.
Congrat's, it's gorgeous. I'm really a big Beneteau fan, and quite envious.

(But am I the only member who buys internationally, and customs, because it's the only sure way to slow the hands of time?)

Tic toc tic toc tic toc tic toc

.
.
.

Ryan - Congrats on the build! I know how much you're a fan of Beneteau's guitars. I think perhaps I'll have a chance to play it one day :).

Looking forward to reading your review. And make sure you eat the Cheerios!

What a stunning looking piece! I just love Marc's understated look ... lush and classy ... and unparalleled craftsmanship!

Cheers, Silver!

Thanks, man :) Stay tuned!

Absolutely, Dru! Just a few weeks now...

Agreed on all fronts!

Things are on track now and I should have it within the next few weeks:

https://i.imgur.com/cQWhlzP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/l26uTD0.jpg

Would you happen to know if Marc uses glue to join the fretboard to the body? Im aware he uses a bolt on neck, but curious to see if he glues it too.

The instrument is coming on very nicely!

Thanks, ChalkLit :) Regarding your question, here's the official word from Marc:

I do glue the FB extension to the top but here is where I probably differ from most builders of bolt on necks. I glue the FB to the top without removing the top finish. Theoretically this should not work but I scuff the lacquer under the FB and what I get is adhesion that holds well but can be released if the neck ever has to come off. I also use liquid hide glue here as it separates more easily than normal wood glue when heat is applied. Most builders remove the finish from the top where the neck extension will go. I’ve seen the top pulled up when trying to separate it and it’s not a pretty sight!

The guitar is finished and would have shipped this week, but we're trying to work around our fussy Canadian weather! The current plan is to ship next Monday, so I should have it by next Wednesday. Thanks everyone who has been following along - I'll try to do this thing justice with a great review and some clips :)

Hello friends! I am WAY behind in updating this thread (ahem, about 6 weeks) ... the good news is, the guitar arrived and it is BANANAS. It's tough to find the right words when it comes to things like this, but what I can say is that Marc exceeded all my (rather high) expectations. I have owned a few very nice guitars over the past 20 years (including 3 other Beneteaus) but I have never felt a bond like I'm forming with this one. The neck is absolutely sublime - meaty but manageable. It really drives home the fact that overly slim necks are not good for my hands. I can play all my most challenging repertoire with relative ease on this neck.

I told Marc I wanted a strong fundamental without too many overtones, keeping in mind that the primary use would be instrumental fingerstyle in a wide range of tuinings. I also told him I wanted to be able to use it for vocal accompaniment. I was originally going to ask him to make the guitar deeper than his website spec of 4.5" - as it turns out, he usually uses 4-1/4" depth for his jumbos. I was a bit concerned when I learned the guitar would be 4-1/4" at the tail, but now I believe this was a blessing in disguise. This depth combined with the bevel makes for the most comfortable jumbo I have ever held. And as far as I am concerned, it gives up NOTHING in tone. In fact, the shallower depth seems to be making it a lot easier to amplify without excessive boominess compared to previous guitars I have owned.

I need to work on getting some decent photos and clips of the finished product, but I'm glad to report that I couldn't be happier! If you are on the fence about ordering with Marc, I would encourage you not to hesitate as he is increasing his base price for the first time in over 10 years on Feb 1st.

https://imgur.com/J9wfyMSh.jpg

Congratulations!
 

Sorry I missed this thread before, but I just read it all!

Looks like a wonderful axe and a fine fit for you.

Enjoy and have FUN

Paul

Absolutely wonderful!! Home run!!

Beneteau
 

Congrats on such a fantastic guitar. It's great that you are liking it so much.

After almost nine years with my Beneteau CS, I am still in love with its tone, playability and responsiveness. I am going to downsize my guitar collection a bit to make room for my Ray Kraut build (I already sold my Hamblin GC) but I am definitely keeping my Beneteau. I leave mine in DADGAD as it excels in lower tunings.

Like you, I cannot reccomend Marc highly enough, especially for the price!

How exciting! Congratulations.

Best,
Jayne

Cheers, Paul - it is indeed a great fit :)

Thanks, Kenny! I'm still reeling...

Thanks, John! Those who like 'em, like 'em a lot ;) Is your CS standard or long scale? There is such wonderful clarity in all of the Beneteau's I have encountered that works perfectly for DADGAD and beyond.

Thank you, Jayne :guitar:

Sorry for the cruddy iphone shot! I regret not making early recordings as it has changed a lot already.

https://i.imgur.com/VSNhmphh.jpg

Ryan,

My Beneteau CS has a 25.75" scale. Like you, I also enjoy the comfort that comes with a shallower depth - mine is 4.25" at the tail.

John