Laminate jazz box from Victor Baker

[Jazzpunk]

Another sweet guitar from Victor Baker (I have no affiliation, just a fan).

Baker is now making laminate archtops at what has to be the most affordable pricing I've seen from an American based luthier. Price is $2850 with case.

http://www.victorbakerguitars.com/blog/?p=4673



Specs:

Measurements: 2-3/8″ body depth, 14″ OR 16″ body width
Neck material: lightweight Mahogany w/two way adjustable truss rod
Headstock overlay: Flame Maple stain matched to body
Nut width: 1-11/16
Nut Material: Tusq
Headstock inlay: VB Logo
Fingerboard: Ebony
Fingerboard radius: 12″
Scale length: 25″
No of frets: 21
Fret size: jumbo
Fingerboard inlay: side dots only
Soundboard material: Maple face 5 ply laminate
Bracing: custom
Soundholes: “S” Shape
Back/Sides materials: Maple face 5 ply laminate
Binding package: unbound
Finish: Wineburst, Smoke
Bridge: Ebony
Tailpiece: Ebony or black maple
Tuning gears: Gotoh Delta 21:1
Pickups: Custom wound with black flame face
Hardware and electronics: 1 volume / 1 tone / 3 way / side jack



There's an iphone video demo linked here but you have to download it:

www.victorbakerguitars.com/ShopVideos/Ply14demo001.m4v

[PTChristopher]

>>> affordable pricing

To say the least. I mean this is a super-skilled builder, who has really tooled up for productivity, and then cranks out beautiful stuff from an expensive location, and still is ~60% of the price that you might expect.

Great stuff.

I like his 'signature' eased edges around the perimeter for rib-saving comfort in critical places.

Chris

[aniss1001]

Now that IS a looker allright

[PTChristopher]

Hey, the sample audio is a little shaky, but man does that sound like dead-center between a Sasdowsky Bruno, SS-15, and Semi-Hollow?

I can only guess that the slightly more massive (semi-hollow) sound comes from the mass of the extra PU. But this is irresponsible speculation on my part.

Chris

[Jazzpunk]

Hey, the sample audio is a little shaky, but man does that sound like dead-center between a Sasdowsky Bruno, SS-15, and Semi-Hollow?

I can only guess that the slightly more massive (semi-hollow) sound comes from the mass of the extra PU. But this is irresponsible speculation on my part.

Chris

I was pretty impressed with the tone especially given the 14" body. I agree that it would be nice to hear a better recording though.

Here is another nice guitar from Baker (reminds me a bit of the Marchione that Moreno plays):

I'm hoping to pull the trigger on something in the next couple of months but the hard part will be deciding which model!

[marcwhy]

Very nice!

[paynow]

Until your post I was not aware of this builder. Great sounding instruments; you've got me considering one when I can get the money together. Really nice. Thanks Jazzpunk.

He's also a great player and I can get to his shop in about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the mode of transportation. Two more strong selling points.

[M-ster]

I know it's subjective, but that's a very attractive instrument!

Is this a similar (or same) model? Very nice!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/Dw1gCwcmkhs

[Jazzpunk]

I know it's subjective, but that's a very attractive instrument!

Is this a similar (or same) model? Very nice!
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself

That one is a 15" thinline archtop with a spruce top. Some cool progress pics here:

Model 15 Thinline Archtop for Ken Nieves ?Malia? model- Staining and finishing! Inside Victor Baker's Shop

[Jazzpunk]

He's also a great player and I can get to his shop in about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the mode of transportation. Two more strong selling points.

If you get a chance to check out his guitars in person, please let me know what you think.

[Soco]

I believe Victor Baker is a member of this forum.

[Jazzpunk]

Hey, the sample audio is a little shaky, but man does that sound like dead-center between a Sasdowsky Bruno, SS-15, and Semi-Hollow?

I can only guess that the slightly more massive (semi-hollow) sound comes from the mass of the extra PU. But this is irresponsible speculation on my part.

Chris

Hey Chris,
Victor just put up a new blog post with a new audio clip of another 14" laminate (sound quality is much better):

Model 14? Laminate Archtop for James Aston- COMPLETE! pics and sound!! Inside Victor Baker's Shop

[PTChristopher]

Thanks JP. Gotta admire the work, playing, and business effort.

[FatJeff]

Yeah, but what about the headstock design??

<<hide>>

[mangotango]

Yeah, but what about the headstock design??

<<hide>>

Yeh, it looks really good, doesn't it?

Doesn't it? Well, I like it anyway.

[mr. beaumont]

Yeah, I like the headstock too.

That's a gorgeous guitar. I could see myself playing one of those someday.

[clem_gael]

I could see myself playing one of those someday.

I could see myself playing one too...during the Montreal Guitar Show next summer...Victor Baker will be there....I love montreal!

[mr. beaumont]

I love montreal!

One of the coolest cities I've ever visited. You guys "get it" up there.

[PTChristopher]

>>> montreal

Yeah. I used to be up there about once a month some years ago. I need to manage to get up there for the show one summer.

Chris

[jazzgtrl4]

These are very cool, i might consider one at that price, i thought they were alot more for some reason. Maybe im thinking about Sheryl Bailys guitar, i think thats a McCurdy though. Also i think Gilad Hekselamn plays a Victor Baker Gilad Hekselman - Jazz Guitarist

[Jazzpunk]

Yeah, I like the headstock too.

That's a gorgeous guitar. I could see myself playing one of those someday.

+1

I'm hoping I can get the funds together for a build before his prices go up.

[Jazzpunk]

These are very cool, i might consider one at that price, i thought they were alot more for some reason. Maybe im thinking about Sheryl Bailys guitar, i think thats a McCurdy though. Also i think Gilad Hekselamn plays a Victor Baker Gilad Hekselman - Jazz Guitarist

Those McCurdy's are nice as well. Sheryl definitely gets the most archtop like tone out of her guitar that I've heard from a small semi hollow.

Here's a couple really nice clips of Hekselman with his new Baker:

[jazzgtrl4]

Cool vids, i really like the sound Gilad is getting, great player!..

[Jazzpunk]

Cool vids, i really like the sound Gilad is getting, great player!..

Hekselman is playing here in a couple of weeks. Psyched to finally get to hear him live!

[jazzgtrl4]

Hekselman is playing here in a couple of weeks. Psyched to finally get to hear him live!

Really where? im gonna try and make it.