Dream Acoustic Guitar Build#3: Baranik Meridian

racman · 2012-08-31T09:25:28+00:00

Well, it's that time again and we are about to begin my third in a three guitar rollercoaster ride of "Dream" Acoustic builds! This “Dream” started some 15-20 years ago but started to gather momentum about five years ago when my “research” started. I embarked on the first journey a few years ago and commissioned all five builds within a year with estimated completion schedules until 2015. The first two have been completed with the build thread links in my signature. Both have been a resounding success in my opnion and are just fantastic guitars with superb tone and build quality. As should have been expected once I received the first two completed guitars I took a more critical look at what I had planned for the remaining three and after much deliberation, cancelled a few and started the search again for the remaining builds. I had felt that the builds needed to be complimentary and none should by design render any of the others redundant (Much like having a LP, Strat, Gretsch, Tele and 335 or 175 I suppose). All of the remaining builds I had commissioned would have resulted in great guitars but I thought that my needs and desires had changed somewhat as to what I wanted out of the “collection”. I must say that I have never been one of the “which is better” people and rather see each Luthier bringing a unique signature tone and style that may deviate to a certain degree from his own internal reference point. Over the two builds that have been completed I have learned so much about many aspects of the acoustic guitar, tone woods etc. but probably the most significant aspect I have learned is to provide as much communication on what I like and dislike and then trust the Luther’s opinion on the important aspects. One of the Luthiers whose name kept on rising to the surface in all discussions and research I conducted was that of Mike Baranik. I contacted Mike and after much discussion, the build was scheduled for September 2012. An article/informative with Mike can be found here: http://acousticmagazine.com/news/interviews/618-mike-baranik More to come… ?

Norman86

That sounds fantastic Roy!
We seriously need some clips ?

racman

Thx Norman. unfortunately I don't have the equipment to record in a manner that does justice to these guitars. ☹

Norman86

something that might work, if i may suggest..

im not sure which ipad you have, but a usb microphone in combination with the ipad should provide an easy recording interface.

you would only need the camera connection cable (whether 30pin or lightning connector)

racman

Thx Norman, which iPad mic would you suggest that is great quality.

I found that many recordings really showcase the player rather than accurately reveal the particular guitar. I will see what I can do - was thinking of doing something that highlights all three builds... :-\

Norman86

RoyC wrote Thx Norman, which iPad mic would you suggest that is great quality.

Unfortunately my mic experience doesnt go far ☹
Samson Mic's however, have USB models which have received very good reviews:

http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/

and this one in particular i wouldnt mind getting myself:

http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/meteormic/

at the moment, im using my guitar hero usb mic, and the results arent too bad! not sure what the specs on it is, but i do know they're made by logitech.

RoyC wrote I found that many recordings really showcase the player rather than accurately reveal the particular guitar. I will see what I can do - was thinking of doing something that highlights all three builds... :-\

i get what you're saying.. and its often the case with recordings.. but, if you were to play the exact same lines / riffs on each guitar with no other changes, it should be possible to at least highlight each?!

racman

Just realised that iPads don't have usb though ... :-[

Norman86

you need the camera connection cable.
Either the 30 pin for older ipads, or the lightning pin for newer ipads. ?

racman

Ok, heard great things about Apogee mics for iPad but same price as Zoom H2

Norman86

at the end of the day, its all about convenience and what you would use more.

i use my ipad more, and already had the mic, so bought the adapter for R350 and im happy, for now, till i can afford something better!

racman

One of the things this guitar is inspiring me to do is to actually construct a few instrumental songs. As my playing has largely been support to my primary focus as a singer songwriter of a particular genre, I have always spent hours noodling away at creations but never connecting the dots and creating instrumental songs.

This requires more than just a great guitar and a recorder but a renewed focus on new and old techniques as well... let the journey continue... ?

Slayer

Pretty cool!

Wish I had balls to try something like this - it'll just turn into an expensive mess!

Can't wait to see the end result.

Squonk

RoyC wrote One of the things this guitar is inspiring me to do is to actually construct a few instrumental songs. As my playing has largely been support to my primary focus as a singer songwriter of a particular genre, I have always spent hours noodling away at creations but never connecting the dots and creating instrumental songs.

This requires more than just a great guitar and a recorder but a renewed focus on new and old techniques as well... let the journey continue... ?

Find an Open Mic or Acoustic Club and set the date and you will see how quickly all the dots get joined. Try some alternate tunings, lot's of good instruction video's on youtube.

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