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Just Received my new Bashkin Placencia OM
Somewhere around late 2006 I managed to squirrel enough dough and put an order for a Bashkin guitar. Ive always admired their clean lines and look and loved to sound that they produce. Mind you, Ive never actually held one - everything I know is from 2nd hand experience on fora such as AGF and 13th Fret. Big risk you might say, but it is definitely worth the 'gamble'.
A lot has happened since 2006 - personal situations changed, I moved countries and my musical tastes and wants and priorities have also changed. Funnily enough because I was in such a transitional phase, I hadnt realised that Michael was trying to contact me on my old email that no longer existed (this was in 2008)... But you have to give it to the guy, he perservered and I finally got the message to me from the unlikeliest of ways - he left a message on a website I was running at this time for my photography work (random eh?). As it turns out I was a little cash strapped when he's good to go and so we agreed to postpone the build for awhile. Finally in Sept 2009, the moon and stars were aligned and the build was on the way. I cannot begin to tell you how exciting the journey was. Although part of me wanted to micro manage every last aspect of what was used and where and why, I mainly choose the top (Italian spruce) and back/side woods (amazon rw), explained to Michael my kind of aesthetic preference (minimal bling) and let him work his magic. Not to overplay this point but you have to appreciate how difficult this was! Not only have I been looking forward to seeing this guitar born for the last 3 or so year, this is also the single biggest musical purchase Ive made to date - by a very long shot. However, common sense prevailed and I let the master worked his magic. And this is the result. Pics below are from Michael. I just love how the sapwood makes it look like the top is 'dripping' down the sides. The binding and detail just has to be looked at up close to really appreciate. It plays very well. I wasnt entirely sure how id take to the fan frets, but it was a seamless transition. if anything it made playing it much easier. I was going back and forth between the Bashkin and a Bourgeois JOMC (sitka/IR) and the Bashkin just plays much easier and mroe comfortable - could be because of the smaller body size as well. The tone - it is not as loud as the JOMC - which I expected (it does have a K&K pickup in it). What struck me the most when I hit the strings is how complex the timbre of the notes are, and how incredibly resonant the guitar is. THe best way I can describe tone is that is sounds a lot creamier compared to the Bourgeois- which i find to be more brash/punchy and clinical. The Bashkin has a slower drop off - notes linger around considerably longer. The one problem Ive always had with the Bourgeois is that it doesnt like to be played soft/ gentle. The Bashkin I find excels in this. Note: Ive not recorded the Bashkin and this is my take from the player's perspective. It might sound completely different when you're sitting opposite me eg projection could/should be better forward and upwards. Im still well and truly in the honeymoon phase, but all in all, I am very pleased with the guitar. Money well spent, and I would do it all again. Thank you Michael for a wonderful instrument. Cheers, Kelvin |
#2
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That is a great looking guitar! Congratulations, and enjoy.
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#3
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Very Nice!
That's a wonderful looking instrument. You're right about that sapwood looking like honey. I really like the markings in that Amazon Rosewood too. I'm glad to hear your assessment of the fan frets. I myself had wondered how much of a difference they might make.
Congratulations to you! You'll enjoy hearing the guitar open up and develop it's tone.
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2010 Ryan Paradiso - Mahogany/Adirondack 2009 Simon Fay OM - Claro Walnut/Sinker Redwood Taylor Big Baby |
#4
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That's so nice Kevin. I'm a big fan of Micheal Bashkin. He does such nice work. Congratulations on a beautiful guitar!
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“Reason is itself a matter of faith. It is an act of faith to assert that our thoughts have any relation to reality at all.” ― G.K. Chesterton |
#5
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that's out of this world.....some of the best guitars I've played have had those woods, but I've never experienced them together!!
we need sound clips!!
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"One small heart, and a great big soul that's driving" |
#6
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What a gorgeous guitar! I love the rosette especially. What wood is that made out of? A fantastic piece of art all around. I really enjoy bashkin's aesthetics.
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#7
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Hi Kelvin…
Glad you received it safe and sound. It IS an amazing guitar. I’ve played it at the shop and it was a wonderful instrument, and a joy to play. Glad you are enjoying it... |
#8
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Looks like a great guitar
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My YouTube Page |
#9
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Beautiful!
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'Minds are like parachutes, they only function when they are open.' |
#10
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The rosettes on Bashkin guitars are absolutely stunning and this one is no exception! The entire thing is completely beautiful.
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#11
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but its all crooked.
just kidding! gorgeous guitar - congratulations!
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Mike Taylor 114ce Epiphone AJ220SCE Epiphone IB64 Texan FT-79 Ibanez Artwood AW15 Ibanez AEG10NII Ovation CC44-4q Takamine EG440C STRQ (gone) Ibanez Artcore AG75 (gone) |
#12
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Happy Bashkin owner here
Congratulations!!! A truly wonderful looking instrument. Enjoy playing best regards Massimo |
#13
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Very nice, great to see another Bashkin in the Southern Hemisphere. I have an Italian Spruce/Honduran Rosewood OM.
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Turnstone, Wandering Boy, Santa Cruz and a ES335. |
#14
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beautiful guitar! I absolutely love michael bashkins work!
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Eric Omega Braz MJ, 2011 Omega MJ Braz Baritone Ryan Cathedral ABW/Bosnian Build thread: 2011 Kostal Mod D Brazilian/German Build thread: 2019 Kostal MDW Brazilian/German Build thread:2019 Bigfoot Mod D |
#15
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DUDE! That is one stunning guitar. Congrats and what a really cool story to go along with it.
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Guitars- some of them 2000 855 2002 815ce 2007 Warwick corvette bass (Double Buck) 4 string 2009 Custom Coco/addi jumbo "Maranatha" 2010 412 Spring LTD Amps- some of them Peavey 100watt acoustic amp (very clean sounding) Roland JC-120 head with 4x12 matching cabinet Praise and Worship dude http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c6...44369/Guitars/ |