Bought a Webber Round Body today!

[cpiel]

Just wanted to share a bit of excitement if I may . . .

After playing a Guild DV-72 for 20 years (which still does it for me no doubt), I recently started considering the possibility of a second acoustic and began researching the wonderful selection of custom flat tops available from a variety of builders. I was surprised at the selection and it became immediately clear that I'd probably end up starting more than one custom build in the next year or so. Several folks here, including several builders, have been extremely helpful in working with me to identify some options given the fact that my playing style is generally high energy strumming for vocal accompaniment rather than finger style - which understandably is what many instruments in the custom space are designed and/or optimized for.

Well, during those discussions with the AGF community and others, I had the privilege of speaking with MBE who's writing and playing skills really inspired me to say the least. Mike shared his experience with David Webber and his instruments and I really connected with what he had to say. I began searching for dealers in the North East US and found a Webber Roundbody Cutaway Sunburst (Cocobolo/Engelmann) at "The Minor Chord" in Littleton, MA.

After multiple conversations with one of their guitar specialists, I made the 6 hour drive today, first stopping at another store where I played a variety of guitars from pre-war Martins to Froggys and others. These were all amazing instruments to be sure, but the stand out for me was a Bourgeois "Aged Tone" Dread (hog/adi). I already have a dread and wanted a different body style, but this was the one guitar in that store that really got to me and one that I'll use as a reference for other guitars going forward - absolutely loved it.

So after I apologized for staying past closing time, I headed to Littleton to finally tryout the Webber. True to Mike's word, it was like coming home. The workmanship floored me, the sound floored me, the ease of play floored me and the price was a about a third of what I would have paid for it. The biggest shocker was that the Engelmann top actually stood up to heavy strumming with ease - never breaking up in the slightest bit - not sure how or why but needless to say I'm beyond thrilled and owe both Mike and David an enormous "Thank You!".

I combined this road trip with a college visit for my son and, as I type this, both my wife and 2 boys are sound asleep - but I just had to share my enthusiasm and what better place than the AGF custom shop right?

Because of some other near term commitments, I put money down and will be taking delivery of the guitar later this summer, but here are some existing pics for anyone interested:

Also, this is probably as good of a time as any to share some of my music, so here's an original tune from a writer demo I did a few years back that's sort of in the country / folk genre.

Once again, thanks to Mike for opening my eyes to David's work and thanks to all of you for allowing me to share my excitement this evening

[rockabilly69]

nice looking guitar!!!

[rockabilly69]

nice looking guitar!!!

[pgilmor]

Two thumbs up on the beautiful Webber and the original tune as well!!

[fitness1]

Hard to go wrong with one of David's guitars - the folks at Minor Chord are good to work with as well (bought a couple from them myself)

[martind42]

And here I was thinking he was talking about a charcoal grill.

[Lefty player]

Congrats to you. I have had two left handed Webber's. Both great. David is a very nice guy to work with and like MBE I visited his shop in Vancouver.

[MBE]

A big congrats! I hope it brings you many years of joyful music. I'm glad to hear my sales pitch worked! They're really incredible guitars and after several years, I'm still wondering how David does it at that price point. I'd put his guitars up against any small shop builder for sure.

[mikealpine]

Beautiful guitar and excellent song!

[psychojohn]

Very nice guitar, song and voice !

John

[Ryan Alexander]

Originally Posted by cpiel

The biggest shocker was that the Engelmann top actually stood up to heavy strumming with ease - never breaking up in the slightest bit - not sure how or why

This is a perfect example of why people shouldn't read too much into the generalizations about any wood species. Every piece of wood is unique I've driven myself crazy over the years buying and selling guitars online and trying to understand and predict how different wood combos would sound. The skill of the builder in how they select and use each piece of wood is by far and away the more important consideration.

Congrats on finding this guitar! I've not had the pleasure of playing a Webber, but your comments are in keeping with what I've always read. Awesome price to value ratio. Enjoy!

[billgennaro]

Originally Posted by cpiel

Just wanted to share a bit of excitement if I may . . .

Several folks here, including several builders, have been extremely helpful in working with me to identify some options given the fact that my playing style is generally high energy strumming for vocal accompaniment rather than finger style - which understandably is what many instruments in the custom space are designed and/or optimized for.

Well, during those discussions with the AGF community and others, I had the privilege of speaking with MBE who's writing and playing skills really inspired me to say the least. Mike shared his experience with David Webber and his instruments and I really connected with what he had to say. I began searching for dealers in the North East US and found a Webber Roundbody Cutaway Sunburst (Cocobolo/Engelmann) at "The Minor Chord" in Littleton, MA.

After multiple conversations with one of their guitar specialists, I made the 6 hour drive today, first stopping at another store where I played a variety of guitars from pre-war Martins to Froggys and others. These were all amazing instruments to be sure, but the stand out for me was a Bourgeois "Aged Tone" Dread (hog/adi). I already have a dread and wanted a different body style, but this was the one guitar in that store that really got to me and one that I'll use as a reference for other guitars going forward - absolutely loved it.

So after I apologized for staying past closing time, I headed to Littleton to finally tryout the Webber. True to Mike's word, it was like coming home. The workmanship floored me, the sound floored me, the ease of play floored me and the price was a about a third of what I would have paid for it. The biggest shocker was that the Engelmann top actually stood up to heavy strumming with ease - never breaking up in the slightest bit - not sure how or why but needless to say I'm beyond thrilled and owe both Mike and David an enormous "Thank You!".

I combined this road trip with a college visit for my son and, as I type this, both my wife and 2 boys are sound asleep - but I just had to share my enthusiasm and what better place than the AGF custom shop right?

Now that's the way to buy a guitar. Now you know that you have the best guitar for your purposes. Congratulations!

[MBE]

Originally Posted by Ryan Alexander

This is a perfect example of why people shouldn't read too much into the generalizations about any wood species. Every piece of wood is unique I've driven myself crazy over the years buying and selling guitars online and trying to understand and predict how different wood combos would sound. The skill of the builder in how they select and use each piece of wood is by far and away the more important consideration.

Congrats on finding this guitar! I've not had the pleasure of playing a Webber, but your comments are in keeping with what I've always read. Awesome price to value ratio. Enjoy!

I agree about avoiding generalizations. David has particular skill with certain woods - he does absolutely magical things with Engelmann (and there was a rumour a number of years ago that he had over 1,000 sets of it stockpiled). Touch sensitivity without headroom loss - I have two engelmann-topped Webbers and they are both world-class instruments.

He does magic things in cedar over maple as well. Very different, but also particularly special.

[Palato6]

great guitars

[Rick_R]

Congratulations! That's a beautiful guitar. I am also a Webber fan but only based on what I've read and heard online. I don't know of any nearby to try. I'll be looking forward to more posts from you after you take delivery.