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.
The Big Red features a powerful and flexible dual pickup system, offering an extraordinary range of tones that bridge acoustic purity and electric expression. At its core is a full size floating Ron Ellis 50s-style P-90 pickup, mounted to the fingerrest to preserve the instrument’s acoustic integrity. Known for his boutique recreations of legendary vintage tones, Ellis’s P-90 delivers a warm, punchy voice full of character and nuance, ideal for jazz, blues, and roots-based electric tones. Complementing the Ellis P90 is the Ultratonic soundboard transducer system by James May—a state-of-the-art pickup known for its unparalleled ability to capture the instrument’s acoustic voice with depth, clarity, and warmth. Installed inside the guitar’s top, the Ultratonic delivers a natural, articulate tone—ideal for players seeking rich, dynamic acoustic response, whether playing live or in the studio.
When used together, the dual pickups reveal an expansive tonal palette—whether blended through a single source or routed in true stereo to separate amps, the result is a richly dimensional sound that balances warmth, clarity, and spatial depth. Each pickup is wired to its own output jack, offering seamless integration for either stereo or mono setups—an elegant, professional-grade solution for today’s versatile player.
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.
