#151
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It looks incredible!!
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#152
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As I start to think about my Michaud, I've got to come to you for advice... Quote:
Bob, quite the journey since that day at Woodstock '18. See you there in '20! Quote:
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Thanks so much! Everyone here has been super kind and supportive, and it gave me the confidence to take the build in interesting directions.
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Bashkin 00-12 Adi/Hog Bashkin 0M-MS Swiss Moon/PRW(build thread) Bashkin GC-12 Sitka/Koa Carter-Poulsen J-Model German Select Spruce/MacEb Fender MIJ Strat ('90) and 50s RW Tele ('19) Martin 00-28c Spruce/BRW('67) Martin M-36 (R) Sitka/EIR Michaud O-R Cedar/Koa - New Build Michaud J-R Sitka/MBW K. Yairi RF-120 Spruce/EIR KoAloha KTM-25 Koa/Koa Yamaha G-231 Cedar/Hog ('71) |
#153
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Just a couple more pics that might be helpful to others in future builds.
Bob Colosi offers both stock white bone and a "vintage bone" which is stained by him to emulate/match older guitars. I was interested in the colored bone as a way to provide greater contrast to the base of the headstock/zero fret. As it turns out Bob offers vintage bone blanks for nut, saddle and bone pins. With the selection of the EVO Gold, it seemed natural to lean in favor of this color family for these pieces. In the end the frets, vintage bone and amber markers offset each other pretty well. These close ups may be useful reference if you are considering an alternative to bleached bone for your build. Michael is also going to carve a FWI saddle for me to try, also from Bob. But Bob did a great job matching the bone pieces for us.
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Bashkin 00-12 Adi/Hog Bashkin 0M-MS Swiss Moon/PRW(build thread) Bashkin GC-12 Sitka/Koa Carter-Poulsen J-Model German Select Spruce/MacEb Fender MIJ Strat ('90) and 50s RW Tele ('19) Martin 00-28c Spruce/BRW('67) Martin M-36 (R) Sitka/EIR Michaud O-R Cedar/Koa - New Build Michaud J-R Sitka/MBW K. Yairi RF-120 Spruce/EIR KoAloha KTM-25 Koa/Koa Yamaha G-231 Cedar/Hog ('71) |
#154
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Pro Pics
Received today:
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Bashkin 00-12 Adi/Hog Bashkin 0M-MS Swiss Moon/PRW(build thread) Bashkin GC-12 Sitka/Koa Carter-Poulsen J-Model German Select Spruce/MacEb Fender MIJ Strat ('90) and 50s RW Tele ('19) Martin 00-28c Spruce/BRW('67) Martin M-36 (R) Sitka/EIR Michaud O-R Cedar/Koa - New Build Michaud J-R Sitka/MBW K. Yairi RF-120 Spruce/EIR KoAloha KTM-25 Koa/Koa Yamaha G-231 Cedar/Hog ('71) |
#155
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That is an amazing guitar! Congratulations!!
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#156
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Chippy, I'm speechless!
So many fine elements, all coming together. I hope you are enjoying actually having it in your hands. |
#158
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Lots of careful consideration of details went into this one and it shows. From Jimmi Wingert's stunning inlay work to Michael's craftsmanship and your personal aesthetic, a real team effort in producing a true work of art. Now that the eyes are totally taken care of, when will you get your hands and ears on it? I have played a number of Michael's guitars over the years and they do not disappoint.
Best, Jayne |
#159
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Magnificent! Michael continues to outdo himself. You must be very pleased.
I know I'm biased, but black was definitely the right move with the tuning machines |
#160
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Thank you - it really came out better than I could have hoped!
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Michael is fantastic to work with, and provided superb guidance every step of the way! Quote:
I owe you on this one. Good call, especially with that ebony backplate!
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Bashkin 00-12 Adi/Hog Bashkin 0M-MS Swiss Moon/PRW(build thread) Bashkin GC-12 Sitka/Koa Carter-Poulsen J-Model German Select Spruce/MacEb Fender MIJ Strat ('90) and 50s RW Tele ('19) Martin 00-28c Spruce/BRW('67) Martin M-36 (R) Sitka/EIR Michaud O-R Cedar/Koa - New Build Michaud J-R Sitka/MBW K. Yairi RF-120 Spruce/EIR KoAloha KTM-25 Koa/Koa Yamaha G-231 Cedar/Hog ('71) |
#161
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Video Clip Courtesy of Michael & Justin Roth
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Bashkin 00-12 Adi/Hog Bashkin 0M-MS Swiss Moon/PRW(build thread) Bashkin GC-12 Sitka/Koa Carter-Poulsen J-Model German Select Spruce/MacEb Fender MIJ Strat ('90) and 50s RW Tele ('19) Martin 00-28c Spruce/BRW('67) Martin M-36 (R) Sitka/EIR Michaud O-R Cedar/Koa - New Build Michaud J-R Sitka/MBW K. Yairi RF-120 Spruce/EIR KoAloha KTM-25 Koa/Koa Yamaha G-231 Cedar/Hog ('71) |
#162
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This is a stunning looking guitar. Hope it is everything you wanted when you get it
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#163
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Embedded Video
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A bunch of nice archtops, flattops, a gypsy & nylon strings… |
#164
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Impressions
Hi AGF, I've now had my OM for about a month - holiday travels, and then a death on my wife's side of the family held back shipping, and then I was a little busy at work. Having now had a few weekends with extended play sessions, I'm ready to share some impressions.
Balance In this OM, Michael Bashkin has built an exceptionally well balanced guitar, an observation I shared with Michael and which he agreed with. Why do I lead with this? Well, I've always thought of balance as a bit of an over-rated thing, and never felt any of my other guitars were "unbalanced", though my Michaud has amazing bass projection, which is one of my favorite things about it. I have played a few guitars - the Martin D-35 and D-42 come to mind - that I felt were tonally weighted in such a way that I found it hard to express myself through playing. And that is what I ultimately look for in my guitars, the ability to be expressive at my current skill level and the inspiration to practice and learn. Having now played this instrument, I feel I have a new understanding of what balance can bring. I would describe it as an abundance of composure - the equivalent of a finely tuned sports car that welcomes being driven to its limits. One illustration of this is that plucked chords have a "vocal harmony" that feel tighter than on my other guitars - I use that phrase intentionally because it reminds me of excellent a capella performances. I find a lot of headroom in this aspect - it's hard to break that tightness even when pushed. Because of this, I find myself emboldened to explore. The result, to my surprise, is a standing invitation to improvise old runs and modify chords. Each string is in such fine balance with the others that it can speak with a distinct voice without detracting from other notes. This experimentation is so rewarding that I find myself pausing mid-song and trying alternative fingerings and riffs just because it's so fun to do. Collectively this has led to more creative practice sessions. Responsiveness Volume and responsiveness is terrific. Compared to my Bashkin GC, which is of similar (slightly larger) dimensions, this guitar "feels" about 5-10% louder when played in like fashion. I'm not sure it is the volume per se so much as what in audiophile terms is sometimes called an "up front" presentation. This loudness/responsiveness manifests tangibly in the form of crisper and easier hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides - the notes form and project better than on my other guitars. Michael sums it up as follows: "I really like the immediacy and responsiveness of the guitar. The sounds accelerates very quickly which I mostly attribute to the low density Swiss top, low mass bridge and voicing of the braces. This is one of my favorite and most important aspects of the instrument."<<Cue obligatory Swiss Moon skepticism here>> Attack Every guitar has to do something special to warrant its place in the horde (+ offset spousal demerit points). I love my Bashkin Koa GC for its chorus of angel overtones; I love my M-36 for its harder edged vintage tone; every guitar I own does a few things uniquely well that keep it in my rotation. What is unique about this OM? It has a crazy fast attack. In contrast, I would describe my GC as having swelling overtones - the sound blooms to fill the room. This OM is much faster (what Michael refers to as "immediacy" in the quote above). It still has fantastic sustain, but the leading edge of the note peaks and retreats that little bit more quickly, creating a little more space for successive notes. The overall effect is a slightly more crisp overall presentation - which combined with the responsiveness and balance contribute to the license to explore. I think there are many contributors to the phenomenon that I find myself trying new arrangements to well-trod tunes often. But it's no one thing in isolation - the balance, responsiveness and attack combine here to make it happen in a usably perceptible way. Playing Feel Finally, and this is very subjective - I like the feel of the guitar. The shorter scale on the treble side feels like a slightly more comfortable reach for my smaller hands, and I'm able to form a few chords - albeit with effort - that were not possible on other guitars. This is the only fan fret I have tried with a 1-13/16th nut and it's a winning formula for me. The guitar is just faster overall - I can play sequences and runs better and more smoothly than I can on my other guitars, which considering my skill level, is a worthwhile upgrade. I noted to Michael that whereas I tend to think of (and he himself describes) his guitars as vintage with a modern feel, this guitar feels modern with a vintage feel - and he agreed. It's still every bit a Bashkin - the lightness, liveliness and intonation are all there - and the craftsmanship is of course superb and without reproach. To be honest, I anticipated, and would have been delighted with, a guitar that would be like my other Bashkin guitars, but "a little different and a little better". I think what I received was a well tailored suit. Michael listened to what I was describing by phone and by email, listened to the sound clips I sent him of my playing style, helped me make design and tonewood choices, and has built something that has made me a better player - but that also makes me want to play better. Thank you Michael! This OM will bring me countless hours of happy playing for many years.
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Bashkin 00-12 Adi/Hog Bashkin 0M-MS Swiss Moon/PRW(build thread) Bashkin GC-12 Sitka/Koa Carter-Poulsen J-Model German Select Spruce/MacEb Fender MIJ Strat ('90) and 50s RW Tele ('19) Martin 00-28c Spruce/BRW('67) Martin M-36 (R) Sitka/EIR Michaud O-R Cedar/Koa - New Build Michaud J-R Sitka/MBW K. Yairi RF-120 Spruce/EIR KoAloha KTM-25 Koa/Koa Yamaha G-231 Cedar/Hog ('71) |
#165
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Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. I don't think a luthier could want any better of a write up than what you described. Through your words, you've given a voice to all the weekend hacks like you and I (no offense), and have articulated all the nuances that playing these remarkable instruments brings. Michael's guitars have a certain mojo regardless, and I appreciate your candid details that bring out what is special about YOUR instrument.
Cudos to all! |