"Renaissance" Review

[oilywrag]

Tech specs first:- Headstock:Kluson Type m/c heads,Black finish with
aged white binding

Body:Shape is Archtop Double Cutaway(fully hollow)
Top
Back} Laminated Maple
Sides
Bridge}Tun-o-Mat Tailpiece}Byrdland(copy)

Neck: Maple with rosewood fingerboard. Nut-Bone
Frets-22 Scale-24.72"

PU's 2 humbuckers (Epi @57 Classic style)
Hardware -Gold

Sound-Has a very good acoustic sound with good sustain.You can get all the tones you want,from all out jazz to blues and then some.

Action and Finish_Came well set up,with the action right down low with no buzzes at all,all the frets are well dressed and it feels good in your hands.

Build Quality_After going over the guitar with a fine tooth comb,I have found no paint blemishes,runs or bubble.There are no sharp edges anywhere even on the bottom edge of the f-holes.The electrics are quiet,the controls are positive turn a little get a little turn a lot get a lot.

Overall_ If you want a 335 esque guitar look no further than the "Renaissance" Better than its peers(no pun intended)and to be honest better than than Gibson 335 in the shop and for a third of its price.Plus you get a quality hardcase included in the price.

[derek]

Nice Tom. Any info on what the center block is made of? I know Gibby has used everything from Balsa to Maple to Mahogany. Of course we all think these woods affect the sound, and certainly the weight.

[oilywrag]

There is no center block Derek,the body is fully hollow,with a small block just between the bridge and tailpiece.This what makes this guitar so light.

Cheers Tom

[derek]

Originally Posted by oilywrag

There is no center block Derek,the body is fully hollow,with a small block just between the bridge and tailpiece.This what makes this guitar so light.

Cheers Tom

Ah, okay well that makes it a different beast for sure. Thanks and enjoy!

[FWBO]

Hi Oily,

where did you buy your Rennaissance?

I was considering one myself

[Meggy]

Hi Tom, I was looking at this guitar recently (on-line, not actually tried it ). But it appeals to me a lot as it's design is actually a heck of a lot like the Gibson ES330 used by the great Emily Remler (who's playing/guitar tone I absolutely love). Unlike the 335, the 330 was completely hollow like your Rennaisance, and also the neck joined the body a little further in, also like your guitar. Plus she had hers modified with humbuckers (originally it would have had P90's) so it also is like your guitar in that respect. So in general, I really like your guitar! Cheers for the pictures too!

[oilywrag]

For ref