Review 9647 Mon, 07/19/2021 - 09:50
John
From Riverside
Reviewed Product:
Algonquin 12 String Acoustic GuitarTwelve strings are the conundrum of the guitar world. The really good ones either self destruct like flamenco instruments or achieve a day in the sun because they were terribly overbuilt and can accidentally withstand the abuse of years of heavy handed playing and poorly chosen strings.
There are a few nicely crafted instruments which don't have a reputation for sounding very good. There are a few handmade instruments with quirky designs at very high prices and there are roughhewn historic relics best known from black and white photographs and 78 recordings. You can't help but wonder "what if?"
The Algonquin probably costs less in adjusted dollars than Leadbelly's Stella. The quality of the build however is equal or maybe even superior to any instrument on the market. The top is a AAA grade spruce, The grain is not only fine, it is perfectly uniform across the width of the top. You can read about wood like this but this is the first time I've actually seen it. There is also an extremely fine, uniform bear claw figure which rivals the very best curly grain imaginable.
The back and sides are beautifully matched Bolivian rosewood. I've seen some pieces of old growth Brazilian which were almost this intense and colorful. The grain is straight enough to please those who cater in that direction and just wild enough with vibrant white center chevron to spark a long conversation. It probably starts with "Wow."
The black binding with a w/b accent is subtle and dignified. A couple times I wondered "what if" but now I think this was the right choice, A white or maple binding isn't warranted. There's a nice M&M rosette with a simple abalone ring. The neck has their customary matte finish - a pleasure to hold. There's a nicely carved volute, and a headstock with Grover Rotomatics. I can hear Leadbelly wondering "what if?"
The D'Addario light gauge strings are more than adequate to drive the guitar to railroad trilogy crescendos. What's really nice is the instrument responds equally well to a really light touch. No, really light! You can sing over a chorus of sound with a fullness that just doesn't happen with a six string.
I've got the tuning lowered a half step. One day I may drop it down to D. I don't foresee any problem with the strings or with the action. Gordon, eat your heart out!
There are a few nicely crafted instruments which don't have a reputation for sounding very good. There are a few handmade instruments with quirky designs at very high prices and there are roughhewn historic relics best known from black and white photographs and 78 recordings. You can't help but wonder "what if?"
The Algonquin probably costs less in adjusted dollars than Leadbelly's Stella. The quality of the build however is equal or maybe even superior to any instrument on the market. The top is a AAA grade spruce, The grain is not only fine, it is perfectly uniform across the width of the top. You can read about wood like this but this is the first time I've actually seen it. There is also an extremely fine, uniform bear claw figure which rivals the very best curly grain imaginable.
The back and sides are beautifully matched Bolivian rosewood. I've seen some pieces of old growth Brazilian which were almost this intense and colorful. The grain is straight enough to please those who cater in that direction and just wild enough with vibrant white center chevron to spark a long conversation. It probably starts with "Wow."
The black binding with a w/b accent is subtle and dignified. A couple times I wondered "what if" but now I think this was the right choice, A white or maple binding isn't warranted. There's a nice M&M rosette with a simple abalone ring. The neck has their customary matte finish - a pleasure to hold. There's a nicely carved volute, and a headstock with Grover Rotomatics. I can hear Leadbelly wondering "what if?"
The D'Addario light gauge strings are more than adequate to drive the guitar to railroad trilogy crescendos. What's really nice is the instrument responds equally well to a really light touch. No, really light! You can sing over a chorus of sound with a fullness that just doesn't happen with a six string.
I've got the tuning lowered a half step. One day I may drop it down to D. I don't foresee any problem with the strings or with the action. Gordon, eat your heart out!
