Tried a McPherson Sable Today

DavidE · #1 02-05-2017, 11:40 PM

With some dealers blowing out the "Michael Kelly" labeled McPherson Sables, I found one at my local Guitar Center and decided to try it out.

I was surprised by the rough finish on the back and sides, but it is grippy and doesn't look too bad. I was really surprised by how heavy it is. It felt much heavier than my Rainsong. Overall it looked like it was really well made. I liked the way the fretboard floated above the top. I couldn't tell how old the strings were, but they didn't seem like they were very old. The sound was full and warm. There was a distinct lack of highs, but I"m wondering if that was the strings. In many ways I thought it sounded more like a wood guitar than my Rainsong WS1000N2. But I didn't have my guitar to try them side by side. The finish on the neck looked a little strange to me. But ultimately I decided not to pursue it further after playing for a while. The neck seems like it should be comfortable but it did not work well for me. My left palm started to cramp up on me. Just my experience. Your mileage WILL vary.

Doubleneck · #2 02-06-2017, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidE

With some dealers blowing out the "Michael Kelly" labeled McPherson Sables, I found one at my local Guitar Center and decided to try it out.

I was surprised by the rough finish on the back and sides, but it is grippy and doesn't look too bad. I was really surprised by how heavy it is. It felt much heavier than my Rainsong. Overall it looked like it was really well made. I liked the way the fretboard floated above the top. I couldn't tell how old the strings were, but they didn't seem like they were very old. The sound was full and warm. There was a distinct lack of highs, but I"m wondering if that was the strings. In many ways I thought it sounded more like a wood guitar than my Rainsong WS1000N2. But I didn't have my guitar to try them side by side. The finish on the neck looked a little strange to me. But ultimately I decided not to pursue it further after playing for a while. The neck seems like it should be comfortable but it did not work well for me. My left palm started to cramp up on me. Just my experience. Your mileage WILL vary.

Interesting since I assume this is the Columbus Guitar Center and within a drive for me to check out. Your review doesn't surprise me in that I have owned CA guitars (Ellis Seal instrumental in both) and I've played the small McPherson. I never liked their weight, or maybe I should say one of Rainsongs advantages is their light weight. My huge JM1000 crazy light for its size. And yes Ellis's guitars tend to sound more woody. Rainsong has its own sound. What I find is if I put my wood guitar down for a while the Rainsong becomes the norm and my expectations shift thinking this is awesome. Rainsong is also the most consistent guitar as you go up the neck with open strings just ringing out. As I remember I loved the profile on the McPherson neck, but the Gibson J200 is my absolute favorite body style. I probably won't make that 1:45 hour drive to Guitar Center? Yikes I just saw this is my 6000th post, I need to get a life! Lol

DavidE · #3 02-06-2017, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubleneck

Interesting since I assume this is the Columbus Guitar Center and within a drive for me to check out. Your review doesn't surprise me in that I have owned CA guitars (Ellis Seal instrumental in both) and I've played the small McPherson. I never liked their weight, or maybe I should say one of Rainsongs advantages is their light weight. My huge JM1000 crazy light for its size. And yes Ellis's guitars tend to sound more woody. Rainsong has its own sound. What I find is if I put my wood guitar down for a while the Rainsong becomes the norm and my expectations shift thinking this is awesome. Rainsong is also the most consistent guitar as you go up the neck with open strings just ringing out. As I remember I loved the profile on the McPherson neck, but the Gibson J200 is my absolute favorite body style. I probably won't make that 1:45 hour drive to Guitar Center? Yikes I just saw this is my 6000th post, I need to get a life! Lol

Yes, in Columbus. They have a couple of the travel size models too. All marked at MAP but the guy said they price match. If you head this way let me know and bring your Emerald. :-)