My first visit to Wildwood Guitars in Boulder (Froggy Bottom content)

Rosewood99 · #1 12-05-2019, 07:50 PM

I'm in Boulder for business for three days and I was told I had to visit Wildwood Guitars just outside of Boulder, Colorado. What a great shop. I've always wanted to play a froggy bottom and they brought me out a brand new one that had never been taken out of the case. They gave me a capo a pic and basically left me alone to play it. I've never felt so welcome at such a high end shop. They gave me a capo a pic and basically left me alone to play it. . Very different vibe than when I went to Maple Street guitars in Atlanta Georgia. I always Felt they were watching me with their guitars. And they would never let me have a pic or a capo if I was trying out a guitar.

As far as the froggy bottom, all I can say is wow! It is easily the best guitar I have ever played and I have owned a Santa Cruz, a Huss Dalton as well as other fine guitars, but this had a sound all its own. The only bad thing I can say about it is that the cost was $9000. I was playing the K model, which is in between an OM and dread size, very similar to a mini jumbo. It had a bit of a Gibson vibe but was much more balanced.

If I ever decide to pair down the stable and go to one lifetime guitar I know now which one it will be.

Brucebubs · #2 12-05-2019, 08:07 PM

I struggle to find a guitar store in Australia with a single Gibson SJ-200 in stock - Wildwood Guitars have 43 on their site ... and 8 Guild jumbo's.

I need to check out airfares to the US again ... and luggage restrictions!

zmf · #3 12-05-2019, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulzoom

I'm in Boulder for business for three days and I was told I had to visit Wildwood Guitars just outside of Boulder, Colorado. What a great shop. I've always wanted to play a froggy bottom ....

Now you've done it. Wildwood is part of my guitar shopping circuit. And I bought a Froggy there.

And you've seen the new shop -- which I haven't.

Proceed carefully.

They have a really fun inventory.

ifret · #4 12-05-2019, 08:20 PM

I got my Taylor K24ce custom from Wildwood (online). It's been in our plans to visit, during our next trip to Colorado. Thanks for the report.

TBman · #5 12-05-2019, 10:07 PM

Hmmm. I have a cousin in Colorado,

Rosewood99 · #6 12-05-2019, 10:58 PM

One thing that struck me about the froggy bottom I played was how balanced it was yet it did not seem lacking in any area.

Mr. Paul · #7 12-06-2019, 07:17 AM

They just got a new one in, an F Deluxe made from The Tree. When you buy that K you like you're not spending $9,000. you're saving $11,000.

They do a lot of internet sales, the guys are always on the phone. When I go in there and ask them to fetch this guitar and that from the warehouse, they treat me like their only customer of the day.

stevecuss · #8 12-06-2019, 07:57 AM

I live 20 minutes from Wildwood and I often help friends buy ‘real’ guitars. Hey, what are friends for????

Wildwood is always the best stop and often where my friends make a purchase. The guys there are excellent, unpretentious, helpful and generous. Truly a phenom shop.

Plus the Greg Koch sample videos are an absolute hoot. Part blistering guitar playing, part stand up comedy.

As for Froggys, I agree, the ‘only thing wrong with them’ as the OP stated is the 9k price tag, superlative instruments.

FormerFoodie · #9 12-06-2019, 10:26 AM

Nice! Yeah, Frogs are pretty amazing guitars. In my guitar buying experience, I felt that a Froggy Bottom Guitar sets the bar for what I should expect in a boutique guitar. They are pretty sublime with this three dimensional shimmer that is just intoxicating.

They are not cheap. The alternative route is going used. If the guitar brings you that much joy and curbs your GAS for a good while, the price might just be worth it. The last thing I'll say, and this is kinda evil for me for saying it so I'll apologize in advance... Michael Millard has been building guitars for a long time. There will come a time when he will not be building anymore, so if you find one you like, you may want to move on it. They truly are special instruments.

jay7347 · #10 12-06-2019, 11:00 AM

I can't say enough about Wildwood Guitars. Not only is there inventory outstanding, the staff is all personable and knowledgable. Huge kudos to their acoustic guy Brian Truesby who has really brought their acoustic game to a new level. If you get by the store you need to tear him away from his work to hear him play. He's a special talent. Can't wait to visit their new digs!

-jay

brencat · #11 12-06-2019, 11:05 AM

Wildwood is a great shop. I bought two Gibsons from them and my go-to guy is Steve Stuart (the brand manager).

Mr. Paul · #12 12-06-2019, 06:33 PM

Paul, that Froggy you played has quite a story. Michael Millard built it for himself in 1992 and owned it for 25 years.

https://wildwoodguitars.com/product/...uxe/?cat_id=32

Rosewood99 · #13 12-06-2019, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Paul

Paul, that Froggy you played has quite a story. Michael Millard built it for himself in 1992 and owned it for 25 years.

https://wildwoodguitars.com/product/...uxe/?cat_id=32

Not the same. Mine was brand new.

(Wrong paul -oops)

Deliberate1 · #14 12-06-2019, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBman

Hmmm. I have a cousin in Colorado,

And I have a cousin in Boulder....

Steev · #15 12-07-2019, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I struggle to find a guitar store in Australia with a single Gibson SJ-200 in stock - Wildwood Guitars have 43 on their site ... and 8 Guild jumbo's.

I need to check out airfares to the US again ... and luggage restrictions!

Hi Bruce,

Guitar Factory at Gladesville have several SJ-200s on their website at the moment.
Talk to Paul, the owner, he's a lovely guy.