The Big Red is a bold and powerful instrument, designed for players who crave both visual impact and sonic excellence. With its 17″ full-size body, the Big Red delivers a commanding presence on stage, offering a robust and resonant sound that is perfect for those who prefer a larger archtop guitar.
The Big Red is a bold and powerful instrument, designed for players who crave both visual impact and sonic excellence. With its 17″ full-size body, the Big Red delivers a commanding presence on stage, offering a robust and resonant sound that is perfect for those who prefer a larger archtop guitar.
Despite its size, this instrument remains remarkably comfortable to play, thanks to the ergonomic design features that are a hallmark of all of Tad’s instruments.
Dual Pickup System: The Big Red features an innovative dual pickup system that offers unparalleled versatility and tone. At the heart of this system is the renowned Ultratonic soundboard transducer— a state-of-the-art pickup that captures the full range of the guitar’s acoustic properties with exceptional clarity and detail. Custom-installed into the archtop, the Ultratonic transducer brings out the natural resonance of the instrument, making it ideal for both acoustic and amplified settings.
Complementing the Ultratonic is a full-size classic 1950s-style P-90 pickup, handcrafted by boutique pickup maker Ron Ellis. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and dedication to vintage tone, Ellis has recreated the iconic sound of the P-90, offering a rich, warm, vintage tone that has defined countless legendary recordings. Custom mounted floating on the fingerrest, this P-90 pickup provides a perfect balance to the acoustic tones captured by the Ultratonic, allowing players to seamlessly blend the best of both worlds.
Design and Craftsmanship: The Big Red’s larger 17″ body is crafted from the finest materials, ensuring that it delivers in terms of both sound and aesthetics.
Neck and Body: The neck and body of the Big Red are designed with comfort in mind, featuring the same ergonomic contours found in all Brown guitars. The subtle arm and rib bevels, combined with the carefully shaped cutaway, make this large archtop surprisingly easy to play, even for extended sessions.
Tonewoods: The Big Red is constructed from premium-grade solid tonewoods, with stunning flame maple back and sides that not only contribute to its rich tone but also enhance its visual appeal. The red spruce top provides a powerful, articulate sound, while the flame maple adds warmth and depth.
Frets and Hardware: Stainless steel frets ensure that the Big Red is built to last, offering smooth playability and resistance to wear.
Fire Engine Red Finish: The Big Red is as much a visual statement as it is a sonic powerhouse. Its translucent bright fire engine red finish highlights the natural beauty of the woods— the stunning flame maple in particular.
Ergonomics and Playability: Despite its large size, the Big Red is designed for comfort. The ergonomic features that are standard on all of Tad’s instruments, such as the arm and rib bevels, are present here, making the Big Red a joy to play. Whether you’re standing on stage or sitting in the studio, this guitar feels natural in your hands, allowing you to focus on your performance.
Vintage Meets Modern: The combination of the Ultratonic soundboard transducer system and the classic P-90 pickup offers players an extraordinary range of tonal possibilities. The Ultratonic captures the full acoustic depth of the instrument, while the P-90 delivers the raw, punchy tone that has made it a favorite among jazz, blues, and rock musicians alike.
The Big Red is more than just a guitar; it is a statement of bold design, meticulous craftsmanship, and uncompromising tone. With its striking fire engine red finish, versatile dual pickup system, and exceptional playability, the Big Red is the perfect choice for musicians who demand the best in both performance and aesthetics.
For those who prefer a larger instrument that doesn’t compromise on comfort or tone, the Big Red stands as the pinnacle of modern archtop design.
Tad! Dude. This is Chuck,
I just got done with an hour intense session on the new guitar… It’s a race car man!!! I think I about got her figured out, ha ha… Ah man, I, there’s not enough ways to say how fantastic this thing is! I just had to call you up. I was going to send you an email, but ah no, I got to call him and tell him. I hope you can hear the excitement in my voice; this thing is just un-believable man! Anyhow, have a great day. I had to let you know. It’s opened up even more, it’s wonderful.
Charles Botelho
