Tad, the 18 arrived about 30 minutes ago. I’m speechless with how beautiful the craftsmanship, and perfect the workmanship and the sound. It already has an incredible dynamic range. Single notes, double stops, and close-voiced triads ring out with amazing clarity — no doubt in part due to the Stitka resonating with such a strong fundamental.
Can’t wait to see how loud this guitar will be once the wood really opens up after being played a few hundred hours. The size is perfect for me too. I’m a big guy at 6′,4″ tall and about 200 pounds. With a vintage style Pinegrove leather strap, the guitar sits on my lap in a way very similar to how Freddie Green held his 18 inch Stromberg.
With your cutaway and fingerrest design, my pinky can reach Bb5 with no obstruction.Truth be told, I’ve been intimidated by big curvaceous California blondes for my entire life. Not so with this beauty, she is very kind and accommodating! 😀
The Ron Ellis pick up is staggering from a audio/tone viewpoint. I just auditioned it (both of them blended) through a Henriksen Bud 10. I’ve also played a little bit through a Raezer’s Edge Centari hybrid (one tube in the preamp, spring reverb, and solid-state power section). The Ron Ellis sounds incredible there as well, and especially the James May Ultratonic pickup into the Grace Felix 2.
I’m in the midst of deconstructing/rebuilding a significant amount of my overall musicianship, and my Jazz guitar approach in particular. This instrument will teach me much! Hopefully you’ll build more 18″ guitars! Due to their size, they are, of course, not as popular, but they really resonate with the jazz and orchestral guitar tradition. Thank you so much for your master craftsmanship on my instruments Tad! I am super blessed to own them, learn from them, and hopefully make good music for and with others using them. They are so unique relative to my other archtops.
B.B.
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
