How do the “cheaper” new Benedettos compare to…

[sgosnell]

I'm not sure exactly what is being referred to with B6. The B6 is a pickup AFAIK. Benedetto does have a model called the 16B, which is essentially a solid carved Bravo, more or less.

[Jimmy blue note]

I'm not sure exactly what is being referred to with B6. The B6 is a pickup AFAIK. Benedetto does have a model called the 16B, which is essentially a solid carved Bravo, more or less.

Mea Culpa. 16B. When they start naming things with numerics, it doesn't quite have the nmemonic impact as a name like Bravo. Sorry for the confusion...I'm even more confused than you. I just think of it as "the red one"

[SierraTango]

The Bravo seems to have its share of fans especially for gigging musicians and no offense to full depth carved Benedetto owners [our own Sierra Tango and Floating Pickup come to mind] but I never played one that did much for me. They certainly weren't dogs, just meh, or as Peggy Lee said "is that all there is?" kind of like QAman's experience I guess. Good guitar, not great or particularly inspiring.
When Bob was in his heyday and giving guitars to prominent players he was getting maximum exposure [though I think he still has a roster of endorsees] But a lot of those guys eventually sold theirs which is kind of telling in my mind.
but as usual ymmv....

As the rest of the lyrics go....."then let's keep dancing..". Absolutely no offence taken. I realize you have owned/played many, many archtops, Winter.
I would like to point out, however, that in my quest for a Bob-built instrument from late 80's to mid-90's I came to understand they were not all created equal. Obviously, he was still taking orders during that point and individual players specified certain attributes they wanted from the guitar tone-wise and cosmetically. If any of the Bob-built carved instruments didn't impress you, it's not like you can go down to GC and pick out one that works for you.

I didn't get the impression that QAman's reply (post #45) was talking about the Bob-built carved guitars, only the Bravo Deluxe he owned. Although I realize he has owned carved Benedetto's in his 40 years of collecting. And I also believe that like our own Danny W, some pro's that Bob built for sold them along for economic reasons when values and asking prices soared.

I wondered how long it would be before I replied to anything on this thread, I usually don't unless it's something I've had direct experience or have a question about. I've never owned a Bravo, however have played several of them and thought they were a direct hit on what they were built for-a working, giging guitar crafted in America at a reasonable price.

I'm working tonight with my Cremona and agree with Johnny Smith-"it's just exquisite".

[Paulie2]

I've never owned a Bravo, however have played several of them and thought they were a direct hit on what they were built for-a working, giging guitar crafted in America at a reasonable price. I've been impressed with the tone Jocelyn Gould is getting out of her Bravo.

I agree with all of this, except I believe she is playing a Benedetto 16-B and not Bravo. Also that Cremona is drool-worthy. Thanks for adding some pics to the thread.

[SierraTango]

I agree with all of this, except I believe she is playing a Benedetto 16-B and not Bravo. Also that Cremona is drool-worthy. Thanks for adding some pics to the thread.

Thanks for the correction!