Baden Guitars

Today we welcomed a new acoustic guitarist on our worship team, and he played excellently. He used a brand of guitar I had never heard of - "Baden". He let me play it for a few minutes, and I was very impressed. It was not at the level of my Gibson or Yairi, but it had a bright, quality tone and a lot of volume. I snapped some polaroids (sorry about the size, I've got one o' them new phones with a million megapixel camera lol):




I found the Baden website, which states that these instruments are made in Vietnam by a boutique shop. Again, the sound is very nice.

The body style is their version of a Dread, and our new guitar player states that his instrument costs $3500. I scanned the website and couldn't find a Dread there for over $1000, so I dunno.

But she was a sweet guitar. Anybody have any 411 on Baden guitars?

EDIT: I found a couple of $1200 dreads there . . . .

[Earl49]

TJ Baden used to be VP of sales for Taylor, and went out on his own 5-6 years ago. These are nice instruments with a unique design aesthetic, and mostly built overseas. The few that I've tested have been tempting, but not at $3500, more like used under $800-$900. TJ recently set up a sales shop here in the Boise area, BTW. I don't know if he is still building or not. I've not had the time lately to go visit his store and chat with him.

[dagobert]

Looks like a swollen backpacker.....I like it!

[dodge]

I owned 3 Badens two were the a-style models and one was the dred. They were nice unique guitars but I think he priced them a bit too high and couldn't compete with the big boys. Mine were all demo models so I got them for excellent prices. If I remember correctly some Custom shop Badens were being built by Pantheon Guitars and those are the ones with the very high price tags.

[dkoloff]

Originally Posted by dodge

I owned 3 Badens two were the a-style models and one was the dred. They were nice unique guitars but I think he priced them a bit too high and couldn't compete with the big boys. Mine were all demo models so I got them for excellent prices. If I remember correctly some Custom shop Badens were being built by Pantheon Guitars and those are the ones with the very high price tags.

There were a small batch of customs but I do not think that is one of them....typically new 900 to 1400 but many used ones out there at a great price point at the 500 to 750 range. I think because of the different look that they have been a love hate sort of guitar but I think they are a really great value particularly used for an all solid wood guitar.

[steelvibe]

The first time I had seen and heard of Baden guitars was on Warren Barfield's self -titled album from 2003. I have not played one but love the a series design.

[J-F C]

Played a used one ( dread) a couple years ago, and I liked it a lot. Was 800$ cdn

[llew]

I had an "A" style but sold it pretty quickly. Didn't have the right string spacing for me but the guy I sold it to loves it. Interesting guitars but I never know if TJ is in business or not? I wouldn't mind trying his dread but who knows whether it's returnable?

[roadman]

I've got one ...mine is a rosewood dred ....great guitar and got it new for cheap

Baden is still in business but only by phone or email as far as i know ...I called them and ended up talking to TJ for 3o minutes ...really interesting fellow..


[IMG][/IMG]

[jalbert]

The most expensive models were made, if I recall correctly, in the US by Pantheon Guitars (the workshop most often noted for Bourgeois Guitars). That would explain the "$3500" comment. The lesser-priced ones are/were made in Vietnam. (Baden is not a brand that you hear about all that much these days, at least not nearly as much as when they were introduced.)

[telemtneer]

I bought one in a pawn shop for $275. Guy did not know what he had. Sounds amazing i cleaned it up and put fresh strings on and it sounds as good as anything I have. Unfortunately I need to sell, but only because the nut size is 11/16ths and the big dread s just too tough on my shoulder. I am looking for an all-solid ahogany with bevelled armrest. I may just have to pay Taylor to custom make this for me. I want a concert size, cutaway electric with armrest. Anyone have any ideas besides Taylor? ANd I do love my Taylors.

Tyalor 814ce DLX
Taylor 812e DLX
Taylor KCE- 24
Taylor Koa Limited 12 Fret
Martin OMJM
Blueridge BR-163ce
Recording King RP616
Washburn Comfort Series
Taylor Big Baby (with crack... beach guitar

[personatech]

FWIW, there's been a Baden A-style with pickup and OHC for sale in the AGF classifieds for a couple of months now. I have no dog in this fight, just trying to help out a fellow AGFer. I gave some thought to buying the guitar, but I think I want something with a wider nut.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by telemtneer

......I am looking for an all-solid ahogany with bevelled armrest. I may just have to pay Taylor to custom make this for me. I want a concert size, cutaway electric with armrest. Anyone have any ideas besides Taylor? And I do love my Taylors.

Not a Taylor and not mahogany, but you might look into the Emerald X20 carbon fiber GA size. A beveled armrest is a standard part of the package, plus other ergonomic features. I have several Taylor GA's in various wood combinations but still play the X20 almost 100% of the time now. Emerald also now has a smaller "new version" X7 that is more like GC/00 size, yet by all reports sounds almost as big as the X20. Food for thought.....

[Pdfiddler]

Rather have a gooden

[OVLOV]

Hi, Just bought a Baden A Style Maple acoustic , think it's a 2008, not sure how to check though.. What gauge strings sounds best on this model?.. I like a rather lower action and am a strummer.. Thanks heaps Dan