2009 Trenier Magnolia

**marcut** · 01-24-2019, 02:09 AM

I'm finally getting around to posting about the Trenier Magnolia I finally received about a month ago. I've been looking for one for awhile and took the plunge when this 2009 became available at archtop.com. I sold 3 guitars, 2 through Joe V's site, and now have this amazing guitar.
I've never played a guitar of its caliber before so I'm not sure I'm the most objective judge of the Magnolia's qualities. I have a 1997 Andersen Metropolitan Special which has some similarities and is an awesome archtop but the Trenier is in a whole different league. It's well balanced, incredibly responsive and has amazing sustain and natural reverb. For me, one of the most impressive aspects of it is the separation between the bass and treble and it truly has pianist qualities that are great for chord melody/fingerstyle which is mostly what I like to play. The Magnolia has an Armstrong PAF which I've played a couple of times through my DV Mark 12 but I mostly play acoustically. It sounds fine but I think I need to spend more time dialing in the tone. It's also a beautiful guitar and I really appreciate its simplicity which allows for the qualities of the wood and workmanship to really stand out.
It was a stretch for me to purchase this guitar and I had a lot of apprehension about investing the amount of money I have given my current skill level (jazz guitar will be, for me, a lifelong work in progress). There was a period where I thought I might hold on to it and then resell it in order to recoup my investment. After spending some time with the Magnolia, I now have no regrets and no intention of parting with this guitar. In fact, I'm contemplating having one commissioned directly from Bryant because if this was what he was producing 10 years ago, I can't imagine what his guitars are like now.
I would like to thank Steve L. from this forum who has been extolling the virtues of Bryant's work for several years on this site. I really respect his knowledge and historical perspective regarding archtop luthierie and I decided to move forward partially based on his detailed descriptions of Bryant's work and progress over the years. Another cool part of buying this particular guitar was that it was commissioned in 2009 by a forum member who was also really helpful in providing information about the guitar.

**fws6** · 01-24-2019, 02:40 AM

Congrats !

but I cannot see the pics...

??

**D'Aquisto Fan** · 01-24-2019, 02:08 PM

Congratulations on the Magnolia. I'm very happy it has worked out for you. Bryant built me that guitar in the latter part of 2009. I always thought it was a beautiful looking and sounding instrument. I'm glad it's in the hands of someone who will truly appreciate it for many years to come. Enjoy!

**vinnyv1k** · 01-24-2019, 03:07 PM

Bryant took the torch from Jimmy and is running with it. Congrats on a great guitar.

**omphalopsychos** · 01-24-2019, 03:34 PM

Amazing. A big congrats to you and glad to hear it's in your hands! I had been super curious about this, since I first was thinking of a Trenier as a candidate only for a purely acoustic guitar. That all changed when I heard Pasquale Grasso play at Mezzrow late last year. Between sets, I asked him to unplug and play his guitar acoustically for a bit and he obliged. I was blown away that this guitar set up for electric playing could sound so amazing acoustically. The sound of his Trenier combined with the sound coming out of his little amp was one of the most perfect guitar tones I'd ever heard. You've got me seriously considering hunting down a Trenier with a pickup.

**skykomishone** · 01-24-2019, 05:26 PM

Congratulations on the '09 Trenier! Looks like a beauty! I have 2010 Excel, looks like a D'Aquisto, weigh's under 5 lbs, with the KA 12 pole floater. Really sweet guitars, and I love mine. I also own an Andersen, and I wouldn't compare it to the my Trenier, because it wouldn't be a fair comparison. They're both awesome. I've played a Magnolia and loved it, almost bought it. What does your guitar weigh, and what is the scale length? I'm curious. Thanks! And again, Congratulations, It's great you love it. It will love you back!

**QAman** · 01-24-2019, 07:07 PM

Marcut,
Congrats on your choice and thanks for the kind words. You made a great decision to buy a Trenier . They are truly in a league of their own . I’ve been preaching Bryant’s work for several years now - and in my opinion no one recreates the D’Aquisto experience better.

What I find unique with Bryant’s guitars is this amazing sustain and pianistic/ organ like quality in the timbre of the voice. I’ve had many discussions about this with my new friend DAquisto fan - whom I was fortunate to meet on a recent guitar acquisition.

Bryant has reached a point in his Luthier skills where his instruments are not only very consistent - he is also remarkable at determining outcomes of desired tone based on various wood choices.

There is a video on You -Tube of Pasquale G. playing his Trenier - and if you close your eyes it sounds just like a piano - just amazing.

I can’t wait for Bryant to start my serial number 1150 - which will have a side port.

A big congrats again !

**QAman** · 01-24-2019, 09:14 PM

Check out Pasquale’s tone in this video

**vinnyv1k** · 01-24-2019, 10:22 PM

He has octopus fingers like Tal Farlow.

**skykomishone** · 01-24-2019, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by vinnyv1k

He has octopus fingers like Tal Farlow.

That's true. I'd like to hear him play more cords. I definitely have finger envy!

**Bluedawg** · 01-24-2019, 10:43 PM

Awesome!

**DMgolf66** · 01-24-2019, 11:27 PM

Every finger looks identical in size and shape. Almost spooky to watch .

**vinnyv1k** · 01-25-2019, 12:46 PM

Originally Posted by DMgolf66

Every finger looks identical in size and shape. Almost spooky to watch .

Those hands were definitely made to play guitar.

**marcut** · 01-28-2019, 02:08 AM

Originally Posted by skykomishone

Congratulations on the '09 Trenier! Looks like a beauty! I have 2010 Excel, looks like a D'Aquisto, weigh's under 5 lbs, with the KA 12 pole floater. Really sweet guitars, and I love mine. I also own an Andersen, and I wouldn't compare it to the my Trenier, because it wouldn't be a fair comparison. They're both awesome. I've played a Magnolia and loved it, almost bought it. What does your guitar weigh, and what is the scale length? I'm curious. Thanks! And again, Congratulations, It's great you love it. It will love you back!

The scale length is 25 1/2" but I'm not sure about the weight. I would guess it's around 5-7 lbs. Lightest guitar I have and very comfortable to play.