Michael Terris: Maple E Body

Submitted by Alan Walker on 10/14/2012

Where Purchased: Smoky Mtn Guitars,Tennessee

Year Purchased: 2012
Price Paid: 2900 ($US) (bought USED)

Sound

Loud,rich and warm with fantastic sustain. Post and baffle gives a modern sound but complex and sweet tone. Not too metallic or nasal.
No dislikes.
Played a $6000 Meridith at the same store and the Terris ran it damn close.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

Guitar came with set up by Tooter Meredith. Perfect.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Gorgeous light tobacco sunburst finish. Bird's eye Maple body, ebony fretboard. Simple dot inlays. Reso is 19 years old and in almost perfect condition. No scratches or dings.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

It's lasted so far with no problems. I would have no problem gigging without backup.

Reliability Rating: 10

Customer Service

Dan at Smoky Mtn Guitars couldn't have been more friendly or helpful.

Customer Service: 10

Components

Appearance of the maple is the highlight. Quarterman cone, grover tuners, bone nut, ebony bridge. No need for any upgrades.

Components Rating: 10

Overall Comments

I'd never heard of this builder but he has a reputation as a very fine luthier. He also builds mandolins, banjos and regular guitars and repairs violins.

Overall Rating: 10

Audio Technica: Pro 35 Clip on mic

Submitted by Alan Walker on 9/9/2010

Where Purchased: Dawsons online store

Overall Comments

This is a reasonably priced (£130-$259) clip on mic which I'm using through an ART Tube MP which retails for £30($40). You also need the AT8539 converter to plug the mic into the MP. I think it sounds great both for recording and live work. I can't distinguish it from my SE 2200a large diaphragm mic which I've used previously.
The other great advantages are that you can dispense with a mic stand, you know that the mic will always be the right distance from your dobro and the whole thing is much lighter, more conveniant and more resistant to feedback than a large diaphragm mic.
Highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 9

Gold Tone: PBSD

Submitted by Alan Walker on 9/1/2009

Where Purchased: Private Sale

Year Purchased: 2008
Price Paid: 400 (£) (bought USED) historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

Great for traditional bluegrass and for country folk and country blues (Little Feat, Dead, JJ Cale)
No amps or effects. Has Beard factory set-up.
It's a loud instrument with a big, bright sound. It's has plenty of low-end though; more than some much more expensive laminates.
Some of the top string notes can lack the depth and richness you'd get from say a $3000 Beard. It also lacks the complexity, subtleness and richness of the best instruments.

Sound Rating: 8

Setup

Perfect sep -up by Beard on purchase. Guitar had been hardly played in 3 years.
Beard Special 29s strings fitted rather than D'Addarios (personal taste). No other changes needed.

Setup Rating: 10

Appearance

Lovely looking guitar with a simply beautiful tiger maple back. No flaws.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

Hardware's fine. No problems.
Finish excellent. No signs of wear to wooden parts.
I would definately depend on it for live performances.
A recent buzzing problem was easily solved by local guitar shop.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

Beard have always been very helpful and prompt in response to my emails. First class customer service.

Customer Service: 10

Components

All the important bits (cone, bridge, nut, ) are Beard parts. No upgrades needed.
Tuners are the weak link.

Components Rating: 9

Overall Comments

Just the best value for money squareneck available backed up by the first class guys at Beard. The sound is a personal thing but I prefer it to the Wechter Scheerhorns which I guess would be the closest rival.

Overall Rating: 10