McPherson 4.5

4.5 Redwood top - striped macassar ebony

A follow-up from my review when I bought this ~2 years ago.

There's a place in San Diego County called Buffalo Bros that I think with the exception of a Ryan or Olsen...and McPherson...must have every acoustic made. Maybe its my redwood top...but with over 30 years of playing experience...nothing....nothing can touch the tone of my particular guitar. We all know tone is in our own hands and attitude...but I'm giving my McPherson a lot of the credit. I'm sorry to read that the gentleman below was disappointed...again...maybe my redwood top is that special...I dunno. But if someone was thinking of checking out a McPherson and got discouraged by his review...you might want to think again.

Same attention to detail that PRS gave to my gorgeous red tiger ME-1.

I was never so blown away as when I opened the case on this thing.

2 years of heavy playing and care...still mint.

No problems.

I can't say enough great things about this guitar...still after 2 years. I've played and tried just about everything....and I own a few Taylors...San Diego company...and they are good for what you expect...but McPherson...or at least my McPherson is from another place....the sound is just beautiful.

MG 4.4 Redwood/Madgascar rosewood
Geat case and accessories

Play largely finger style
Fantastic sound- wife says it sounds like a cd being played
Great note definition. Not as penetrating as my Martin but sounds very full

What can I say --perfect 10/10
The attention to detail is amazing

Feels much heavier than my martin and very solidly built
Get the feeling this guitar will last
Would be happy to use on a gig without a backup

Email response very quick--I couldnt for the life of me find the battery
Lifetime warranty for the initial purchaser

Living in Australia its hard to rock up to a music store and play a few McPhersons! Thats why I had to rely on forums like this one.
In fact the HC reviews swayed me in my purchase.My Mcpherson is everything that I wanted it to be--the sound,the look the workmanship all perfect. I agree that all guitars sound different and there is no one perfect sound--but certainly the sound is refreshing and full with great individual note articulation--definitely a keeper

Spruce and Rosewood. I can't remember which spruce it was. This guitar is chocked full of features from the humidifier case to the special bracing and cantilevered neck. They provide a bevy of giblets like different height bridge nuts and a selection of picks. It doesn't get any more practical and useful than this.

Ho hum. Yes, I'm breaking from the herd. Of ALL the guitars I played today, the McPherson was the LEAST impressive. Froggy, vintage Gibson, new Martin HD28, used Martin HD35 - all had more to give. This guitar was way subdued and under powered. Yes, the sustain was magnificent, but for all the hype, I'm not impressed. My friend at one of the local boutique shops warned me of this, but I had to go and try it. What you say? How can this be? Go play a Goodall, Lowden or Froggy and you'll see what I mean. It sounds like there's a guitar somewhere in there that's trying to get out. Where the Froggy is right out there in your face, this thing is not. I can tell it wants out, but it's just not coming.

Superb in all aspects.

There's no reason to thing this thing will EVER come apart.

Tone and sound is it for me and this one is lacking.

I just wanted to let everyone know, I had an issue with my bridge, it was coming unglued, I called them and they sent UPS to pick my guitar up, I had it back in less than 2 weeks! At no charge! Amazing! I was astonished!

Gold tuners, offset sound hole, Wavy Mahogany/ Adirondack Red Spruce, Buzz Feiten system.

I played a few McPhersons at a local store and liked them but ordered the guitar that McPherson VP of Sales, Scott Twite recommended from Guitar Emporium in Louisville, KY.

Big sound, delicate, suttle, played it for 3 hours and it stayed in tune. Played everything from Wes Montgomery, Coltrane, The Beatles, Zeppelin, CSNY. Wow! Best Acoustic sound ever. I have the Buzz System in my Les Paul and Strat and it makes the McPherson stay intonated up and down the neck.

My playing style is delicate but very passionate. You can get every great acoustic sound you have ever heard.

The B and High E were a bit bright for a week and are warming up nicely.

I had Steve at Guitar Emporium put Elixer Light Gauge strings on the guitar before he shipped it to me. Plays great. I play a lot of slide and use the middle height bridge. NOTHING I cannot play on this guitar.

I like playing with a capo but my Taylor 914 C did not like capos. The McPherson LOVES the capo. Do not have to tune it after putting the capo on.

This guitar could be a touring guitar. I still have my 1972 Guild D35 that has been around the world a few times. The case the McPherson is without a doubt the best guitar case I own. Well built guitar.

I never gigged without a back up guitar but I would deem the McPherson very durable and reliable.

I can be a customer support nightmere. I am very picky and retentive. I really want to drive to Sparta and pick out the woods and have them build a guitar for me. I called to set it up and Scott told me they do not do that but he could interview me and ask about my playing style and "Nail" the guitar of my dreams over the phone.

Guess what? He did nail it. Very cool company. I spoke with Scott for 45 minutes and swapped a few emails asking questions. McPherson takes extensive photos of their guitars and Scott emailed me images of my future guitar.

Great Support!

I have been playing for 39 years. Have most of the guitars I have bought over the years. Own a Tayor, Guild, 59 Les Paul, 63 Strat, Santana I, Turner Model I.

Nothing to ask for or add to this guitar. NOTHING!

Best feature of this guitar is the playability. Not a dead note on the neck, stays in tune, big sound but every sutle guitar sound you have ever heard. LOVE this guitar.

I have played every big name guitar out there. This hands down SUPERIOR to my High End Taylor. Never been a Martin fan. Do not like their necks or action.

If lost or stolen, yes I would replace it. And, I pity the fool that even thinks about stealing it.

This Guitar is a combination of Carpathian Spruce on top and Madagascar Rosewood on the back and sides. The finish is by far the most complete finish I have seen on a premium guitar. the fit and finish is second to none. The Ameritage case is amazing-all the features expected but the seal on the case makes all the added features work.

I've owned premium Martins and Taylors and, in my opinion if you combine the sound of the two and multiply by at least 3, you get in the same zip code as the McPherson. The sound is consistent from low to high and very distictive. Pure is a good word.

Have I "slobbered" enough yet? Here goes some more...it was perfect. The three bone saddles that come with the guitar allow it to suit any and every style of play. Sweet to play.

I haven't had the guitar out of my house, but the instrument is solid, well constructed, built to last. Once tuned, it stays in tune. I'm "banging" on it reasonably hard with no slippage.

Amazing pre-sale support. They take no shortcuts. They flat out deliver on each and every promise. Haven't had need for any service or adjustments, but I am confident that if I do, they will be there.

McPherson guitars are simply the guitar of the future available now. I owned the brands above, and I played some of the big quality names (I'll leave for your imagination). Check out studio musicians and see what they're playing and you will quickly understand why I say that McPherson guitars are way ahead of their time.

Apart from the standard specs (Lawrence-McFadden finish, Schaller tuners, L.R. Baggs pickup, etc.) and accessories (Premium, and I do mean premium case, three bridges, built-in humidifier, etc.), my McPherson is a Redwood/Rosewood purchased in Feb. 2007. For no other reason than laziness, I have not bothered to post a review, but here goes.

Yes, Virginia, the McPherson sound is tremendous. Deep but balanced low end, penetrating but sweet high end. Just all-around great. Now, one thing must be said. There is no "perfect" acoustic guitar sound. Each acoustic can excel at one or a few things, but nothing will be everything to everyone. This is what I have found with the McPherson. I flatter myself to say I have a great sounding McPherson among already great sounding McPhersons, but I have one friend in particular who prefers a more woody tone and perhaps because he prefers Martins (and my Martin M3SC in particular), he feels this "woodiness" is what the McPherson "lacks". (I don't hear that, but he does.) With all that said, the ultimate critic is, of course, yourself. I have learned what the McPherson sound is . . . and it is exactly what I want: Tight, clean, and rich (I grew up on guitarists like Scott Dente and Phil Keaggy). I should also note that the first time other musician friends of mine (and those in the know) hear the McPherson, both acoustically and especially plugged in, they are floored. Frankly, it takes them by surprise that a plugged in acoustic guitar, often the bane of those who love the natural sound of acoustics, can sound so rich, so detailed, so full. I am not sure what else there is to say here, except that the McPherson is everything you have heard it is, but a select few might think it is a bit too sterile compared with other acoustics (that is, if those are VERY high end acoustics such as a Santa Cruz, Collings, etc.)

I ordered my McPherson directly from the factory, so it was set-up to my preference (Middle Height bridge, Medium gauge Phosphor Bronze Elixirs) -- a great touch. But the highlight was opening the case for the first time. I had looked at countless photos online, but opening the case for the first time blew away any photo I had seen. First, it was darker than I thought it would be and for some reason that made it cooler. Second, there were no nicks, smudges, etc., but I wouldn't expect that. Third, and perhaps most important, one strum told me I had found my guitar. I don't know how the bracing, woods, design, etc. combine to make such a beautiful sound but yowza! In fact, I asked a builder friend to "inspect" it when I got it (the same friend I mentioned earlier) and he remarked it looked like art. Not only was every corner of the instrument impeccably produced, it was stunning. The curves of the braces, the nuances of the headstock, everything was perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Regarding the reliability, I recently used it in a Christmas production and I never had to tune it. Yep, never. Three nights of playing and solid the whole time. Capo on, capo off, finger picking, bluegrass strumming, everything, and it never went squirrelly on me. Now THAT is solid.

I have never had a problem with anything on this guitar in owning it for about a year. I cannot see why anything on it would go bad. Regarding the company though, if I ever had any concern about something I fully believe they would handle it ASAP. They are great.

I have been playing for about 15 years, primarily using my guitars (Martin M3SC and McPherson 4.5) in worship leading, the occasional group performance (Christmas productions, etc.), and assorted live and recording gigs. I just plug in the McPherson to a Countryman Type 83 DI (which is also great) and I am set. In fact, at the Christmas performance I just played in the Sound Tech said he did not have to adjust anything. It sounded great straight into the board. Wow.
At this point I am not sure what else can be said. The McPherson is stunning visually -- it almost glows. It is rich and full and balanced. Before buying it (although I was leaning in the McPherson's direction from the beginning) I played Santa Cruzes, Breedloves, Collings's, etc. Some were very good, some kind of boxy, some kind of thin. The McPherson, however, is consistent. In fact I would say that is its strongest musical quality: consistency. All I do is play. At the end of the day, I suppose that is the greatest compliment I could pay. It just sounds fantastic every single time.

4.5 Redwood top and striped macassar ebony body.

I've been fortunate enough to play and test quite a few of the "name" acoustics and they all have their good points...but for my money...this is the single finest acoustic guitar on the planet...ever.

I believe someone else said 'museum quality'...yeah...that works. I almost cried when I opened the case.

Solid and beautiful.

The people...from the execs to the factory...are great.

I've been playing ~35 years...and have a lot of guitars and some special makes...but...give me my Eric Johnson strat and my McPherson acoustic...and I can leave the LP's, PRS's...etc..etc.

Finish
Lawrence-McFadden??? finish. Extremely durable yet retains tonal integrity of the wood while protecting the guitar from harmful elements.
Body Style
Cut Away Dreadnought
Tuners
Schaller M6GA (Gold finish)
Neck Scale

Fingerboard
Ebony

Fingerboard radius
14"

Inlay
Mother-of-Pearl inlay on head cap and in reverse on bridge plate.

Neck
Detachable, cantilevered Mahogany neck. Non-adjustable, unidirectional, high-modulus carbon fiber truss rod.

Neck Width
Standard width at nut: 1 3/4"
(A wider, 1 7/8??? option is also available)
Width at 12th fret: 2 5/32"

Scale length
25 1/2" (Measurement from nut to saddle)

Included Accessories
Case Custom, Ameritage???, hard shell case.
Includes a humidity control system.

Loads of case candy

Solid top
Built in LR Baggs electronics

Redwood/East Indian Rosewood
Top
Redwood

Back & Sides
East Indian Rosewood

Bridge and Headcap
Ebony

Binding
Flamed 'curly' Koa

Nut & Saddle
Natural Bone

Fingerboard
Ebony

The sound is amazing It is perfect. I lead worship and it is better than anything I've ever played. I have played a number of guitars and to say a little bit, my taylor 714ce is my backup guitar now.

One thing I really loved this last week is the tuning, I've noticed that it doesn't lose tuning but this past week I popped my G and the guitar stayed in tune. It was amazing!

The action as well is right on. They actually set it up with three different saddles for you. a high medium and low. I have the medium on right now and I can't imagine it being any lower. But they gurantee that you will not have any buzz with any of the saddles.

There were no flaws. I guess that's what you get when you purchase the Rolls Royce of guitars. It's hand made how can there be any flaws!

I play live all the time. The hardware is all top of the line and will be on my guitar probably until I die. Everything on this guitar is the best. If you buy one you won't disagree.

There is a Lifetime warranty on these guitars. If you ever have a problem just bring it to a local dealer and they'll fix it for you. I've spoken with the guy who oversees the warehouse as well as the VP of sales numerous times. They are both great stand up guys. Very helpfull.

I've been playing a little over 10 years. I own an old guild, and 2 Taylors as well as my McPherson. I've also played high end Martins, Gibsons, Breedloves, Avalons, and lowdens as well as the expensive Takamine's and Ovations. Nothing compares. If stolen or lost I would get a replaceement for sure. I have insurance that McPherson suggests to get so I would also not have to pay for my replacement. My favorite feature about this guitar would have to be the offset sound hole. It just looks so different, but sounds so much better. I don't even dislike anything about it. I compared it all over the board and just loved how it played and sounds. It is so much better than anything else out there.

My model is a 2005 made in the USA. It has a solid Bearclaw spruce top, Indian Rosewood sides and back, and Koa bindings around everything including the sound hole! There is only one control (volume) and it is tucked away in the sound hole, using the LR Baggs ribbon pick up that sounds great in this guitar. The case that came included with it is great. It is very tight and very well built. Couldn't ask for any more features than what comes with it already.

This guitar was bought over the internet site unseen from Acoustic Pro Musician in Lufkin, Tx. It was set up and ready to play as soon as I opened the case. I did not see any flaws in this guitar, even when looking inside with a light and mirror! No mess or anything inside, i was amazed. The outside was just as clean and well polished, what a finish.

I have owned this guitar for only a year, but travel with it continuously. My work takes me everywhere and i never leave home without my McPherson, I mean never! I did notice a few pick scratches starting to appear so i purchased some static cling material that worked perfect for a see through pick guard.(didn't want to cover up the beautiful wood!) The strap buttons came attached and are just fine after a year of steady playing. I think this guitar will last me many years of very satisfied playing.

The only dealings with the company was the call I recieved from them after I bought the guitar. They actually called to make sure I was satisfied, wow!

I have been playing for a little over 10 years and have owned several guitars. Right now I have my McPherson, a Telecaster, and my first guitar a Takemine EG-330. I play through a Crate acoustic 125D and a Fender Delux 112 when I get a chance to. Mostly unplugged in a small setting with just friends. If this guitar was stolen, man I don't want to even think about that! This is by far the best guitar I have ever played, and I looked for a very long time. With all the traveling I do, I got to look at a lot of equipment in many guitar stores all over the country, I found many very nice guitars but glad I decided to get this one.