Product: Baker B1 59 Series
Price Paid: US $2700
Submitted
10/25/2000
at
08:43pm
by
Peter Cotsis
Email: peter at patentcad<dot>com
Features
:
10
2000 Baker B-1, hand-built in USA at Baker factory. Mahogany back, flame maple top (carved). Dark cherry sunburst. 22 frets, volume and two tone controls, three way toggle. Two Duncan '59 humbuckers. Dense Brazilian fretboard with gorgeous mother of pearl trapezoid inlays. Non locking Les Paul style tuners. Guitar comes with substantial hardshell case.
The guitar has flawless ivory binding around the body and neck, very rare these days even amongst the priciest boutique builders.
Sound
:
10
Easily the best tone I've heard this side of a Les Paul historic, but more detailed. The thick body gives the guitar incredible low end punch. The best way I can describe the guitar is a PRS Custom 22 laid over a '59 Les Paul. This guitar has the '59 series package which includes '59 Duncan humbuckers and LP style tuners and black LP style headstock. The guitar looks like a double cutway LP Historic.
It's hard to come up with proper superlatives to praise the tone of this guitar, but suffice it to say that the only guitar I own that is in its league are a $4000 Les Paul '59 sunburst reissue.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Plays like a dream. Utterly without a flaw. The best quality I have ever seen from a small boutique builder. Just outstanding.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This guitar looks like a rock, I anticipate no problems.
Customer Support
:
10
Baker is a tiny company. The owner answers his own email. My guess is that you'll get personal support from this company for many years.
Overall Rating
:
10
I'd say that this guitar is the best guitar that I've seen from a small boutique builder. You will be hearing from Baker.
