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  #1  
Old 07-17-2009, 08:07 AM
backdrifter backdrifter is offline
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Default Solomon acoustic archtop guitars

Ahhh, just when I think I've finished the collection and have every guitar I could possibly need, I find something so beautiful and lustful as this!

I'm talking about the Solomon Phidelity acoustic archtop. I was just introduced to Erich Solmon's website yesterday, and I haven't stopped drooling over the pictures since. In fact, today I called and spoke with Mr. Solomon for quite some time about his guitars. I was hoping that he would be heading to Summer NAMM in Nashville this weekend. It's a six hour drive for me, but I would've gladly taken the trip to try this guitar out. Unfortunately for me, he won't be attending. We did speak at length about what I would want in a guitar though, and Erich was very friendly, knowledgealbe and down to earth. It was a pleasure speaking to him. I've just about worked out all the major details for the guitar I would like him to build for me, now I just need to save the money! His prices seem very reasonable too, especially in the hand carved archtop world. In addition, every one of his instruments has a french polish finish. This alone can be a multi-thousand dollar adder for other big name archtop builders. Anyway, I just thought I would share my latest object of lust!

I've attached some photos below, but you can find more, and other models at his website:

www.solomonguitars.com



















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Old 07-17-2009, 08:08 AM
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A few more photos to drool over!









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Old 07-17-2009, 08:21 AM
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Back Drifter,

I see that Soloman will be at Healdsburg next month. I think there are quite a few folks from the AGF who are planning to attend (including myself). Soloman is definitely one builder who I am interested to see. Will try to take some photos and notes to share with the group.

I believe there was someone here (I forget whom) who has a Soloman and who has posted photos. Nice looking guitars for sure and I'll bet they sound wonderful.

Thanks for posting all the photos. Definitely gets the wheels turning.

Darryl
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Old 07-17-2009, 09:08 AM
Sordello Sordello is offline
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{Sigh} Yeh, you've got the disease.... Write your Will, kiss your wife goodbye and just jump into the coffin....


Very rarely do used Solomon's come up for sale.... I wonder why?

One day.. maybe I'll have one...
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Old 07-17-2009, 11:54 AM
backdrifter backdrifter is offline
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Thanks for the reply, Darryl! If you do see Mr. Solomon at Healdsburg, I would appreciate if you can give me your impression of his guitars. I wish I could make it!

Sordello, you're absolutely right, I can't imagine it's easy to find a used Solomon. It's been a while since I bought a new, high end guitar. I typically like to find deals on used ones. GAS is a terrible disease, and thanks to the internet you can almost always find someone trying to unload the guitar you want so they can get something else. But, I think the Phidelity may be the next one that I save up for and purchase new.
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Old 07-17-2009, 01:35 PM
Jeff M Jeff M is offline
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Arch tops seem to be in the air this week here.

Some other builders to wet your whistle;
Campellone;
http://www.campelloneguitars.com/
Bill Comins;
http://www.cominsguitars.com/
Jim Triggs;
http://www.triggsguitars.com/guitar.shtml
Ted Megas;
http://www.megasguitars.com/
Brad Nickerson;
http://www.nickersonguitars.com/
Robert Benedetto's company;
http://www.benedettoguitars.com/#

...........to name a few.
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Old 07-17-2009, 04:01 PM
backdrifter backdrifter is offline
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Thanks Jeff, I appreciate the links. I'm familiar with all of those except Mr. Triggs. They all look like nice instruments. I owned a Benedtto and loved it, but never meshed with the neck profile.

Darryl, if you remember who on the forum has a Solomon I would love to talk to them!
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Old 07-17-2009, 04:43 PM
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Kitchen Guitars Kitchen Guitars is offline
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I loved mine. I got it in a trade. The playability and subtle undertones were amazing. To be honest, I couldn't get used to the funky look. And guilt of how much dough in one guitar I had. I traded it for a Morgan, a Martin and enough cash to take the kids to Disney for 8 days So, I moved on. But I would love to try another someday.
Beautiful Koa!



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Old 07-17-2009, 09:11 PM
backdrifter backdrifter is offline
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Hi YJ,

Thank so much for sharing those pictures. The wood is absolutely gorgeous! I'm glad to hear that the guitar sounded great and played well, those are obviously important factors. I have to admit that the sound hole location is no my favorite on that one, but I would still love to try it out. Can you compare it to any other guitar? How did the acoustic archtop sound in comparison to a flat top guitar?

Thanks again, I really appreciate your input!
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Old 07-17-2009, 11:41 PM
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Ah! That's the one I was thinking of...Yamaha Junkie's Soloman. That's one guitar that sticks in my brain...beautiful koa. One day I'd like to get something a lot like that.
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Old 07-18-2009, 03:37 AM
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Kitchen Guitars Kitchen Guitars is offline
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The Solomon was really easy to play. It handled the softest touch and attack with ease. I don't know what radius he used on the fingerboard but wow it was smooth to play.
The build quality was perfect. Really a nice guitar. Find your look and order with confidence.

Last edited by Kitchen Guitars; 07-18-2009 at 03:49 AM.
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Old 07-18-2009, 04:26 AM
Sordello Sordello is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yamaha Junkie View Post
The Solomon was really easy to play. It handled the softest touch and attack with ease. I don't know what radius he used on the fingerboard but wow it was smooth to play.
The build quality was perfect. Really a nice guitar. Find your look and order with confidence.
What a gorgeous Solomon, and that koa was top grade, sparkle-smart and shimmering!

YJ, how can you sleep at night knowing you let that one go??????
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Old 07-18-2009, 12:19 PM
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Kitchen Guitars Kitchen Guitars is offline
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I miss it. I'm a lucky guy. I buy used so I don't take a bath. Move on sometimes because its time to try something new. The look of the one Brackdrifter posted is beautiful. But, in Walnut maybe.......
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