Build Thread: Baranik Meridian, Colorado Blue Spruce and Cocobolo - Almost Complete!
 

Having played Mike Baranik's new Merdian model in Cocobolo Negro/Colorado Blue Spruce and having been extraordinarily impressed, I decided to get on Mike's build list. I'm going to duplicate most of the features on the guitar I played, with a few minor changes. Since Mike just confirmed that he can secure another set of Cocobolo Negro, I decided to start a build thread.

You can read my review of the sound here:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=161507

* Builder: Mike Baranik
* Model: Meridian
* Top: Colorado Blue Spruce
* Back/Sides: Cocobolo Negro (pretty much black, quartersawn, straight-grained)
* Neck: Mahogany, medium/slim C
* Sideport: Spalted Sap Koa (light flame with black streaks)
* Endgraft: Spalted Sap Koa
* Headplate: Lignum Vitae, Cocobolo Negro, and Wenge
* Headstock Bindings: Spalted Sap Koa
* Fingerboard: Ebony
* Fingerboard Bindings: Ebony
* Fret Markers: None
* Frets to body: 14
* Cutaway: Florentine
* Bridge: Ebony Pinless Belly
* Pickguard: Undecided
* Body Bindings: Spalted Sap Koa
* Rosette: Cocobolo Negro, Lignum Vitae, Wenge
* Tuners: Gotoh 510s Custom Buttons
* 1 3/4" Nut
* 2 1/4" Saddle
* 25.6" Scale
* Other: Soundport and adjustable neck
* Case: Ameritage

Here's the set of Spruce. Hard to see but there is some faint bear claw that will show once finished.

http://www.jus-tone.com/misc/baranik/Blue_Spruce_1.JPG

http://www.jus-tone.com/misc/baranik/Blue_Spruce_2.JPG

http://www.jus-tone.com/misc/baranik/Blue_Spruce_3.JPG

http://www.jus-tone.com/index_files/image6651.jpg

http://www.jus-tone.com/index_files/image6661.jpg

http://www.jus-tone.com/index_files/image6781.jpg

http://www.jus-tone.com/index_files/image6951.jpg

The guitar will look nearly identical to the one below. I'm going to change the red cocobolo in the headstock and rosette to something else and the binding will have some flame to it.

http://baranikguitars.com/IMAGES/0709_full.jpg

http://baranikguitars.com/IMAGES/0709_body.jpg

http://baranikguitars.com/IMAGES/0709_cut.jpg

Good Move!
 

Congrats - Baranik is a fine builder, and that is one beautiful guitar! Have fun!

John H.

Very cool. I played a Baranik at McCabes in Santa Monica and really liked it.

Very cool. I really enjoy his execution and artistry. Congrats on your new guitar. I'm sure it will provide a lifetime of enjoyment!

Wow, that is nice. If it sounds as good as look as it looks...

I have had my CX for a few weeks now. It is the best guitar I have ever owned! I have played guitars from all of the top builders and nobody has anything on Mike's guitars....

Can you tell us more about this new model?

The link to my review in the OP has a pretty lengthy discussion of the new model.

I don't necessarily know all the dimensions on the Meridian. I believe it sits squarely between the JX and CX. One major addition is Mike's new adjustable neck; there's a strap button mounted in the heel of the guitar inside of which you find a little allen bolt head. Simply turn this bolt clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower the action. I was VERY impressed with this feature in person and all the possibilities it opens up.

He's using double sides on the new model to provide the extra support needed for the neck adjustment mechanism.

I may be wrong about this, but I believe the sound port and cutaway will be standard features.

The Meridian Is For Real
 

I played the Meridian in the pictures at the Montreal Guitar show in July. It plays and sounds great. I wanted it. Couldn't swing it at the time. It and a Robert Anderson (Canada) were the best flattops at the entire show in my opinion. Great, great guitar is the Meridian.

Congrats Juston! I'm sure its going to be a winner!

Real clean builder with clear and true tone, this should be fun....

Yep, both the top and back/side woods are from the exact same
stock as the guitar I played, so they should be pretty darn close. Although I didn't play this one while I was at Healdsburg, I will say it was the best at the show for my tastes.

Forgive me if I'm repeating myself, but that guitar at Healdsburg was simply the best sounding I've heard (for my ears and tastes) since...well, since I picked up my CX that morning! Just fantastic. I think that we probably have adjacent orders! Mine is a little different wood combination, and different cutaway. We should have a support group for those in wait! :D

Jenn Martin

I'll join the support group! Although my wait will be significantly less - having been in line for a while. Mike will start on my mahogany / cedar Meridian in Oct or Nov. I'll start a thread when he does.

rr/Phil

And that one really needed a set-up last time I played it (2-3 months ago)!

Jenn

A Baranik at McCabes? I don't think it's there anymore. I'm waiting for the day that a new Baranik arrives at McCabes since they are only a few miles from my house.

Yes, we will have to support each other through this time of great trial when we wait for our custom Baraniks. My Mustapick should help me make it through. :)

Jenn, what do you think of the CX in comparison to the Meridian? What wood combination did you order for your Meridian?