Batson Guitars in Portland, Ore. June 23rd

[Paje]

Greetings all,

I'm polling forum members too see who might be interested in seeing/hearing/playing a Batson Acoustic (http://www.batsonguitars.com/) at an event in Portland, Oregon at the end of June this year (likely Tuesday, the 23rd). We could potentially have it at a guitar shop or at my place in Portland (5 min from downtown) with food, drinks, etc.,.

They're currently no Batson dealers locally and Grant Batson will be traveling through the area to hopefully remedy that, and for a visit. I thought it might be a good opportunity for those in the PNW region who might want to experience a few Batson builds (2 models at least, more potentially, depending on interest) first person and am trying to convince Grant to arrange a workshop/audition event. He is definitely interested and already making plans. I'm hopeful there will be a lot of members either living here or close enough to make the trip. It could evolve into quite the soiree. :D

Please add any ideas/thoughts/etc., here. Anyone attending is encouraged to bring their own guitars to compare and contrast. I'll have my McPherson & Larrivee' in addition to my Batson (pics below & in sig).

I'll keep this thread up to date with all the details.

Cheers
Paje

http://i32.tinypic.com/166ahp5_th.jpg (http://i32.tinypic.com/166ahp5.jpg) http://i26.tinypic.com/2qkuhs0_th.jpg (http://i26.tinypic.com/2qkuhs0.jpg) http://i28.tinypic.com/vpexhg_th.jpg (http://i28.tinypic.com/vpexhg.jpg) http://i31.tinypic.com/27wzskp_th.jpg (http://i31.tinypic.com/27wzskp.jpg) http://i31.tinypic.com/2lbna12_th.jpg (http://i31.tinypic.com/2lbna12.jpg) http://i28.tinypic.com/14kwdis_th.jpg (http://i28.tinypic.com/14kwdis.jpg) http://i27.tinypic.com/9poytu_th.jpg (http://i27.tinypic.com/9poytu.jpg)

[min7b5]

That's one super cool looking guitar.

[Paje]

That's one super cool looking guitar.


thx min7b. I'm very pleased with it. Are you interested in checking them out in person? I think they're very conducive to jazz... very versatile (any style, really).

[Paje]

bump'n to see if anyone is interested.

When I was first considering commissioning a Batson build it was prerequisite that I experience a model in person. I would always hold to that but especially so with such an unique & innovative design. Fortunately I was able to arrange a rendezvous in Salem. But you don't have to be interested in anything more than wanting to hear what a side-sound-port, no-sound hole guitar sounds like. If you've not experienced it before I definitely recommend it. :) or even just to chat guitars. :)

Please don't hold back any requests and/or suggestions. Free beers & BBQ? heh :up: Any referrals for best guit shop to host it? (of course it would be pending their approval, lol!). Else my place (near the Portland Zoo) could serve: virtual tour (http://tours.allaboutvirtualtours.com/public/vtour/display/2249?a=1).

Cheers,
Paje

[Colbyjack]

Has Mr. Batson or anyone talked to Casey at Pioneer Music?

Another store that might be interested (not that I know, but seems like a good or great fit) would be Dusty Strings in Seattle.

[Caldermt]

I played a Batson a while back at Cathedral Music in Troy, NY. I was stunned at how beautiful it sounded; my wife was sitting a few feet away and said she could barely hear it.
For pure self-enjoyment, I can't think of a better guitar. For performance, unplugged, maybe not the best choice.

[Paje]

Has Mr. Batson or anyone talked to Casey at Pioneer Music?

Another store that might be interested (not that I know, but seems like a good or great fit) would be Dusty Strings in Seattle.

Thanks Colbyjack ~ I'll check with him on Pioneer Music. I know he is planning to stop by Dusty Strings in Seattle actually. Perhaps that could work additionally and be more convenient for the Seattle area AGFers. I have a lovely hammered dulcimer from Dusty Strings.
http://www.dustystrings.com/building/d600_large.jpg

I played a Batson a while back at Cathedral Music in Troy, NY. I was stunned at how beautiful it sounded; my wife was sitting a few feet away and said she could barely hear it.
For pure self-enjoyment, I can't think of a better guitar. For performance, unplugged, maybe not the best choice.

What was the tonewood combo on that one Caldermt? They do sound nice eh? You're lucky you've a shop with a Batson in stock!! Did you have your wife play some for you? I always like to have someone else play when checking out guitars, to get all the listening perspective possible. FWIW I haven't noticed any projection loss out in front with mine. There must be some frequencies (bass?), at least close and localized, redirected. When mic'ing mine (stereo) I do prefer to position one mic (LDC) a bit higher than with my traditional acoustics. Like in this tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwyL8fEwcwM&fmt=22). I'm getting a good tone with a lot of presence/dynamics (imho) at that distance (a bit away).

But personal impressions are the only one's that really count. :) Hopefully we can reach out to all in the PNW who might be interested and they can check the Batson's out first hand. :guitar:

Cheers,
Paje

[Paje]

It's coming together :D we're still trying to decide if it would be more fun at a shop or as a BBQ @ home event. I'm thinking the latter but.. I'm biased. heh ;)

For those who can't make it, looks like there's another new option ~>
http://i39.tinypic.com/30aytmw.jpg (http://batsonguitars.com/demo/)

:guitar::up:

[Caldermt]

Thanks Colbyjack ~ I'll check with him on Pioneer Music. I know he is planning to stop by Dusty Strings in Seattle actually. Perhaps that could work additionally and be more convenient for the Seattle area AGFers. I have a lovely hammered dulcimer from Dusty Strings.
http://www.dustystrings.com/building/d600_large.jpg



What was the tonewood combo on that one Caldermt? They do sound nice eh? You're lucky you've a shop with a Batson in stock!! Did you have your wife play some for you? I always like to have someone else play when checking out guitars, to get all the listening perspective possible. FWIW I haven't noticed any projection loss out in front with mine. There must be some frequencies (bass?), at least close and localized, redirected. When mic'ing mine (stereo) I do prefer to position one mic (LDC) a bit higher than with my traditional acoustics. Like in this tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwyL8fEwcwM&fmt=22). I'm getting a good tone with a lot of presence/dynamics (imho) at that distance (a bit away).

But personal impressions are the only one's that really count. :) Hopefully we can reach out to all in the PNW who might be interested and they can check the Batson's out first hand. :guitar:

Cheers,
Paje

Rosewood/cedar. Beautiful tone, visually stunning, easy to play. Why the heck didn't I buy it?

[Colbyjack]

Wow. Those look and sound GREAT.

Let me know if and when the event is.