NGD: Baranik Meridian

[Kenny B]

So I bought about a month or so ago from Luthier’s Collection, again a victim of reading various posts on custom guitars, this time being a Mike Baranik model. The guitar was available so I thought I’d give it a try and at first I was just going to send it back. Mike at LC was generous enough to allow me a lengthy trial period over which I had problems with the setup that got resolved. I was not willing to buy a guitar that just didn’t play right for me. But, the sound was pretty solid and the aesthetics were quite something to behold. So a call to Mike Baranik, then some truss rod adjustments were made and then a trip to the shop to get the bridge saddle lowered on the bass side which was too high. And finally things started to fall into place.

The guitar has a 25.6 inch scale and a nut width of 1 25/32”; both specs are a bit larger than I consider optimal but after awhile those numbers meant nothing and perhaps even added to my satisfaction with the instrument. Black Cocobolo and Colorado Blue Spruce are the tone woods, you can find more info on that by reading other threads on this and similar guitars here on AGF.

So then I started playing it daily, maybe 30 minutes at a time in various tunings looking for something that would allow the guitar to sound best. I found that this guitar has an incredible bloom to individual notes and chords. So much that I had to slow down my playing (which is a good thing) to find a way to get a good sound. It would be so easy to play hard and notes would start to jumble up and then we’re looking at a very unmusical instrument and poor listening experience. And one more thing, a shout out goes to Cocobolo Kid for his help in walking me thru this process with his experience and expertise with Baranik guitars.

So I did quick video of some improvisations in CGDGAD to portray what it sounds like. And yes, I used a pickup to smooth out the bass along with three mics, mixed it all together with minimal processing and a hint of reverb. Strings are Ernie Ball Aluminum Bronze medium light gauge.


https://youtu.be/7FeNPfcj1hU

[nootis]

Congratulations! Very odd, believe it or not, I was thinking about this very guitar this morning. I have been threatening to have Mike build me a guitar for years now, and if I ever got the opportunity, I was going to mention this guitar and perhaps one that he built for Jason Kostal as examples of inspiration. Mike builds fabulous guitars, and his sense of design asthetics is super creative.

Enjoy!

[Nemoman]

Congrats on joining the Baranik family!

Glad you were able to dial in the specs to fit your playing style--the guitar and your playing are lovely in the video.

I recently took delivery a few months ago of a custom Meridian and couldn't be happier with the aesthetics, playability, and musicality of the guitar.

Enjoy!!!

[Cocobolo Kid]

Kenny,

I'm so glad that you are enjoying your new Baranik Meridian. Yours is certainly special, with the beautiful African themed inlays and that rare black Cocobolo back and sides. The design and different woods just tie together so perfectly.

I have been switching off between playing my Baranik Meridian and CX for the last few weeks. I definitely have been enjoying them too. I love the modern sound that Mike achieves with his guitars.

I liked your video, and certainly recognize that lovely sound. Thanks for taking the time to make it and post it. I'm sure it will help others thinking about buying a Baranik.

I'm glad that Meridian ended up in your hands, and I'm also glad I could help you in the decision making process.

All the best.

[Dustinfurlow]

Sounds really good, buddy...cheers and enjoy in good health!

[kliend]

That was very enjoyable to listen to. Cheers!

[Cocobolo Kid]

Originally Posted by nootis

Congratulations! Very odd, believe it or not, I was thinking about this very guitar this morning. I have been threatening to have Mike build me a guitar for years now, and if I ever got the opportunity, I was going to mention this guitar and perhaps one that he built for Jason Kostal as examples of inspiration. Mike builds fabulous guitars, and his sense of design asthetics is super creative.

Enjoy!

I agree that the Brazilian Meridian that Mike made for Jason Kostal was spectacular looking. It was one of my favorites. If anyone hasn't seen that one, here are a few photos:





Jason sent the set of Brazilian to Mike, but other than that, he had no design input on the final guitar. He told Mike to surprise him. I'm sure Jason was ecstatic when he opened the case and saw the finished guitar.

[Cocobolo Kid]

Here are some photos of Kenny's new (to him) Meridian:





That black Cocobolo just looks so awesome!!!

[Diamondave]

Very exciting...! I’ve always enjoyed Baranik guitars, and I love his aesthetics... congrats

[colins]

Kenny,

Great to see you’ve joined the Baranik club! And with a beautiful-looking example too. Nice to see the little details, like the contrasting tuner buttons that Mike also did for me.

Your video is very enjoyable and the sound is wonderful. I haven’t had my Baranik in lowered tuning for a long time but I might change that today.

Hope you get many hours of enjoyment out of the Meridian.

[SprintBob]

That’s a gorgeous looking and sounding instrument. I really like its simple elegance (like a Kostal guitar).

[BlackKeys36]

Amazing instrument! I've never seen cocobolo like that and the appointments are all . Congrats!

[Deft Tungsman]

Congratulations on a stunning Baranik, amigo !! Enjoy it in good health.

I had to let go of her sister earlier this year, and my heart still aches for one of the sexiest guitars around. Sniff.

[justonwo]

Mike is one of the best in the business. A friendlier fellow you will not find.

He’s also incredibly creative and loves tweaking his aesthetic designs. One of these days he’s going to build a Super Meridian for me . . . I think I put my deposit down in 2011? Ha ha.

[TomB'sox]

Boy, that sounds fantastic in your hands Kenny. Congrats on getting what you want from it! Beautiful.