For Sale: Stonebridge/Furch G23CR Cutaway 2014 Gloss - SOLD

[MichaelD23]

For sale was my Furch/Stonebridge G23CR C. It features a beautiful straight-grained Western Cedar top over East Indian Indian Rosewood with a cutaway. The ONLY reason I haven't described it as "excellent" condition is a belly bulge/bow that I'll describe below. Other than that one issue, it's a gorgeous instrument in marvelous condition that sings gloriously, both when played fingerstyle and when strummed with a pick. In my photos, I've tried to give an overall impression of the beauty of the guitar but as always found myself wishing I knew how to take better pix. There's a couple shots from the side of the lower bout that attempted to show the slight belly bulge and dip in front of the bridge but I couldn't capture it very well (evidence that it's not a dramatic malformation.) A couple other things that don't jump out in these photos are how glossy the finish is or how gorgeous the abalone rosette is. Note there's a clear pickguard in place. This G23CR R comes with a great Hiscox hardshell case that's lightweight and sturdy.

So about that belly bow. There's a slight dip in front of the bridge and a slight bulge behind it. Most likely it happened in storage before I acquired it, because as far as I know, I'm the first owner. Being aware of the bow, I've kept it humidified in winter and dehumidified in summer, maintaining the humidity 45% to 55% in a totally smokefree home. I also keep a humidifying Planet Waves unit in the soundhole during the dry months while the guitar is in its case, and always keep it in its case when it’s not being played. In that time I've seen absolutely no change in the slight dip in front of the bridge or bow behind it. Two well-respected luthiers have examined it and found it stable and pronounced it worry-free. My local luthier points out that there’s no bridge lifting at all and went on to mention that many of the most sought after guitars on the planet — prewar and older Martins — almost all have some evidence of bowing/bulging and yet they sound better than anything and have lasted the better part of a century.

That said, only buy this guitar if you can commit to keeping up with the humidification/dehumidification regimen (which actually should be a given with any high-end acoustic.) In Tennessee winters, I re-moisturize the sponge in the Planet Waves unit at least weekly, sometimes more often, even with the humidifiers running. However, there are more high-tech humidification units on the market that require far less maintenance. D’Addario makes one that is thought to be largely automatic.

Another thing that’s been recommended to me (and that makes perfect sense) is to only use light gauge strings on it. I’ve kept either Elixir or D’Addario 12/53s on it.

At its new price of SOLD, this guitar comes in well under comparable Stonebridge/Furch Grand Auditoriums, and other than the belly bow issue that I've described in great detail in the interest of full disclosure, this guitar is in impeccable shape. If taken care of, it should perform spectacularly for years to come. Guitars built by Stonebridge/Furch are among the great values on the market, demonstrating craftsmanship and tone that rival and exceed that of many more well known manufacturers. I'm asking $75 shipping; if actual cost is less, I'll refund the difference, and if it's more, I'll absorb it.

Here's links to photos:

http://www.michaeldelisle.com/Guitar...R/IMG_7862.JPG
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[MichaelD23]

Sunny Sunday bump. Hope y'all had a terrific weekend!

[MichaelD23]

Bump number two at twenty two hundred hours on Tuesday, too. That's a lotta twos!

[MichaelD23]

This gal is just waiting for a new home. Can you step up and provide? You'll never regret it!

[MichaelD23]

Bumped it up and dropped the price in celebration of December's imminent arrival.

[MichaelD23]

Who deserves an early Christmas present more than you? This sweetheart will put you in a holiday frame of mind, for sure!

[MichaelD23]

First of the week bump for a top quality Grand Concert.

[nwapoolguy]

One of the best deals on the forum right now! No affiliation with the seller. GLWS

[MichaelD23]

Thursday thump, er, I mean bump.

[MichaelD23]

As someone said, this is one of the hidden gems on AGF. You will be amazed.

[MichaelD23]

Saturday night special bump. Up she goes!

[MichaelD23]

This is already a steal at $1275. Make me a reasonable offer... you might be surprised what I say!

[MichaelD23]

Lots of interest the last few days. Let's see who pops the question.....

[MichaelD23]

Pumping this baby full of hot air so she'll float back to the top...!