couple of my own Keepers may well be exceptional examples of the Breed, since I have never played another of the same model among two of the four guitars that I still own.

 

None of what I have said precludes the fact that anyone of you may have a fabulous specimen of any of these guitars at home. I do not doubt it for a second....

 

I just begin to wonder when I have picked up as many Art & Lutheries as I have, that good ones exist.

[Tony Burns]

Its nice and fun to play alot of different instruments , but if you cant play a couple of the models and types you want - it makes you wonder if another guitar of the same type would sound better or worse - or maybe just the strings are the wrong type or they are dead ! in Toronto i think the 12th fret ( think thats the stores name ) has alot of nice guitars as well as places like Elderlys in Lansing Michigan -- i have always though its a good idea to check out alot of guitars before you spend the bucks on the one - you might find something you didnt expect or a instrument you never though of and get a pleasant surprise !