Beneteau OM (Torrefied Sitka / Indian) *Studio video added*

[Ryan Alexander]

Hey Dustin - I wanted to pick your brain on the fret choice. I had a re-fret done on one of my guitars with the EVO gold in .047x.095" size that turned out great. I see you've gone with the slightly wider .104" variant on your Taran as well as this OM. Would you mind explaining what drove you to this decision? Could it be related to a desire for hemispherical fret ends? I remember reading that there could be intonation issues introduced with wider frets as they wear, however this does seem like it would be less of a concern with the harder EVO material. Would love to hear your thoughts

[Dustinfurlow]

Originally Posted by Ryan Alexander

Hey Dustin - I wanted to pick your brain on the fret choice. I had a re-fret done on one of my guitars with the EVO gold in .047x.095" size that turned out great. I see you've gone with the slightly wider .104" variant on your Taran as well as this OM. Would you mind explaining what drove you to this decision? Could it be related to a desire for hemispherical fret ends? I remember reading that there could be intonation issues introduced with wider frets as they wear, however this does seem like it would be less of a concern with the harder EVO material. Would love to hear your thoughts

Truth be told I would be happy with either the standard width or the jumbo EVOs, but I prefer closer to jumbo for the feel and sustain with hammer-ons/vibrato. At the rate that my nickel-fretted Larrivee's wires wear with over 200 gigs a year, (each being 3-4 hrs in length) I don't see any chance of ever needing to refret EVO golds on a studio/recording guitar like this Beneteau or Taran, to be honest.

[Dustinfurlow]

This little beauty landed on the front door step yesterday and after spending nearly 3 hrs playing it I eventually had to peel my butt off the chair, have a coffee and take some photos.

I'd forgotten just how amazing Marc's guitars play and sound. For my hands I think Marc might have the very best "standard" neck profile and bridge height/fingerboard height setup for how I play. Not sure how to explain it but the more demanding pieces in my back pocket always become easier on his guitars. The sitka has a nice, dry, midrange bark even with the rosewood but a thick treble with a singing quality to it, as all Marc's guitars have. Just a dream for fingerstyle!

This would be my third commission from Marc, but we are looking at a Baritone later this year as well. Have heard from many that his Baritones are sublime, so looking at wood choices already - stay tuned. In the meantime, here's some shots from the studio. I will be featuring this build on EP. 3 of "My Favorite Luthiers". EP. 2 is already in the works with Rebecca Urlacher and will be visiting Holland next week so can also include clips/photos of Karlijn's German/Camatillo build and get her thoughts on it as well. Anywho...will get a sound clip captured here soon, for anyone curious. Happy as a clam with this Sitka beauty. Very stark contrast to the darker, richer sounding Taran recently received.

Back to pickin'.

[Simon Fay]

That is an absolutely amazing looking top !!!

[MThomson]

Beautiful stuff. The silking on that top is incredible. Enjoy having your lovely contrasting guitars. I'll look forward to hearing the differences.

[Kenny B]

Really, really nice. Can’t wait to hear you play it. I especially like the grain on the back. This has got to be stellar.

[iim7V7IM7]

Congrats Dustin. I hope it is everything that you hoped for and more…

[memphis1]

Dude!! Crazy gorgeous guitar from Marc here. Congrats, man 🤙🏻
It’s great seeing/hearing guitars like this Beneteau and the Taran in the hands of a player like you. You have great taste, amigo

[Hierophant]

Originally Posted by Dustinfurlow

[...] The sitka has a nice, dry, midrange bark even with the rosewood but a thick treble with a singing quality to it, as all Marc's guitars have. [...]

Exactly this is the tone that I love about Marc's guitars too! It's kind of a signature timbre that he builds into his instruments. Every Beneteau that I had the pleasure to play or listen to has had this kind of soundquality and I absolutely love it. You do call it a "bark", I refer to it as a "gnarl", but when one does hear it, one will indeed recognize it.

[Cocobolo Kid]

Congratulations Dustin. Your Beneteau OM looks absolutely stunning, and I'm sure it has the sonic goods to match. I can't wait to see and hear your future videos featuring this gorgeous guitar.

[Dustinfurlow]

Originally Posted by Cocobolo Kid

Congratulations Dustin. Your Beneteau OM looks absolutely stunning, and I'm sure it has the sonic goods to match. I can't wait to see and hear your future videos featuring this gorgeous guitar.

Thanks John, I'll definitely get something up here in the coming weeks.

Originally Posted by Hierophant

Exactly this is the tone that I love about Marc's guitars too! It's kind of a signature timbre that he builds into his instruments. Every Beneteau that I had the pleasure to play or listen to has had this kind of soundquality and I absolutely love it. You do call it a "bark", I refer to it as a "gnarl", but when one does hear it, one will indeed recognize it.

Yes! Gnarl is actually better, very guttural bass response on Marc's guitars. Not sure what he does to achieve that but I've noticed it on every build I've played with the exception of a 000-C which I think he voiced more like a Martin and also was slimmer design than usual - it still had fat trebles though which rang clear above the other strings like other guitars from him.

Originally Posted by memphis1

Dude!! Crazy gorgeous guitar from Marc here. Congrats, man 🤙🏻
It’s great seeing/hearing guitars like this Beneteau and the Taran in the hands of a player like you. You have great taste, amigo

Thanks my man!

Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7

Congrats Dustin. I hope it is everything that you hoped for and more…

So far! I've got the tonerite on it when not playing so I expect it to become more even more lively in the weeks to come.

Originally Posted by Kenny B

Really, really nice. Can’t wait to hear you play it. I especially like the grain on the back. This has got to be stellar.

Its a great cut of Indian, he has some nice old sets!

[Dustinfurlow]

Originally Posted by MThomson

Beautiful stuff. The silking on that top is incredible. Enjoy having your lovely contrasting guitars. I'll look forward to hearing the differences.

Thanks Martin, I'll get a video or soundclip up in the coming weeks.

Originally Posted by Simon Fay

That is an absolutely amazing looking top !!!

I have to agree, hope you're well Simon! I look forward to playing one of your beauties again. Always a surreal experience.

[Nemoman]

Looks amazing, Dustin--congrats!

Looking forward to hearing you make it sing!

[strumming]

She's a beaut! Congrats Dustin! Excited to hear some initial clips.
I should have a build starting with Marc soon I hope!

[volman]

Congrats on another stunning guitar. I have to say...torrefied sitka and EI rosewood has been a great combo on my Ryan. Looking forward to hearing it!