Happily, FedEx delivered the guitar intact and on time. I was able to spend about 3-4 hours with Michael’s instrument between yesterday and today, so I now feel comfortable communicating my initial impressions.
Fit & Finish...
Michael’s build execution is near flawless. It is as good as it gets in custom lutherie. The photos inadequately convey its subtle details. For example, Michael’s fret work end finishing or the Holly purflings that are only .010” and meet up perfectly (you see more .020” used for this reason) are examples of what I am trying to describe.
Feel...
The guitar as set up is extremely easy to play. Michael’s neck profile is a “C” with a touch of shoulder and the 24.9” scale supports my ability to easily achieve stretch chords. His flat heel design together with the Florentine cutaway supports easy access upper registers of the fretboard. The instrument is a lightly built, balanced when played weighing in at 3.56 lbs.
Sound...
It is always a difficult task to accurately describe the sound of an instrument and online recordings and videos fall short of the actual perception of a player’s ear while auditioning it. That said, I will give it a try. Overall, the tone of Michael’s 00-12c is a balanced, clear and sweet instrument. For a small body, I find it to be quite an open sounding instrument. Many small bodied instruments can be focused and boxy.
It’s timbre possesses some of the clarity that we associate with Rosewood, but also some of the warm, sweet, “woody” midrange breath of Mahogany. I expect the latter aspect to continue to develop as the guitar breaks in and opens up. It is both balanced and responsive to the lightest touch. From a time domain perspective, I would describe the guitar as moderately fast in its attack and having a ample sustain and bloom.
Try it Yourself....
This guitar will be on display along with four other guitars at Michael Bashkin’s table at The Woodstock Invitational Luthiers Showcase from October 26-28.
http://www.woodstockinvitational.com/
Please stop by Michael’s table and audition it and his other guitars.
