Baker B1

Classic dual humbucker, mah/maple cap hardtail, 22 frets. You know the rest. Was build in 2001. This is no Ed Roman Baker, thank God.

It has what I want.

Simply great. I play blues mostly. I may put Tom Holmes pickups to see if it can be even better.

Superb after all those years. Low action no buzzing. A joy to look at. Sunburst, not flashy yet elegant.

Looks as durable as a Les Paul would be. Nice solid guitar.

It is a great pity that Ed Roman Baker guitars are reviewed here. It's like reviewing Ferrari and Lada together.

By the way, Ferrari, Jaguar, Bentley, and other prestigious car brands have been sold to makers of cheaper cars, yet those new buyers have made every effort to preserve the excellence of those marques. Enter Ed Roman, who in 2003 purchased Baker Guitars USA. Instead of preserving the unique quality of those guitars, about a thousand built at the time, he set out to bastardize the Baker name for a quick buck. Baker guitars are now built in Asia without pride and sold no longer as a top-quality instrument but as a cheap succedaneum. No surprise, it's Ed Roman. The only favorable review of an Ed Roman Baker in this reviews has clearly been written by Ed. He does that habitually. He has to. Real reviewers of his guitars are usually so incensed and angry at having paid thousands for a badly made guitar dressed to look luxurious with a gaudy maple cap -- monkeys in silk -- that write the most damning (and funny) reviews of Ed Roman guitars. Check it out for a laugh.

Gene Baker still makes great guitars on the quiet; it must be all the more irritating to see his name and brand being dragged in the dirt by a guitar cowboy. Imagine Enzo Ferrari, seeing his name on an abomination on wheels with only the shape of what use to be his cars. That's how Gene Baker must feel when he sees an Ed Roman Baker guitar.

There is none.

I've been playing for decades. I have Giffin, Rowan, and Scogo guitars and this Baker is up there with them. Another jewel in the crown. If it got stolen I would pay a gypsy queen to curse the thieves, their families and all their friends for eternity.

2001 California (Santa Maria) model. 22 Frets. Bound Carved Maple AAAA Top (binding is almost a lost art now a days because it takes extra time). Two Tone and Two Volume with 3 Way Switch. H/H With DiMarzio Virtual Vintage PAF's. Passive Electronics. Mahogany Body and Neck. Aged Cherry Burst finish (First class all the way). Baker B1 body style that is a double cut away (unique in its own right). It has an Bound Ebony Fretboard with step block inlays and Bound Headstock with Ebony Overlay, and inlaid Baker Logo. This is a nice feature that my research shows were only put on 39 of the 315 guitars that were made in 2001. TonePro's bridge and stopbar. Grover Rotomatics tuners. Buzz Feiten tuning system. Dunlop 6155 Jumbo fret wire. Top quality controls (pots) and jacks and switches. Rear cover plate is fit so custom that it looks like the piece would not come out without prying on it with a crowbar, but yet it drops out like it was falling from the clouds. Standard C shape neck which sounded to be large and fat, but was actually quite nice... Not too thin and not too fat but just right. 24.625 Scale. Came with a hard shell case.

I tried a few of my favorite blues passages and right away I could tell that this guitar was it. Then I tried some AC/DC hard rock just to see how the Mahogany body went with that sound, and it kicked azz. Next I strummed some chords, and the rich full tone was unbelievable. I tried it on both a Fender Blues Deluxe amp., and a Marshall which were both great sounding (and I mean REALLY great). It has quiet pickups. The sound was the best I have ever heard from a Dual Humbucking guitar. These guitars are modeled after the Fat Rich Les Paul tone. And they beat the sound of ANY Les Paul that I have ever heard hands down (and I've owned them all). I have yet to find a dislike on the guitar, and the quality and workmanship are second to none.

This guitar was new original stock that was 4 years old. The setup was perfect. It has a nice low action with no fret buzz. Here is the best part. It has the absolutely BEST book matched Quilted Maple top that I have ever seen. No glue marks or runs and build ups on the finish either. Ever look at some High End Les Paul's? Let me tell you that they don't hold a candle to these guitars. And that goes for PRS tops as well (I've had both of these guitars as well). It has perfectly dressed frets. Again the detail and care that went into making this guitar is absolutely out of this world.

This guitar is rock solid. I believe that it will last a life time. Good strap buttons, and an excellent deep finish. Only reason to have a back up for this beauty is because you break a string and need to keep on rocking.

Gene Baker is an excellent support person. Although his company is not in business, and it is in the process of being reborn as Fine Tuned Instruments LLC. He will always answer email and/or phone questions about both past and present works. Also I believe that warranty is limited life time.

I have been playing over 35 years. I own, or have owned, top of the line Gibson, Fender, and PRS guitars. This is the best darn guitar for the money period. It is a little pricey, but once you look at the features. You quickly realize that it is actually undervalued for what you get. Then when you play it for a few days, you instantly fall in love with it. Where my fingers would get fumbled up on other guitar necks. They seem to fall right into place on this one. It's kind of weird in a way. It doesn't seem like it would play as good as it does; because the neck has a large radius for my taste (or so I thought). But I guess that is the method in Gene's madness. It just seems to flow with your movement, and you fingers just always land at the right position to make the perfect sound without having to fight (or even think about it). It's like magic!!! If this guitar were stolen or lost I don't know how it could ever be replaced. It is literally a one of a kind guitar. Sure I could buy another Baker (and I would immediately), but there would not be another exactly like this one available. Especially with the low serial number. Every thing about this guitar just reeks of quality. Master builder Gene Baker knows how to put together a guitar. If you have a chance to pick up one of these guitars, then don't run, but FLY to get it... You'll be glad you did.

I have 2 Baker B1 guitars. Anyone interested in the features of their Baker guitars can go to http://meangene.org/ and find out everything they wanted to know about their instruments just by using their serial number. Information available includes:
Comp Date, Serial #, Model, Body Wood, Tops, Body Bind, Electronic's, Pickups, Knobs, Hardware, Bridge, Other, Neck Wood, Neck Shape, Fretboard, Scale, # Frets, Radius, Nut Width, Butt Width, Fret, Inlay, Board Bind, Head Bind, Overlay, Logo, Tuners, Color Name, Back Color.
In summary, mine are mahogany with carved maple tops (AAAA) and rosewood fingerboards, with 2 DiMarzio Virtual Vintage PAF pickups. One is an Antique Burst (Quilted) and the other is a Natural (Flame). Both are beautiful instruments in terms of not only looks, but also sounds and playability. Both were made in 2001.
I'm rating the features a 10 based on quality of the features, not quantity. I have other guitars with more features.

While both guitars are made of the same woods and have the same pickups, each has its own individual character. The Flamed Natural gives a tighter, bouncier, honkier sound when unplugged. The Quilted is rounder and smoother. The first one seems to emphasize mids very nicely. I ended up setting is with 11-52 strings, so that will also have an effect on its sound. I use 10s on the quilted.
Actually, it was Gil Vasquez (Gene's partner) who set up my guitar with 11-52 strings, and added a coil-splitting option too, free of charge. Both guitars work well through a variety of amps (6L6GC, E34L, zenTera, EL84, etc.), and pedals (too many to mention). I have used these guitars to play Blues/Blues-Rock/Hard Rock, etc. Some examples include AC/DC, Guns n' Roses, Allman Brothers, Santana, Great White, Eric Clapton (Bluesbreakers), etc. I've even used it for some Ozzy/Randy Rhoads songs :-)

Everything is perfect. There was a problem with a volume knob when the guitar arrived. It was fixed free of charge by Baker, and a coil-splitting option was also added as mentioned above.

I haven't had any problems with these guitars, and don't foresee any problems. If anything, they sound better with each passing year.

Amazing customer support. The company's superb support was not limited to Gene. Gil, Jennifer, and the rest of the people there were great. Gene once answered a question I had by sending me a very long, detailed email with the information I wanted and with more information that turned out to be very useful. The question had to do with some other musical equipment, and had nothing to do with guitars. I was really impressed that Gene took the time to help me out with so much information. Support from all of them was superb.
It's a shame that Ed Roman's "Baker" guitars are reviewed in the same space as Baker guitars. Each time I have talked to Ed Roman I have ended up buying my guitars elsewhere.

I've been playing for 18 or 19 years. Prior to getting the Baker I checked out some Gibson and Heritage guitars. I actually cancelled an order for a Gibson Les Paul Custom (after playing it along with a Standard and a Studio) and decided to get the Baker B1 instead. I don't think the Baker Crucible was available at the time. I almost purchased a GMP (Pawn Shop Deluxe) but the dealer did not return my phone call and GMP never answered my emails. In terms of sound and playability I liked the Baker more than the other guitars I compared it to. Unlike the Gibsons I tried, the Baker stays in tune after bending the strings ;-)
I liked my first B1 so much that I ended up getting another B1. I think that says it all.
As a side note, I would NEVER buy a "Baker" from Ed Roman. I think that also says a lot. He may have the rights to the "Baker" name, but that does not mean his "Baker" guitars are anywhere near the quality of the real Baker guitars built by Gene, Gil, and their team. As a matter of fact, the only positive comments I've read about the Roman line come from the poster below. By checking out the information at http://meangene.org/ people will be able to determine whether their Bakers are the real thing or the Roman version.

My new Baker B-1 guitar is from Ed Roman's production line, and is made in japan. 24 Jumbo Frets, full body and neck binding, MOP crown inlays, ebony fret board, single volume knob, and 2 tone knobs (both with coil taps), dual baker humbuckers, 3 way selector switch, Grover tuners, and a tune-o-matic bridge, matching quilted headstock. The body is a mahogany back with the most beautiful quilted maple top I've ever seen. The neck is deep set and made from quartersawn mahogany. I'm rating a 9 because it came with a plastic nut. Hard shell case was extra, but for the price, I'm not complaining.

Killer sustain. With the taps, you can virtually get any sound you want. The neck is a dream. Many people have told me that this guitar feels more balanced than a PRS.

Before Roman sends orders out the door, they are all set up. Finish is flawless, top is amazing, and all of the electronics work properly.

I'm a hobbiest and have never played live with it. More dependable than my Ibanez JEM. I've only had it for 3 months and haven't noticed any flaws with the finish.

Everone knows of Ed Roman. When I called on new year's eve, Ed himself answered and was a very helpful, and patient salesman. We talked about other similar guitars, i.e. JET, PRS, Quicksilver, etc. for about 30-45 minutes, and not once did he try to pressure me to buy a more expensive brand, or try to get me off the phone. He was very informative and professional.

I want another one! For the price, and features, PRS can't touch these guitars. Yes, PRS are made in the USA, but I'd rather pay 1/2 the price for a Japanese CNC guitar, than to pay for a CNC American made PRS. With all of the money I saved, I was able to purchase a 65 Delux Reverb!

Baker Guitars has been purchased by Ed Roman Guitars/ www.edromanguitars.com Ed has promised on his website to lower the price AND improve quality. A new one can be had for just over $1K . I believe he has plans to make offer some Korean and/or Japanese made Bakers at a lower cost. I have no affiliation with Ed Roman guitars, just relaying info from his wbsite.

2001 Baker B1 with "59" control layout, 2 vol/ 2 tone knobs, and 3 way PU switch. It has a carved, bookmatched quilt maple top, mahogany back and neck. Matching maple headstock veneer, Schaller roto tuners. Ebony fretboard, abalone inlays, neck, headstock and body binding. The neck joins the body at the 20th fret on the bass side and the 21st (out of 22) fret on the treble side, which, along with a good heel design, gives great upper fret access if you need it. The neck has a 12" radius, is 24.625" scale, and has a long tenon that can be seen between the neck PU and the end of the fingerboard. The nut is delrin, which is great! Two Seth Lover pickups. TOM bridge and ABR 1 Tone Pros stop tail, both with set screws, also a great feature. The case and guitar each got a hang tag, also included were a COA, warranty card, straplocks, and a Baker sticker. Also came with "skrench" and allen key tools. Also, the bouts below the waist are offset/assymmetrical, making for great balance when playing. Thin poly finish. And of course, the Buzz Feiten tuning system.

Works great for rock, blues, pretty much everything except "very bright telecaster", "korn biscuit distortion" or "nailing SRV". I can't really do a good Dick Dale impression with it either - I think you know what I mean. Smooth, rich humbucker sound that can cover a good range of territory. Sounds good through just about any amp. I also think the Buzz Feiten deal is a nice touch - something you have to hear to experience.

My favorite thing about this guitar is the playability. Within ten minutes of dragging the box inside from shipping, I was playing this guitar with more ease than I had ever experienced on any other guitar -- I am still amazed at how well this thing plays. The setup was GREAT right out of the box - nut, frets and intonation were all spot on -- almost like a broken in baseball glove but brand new.
THe top wood is very pretty and perfectly bookmatched, nice back wood and nice wuatersawn neck, no real finish flaws, almost everything is perfect EXCEPT --
on the bass side of the neck binding, I guess at the factory, a few chunks of binding were taken off somehow - maybe with fret snips or the edge of a buffing wheel, or whatever. DOesn't affect playability, but for this price that shouldn't be happening.
Also, the bridge was installed too close to the tail piece. ALL of the saddles need to be adjusted so close to the front of the bridge that ALL of the strings touch the rear of the bridge. I'll never be able to crank the tail piece all the way down without either top wrapping or getting the bridge moved. Luckily, intonation isn't affected, but it's a close call. I'm glad I don't mind playing with the tail piece all the way up, but I know this would really piss some people off. For playability, I give the guitar two thumbs, eight fingers and a pick WAY UP, but I have to give this bridge issue THE FINGER.
Points off for bridge placement/binding chunks.

Seems rock solid and should outlive me. THe only thing I've noticed are a couple of hairline fingerboard cracks between the 17th/18th and 19th/20th frets. I've tried to oil the board a few times a year, especially during the dry New Jersey winters, but sometimes this happens to ebony no matter how well it's installed and cared for. Hasn't caused buzzes and the cracks haven't gotten any larger since they appeared so it should be an easy fix.

They have been out of business for over a year. For fairness' sake, they were repairing the bridge issue under warranty before they went under. I procrastinated because I was a little paranoid about shipping it cross country, and I didn't know this was covered for long before they folded.

Been playing about 14 years. If the guitar were lost I'd try to hunt another down. I want another one, and I hope the company is reborn under a new name.
Back in their heyday, they offered almost every option under the sun, except Strat/Tele style pickups.
In spite of my complaints above, I really love this thing. I miss it if I don't play it, it's great to look at, and it sounds great. It's got a great "feel" to it; it just feels "right", a nice extra intangible that inpires confidence during playing.

My Baker B1 was probably made in 2001 according to the Baker's homepage, has a 22 frets finger borad with clown type of position marks. Pick up is Duncan 59(two humbakers) and has Gibson Les paul type of switch. AAAA Flame on top and the color is called "Trans Amber". A body is made by beautiful mahogany with carved top finish and Flet board is rose! Grover pegs and schaller roto type bridge.

I like the sound of my B1! I was so amaized by very rich full sustain sounds it gives me. I hear many of us comparing the sounds with Gibson Les Paul but it probably sounds more like PRS. I have to giveit up to 10 full score on this beacuse of the rich tone with full sustain.... it's almost like a magic!

Very smooth and easy fingering! Perfect! Easy access to the 22nd fret position!

I haven't played my B1 on my gigs yet. But I am sure there won't be no problem.

I haven't really had any problem before and it probably never will. Gene sounds like a great guy and he is always willing to support other Baker guitar owners.

I have been playing since I was 13 years and it's been almost 20 some year from now. I love the features, looks, sounds, actions and nothing I hate. I would strongly recommend buying Baker Guitars if you have a choice..... It's very rare to find one since Baker's out of business already though. If you have a chance, you should get it or otherwise, please let me know!

This is a 2003 Baker B1 solidbody, mahogany neck/body, AAAAA quilted maple top, rosewood fingerboard, 25.5" scale, 22 frets. It has 3 controls, 2 vol, 1 tone. Pickups are DiMarzio Virtual Vintage/Airzone humbuckers. Bridge is Tone Pros TOM, really an excellent design. Neck is standard "C" shape, and guitar came with Buzz Feiten system (I wish every guitar would). I only give it a 9 because it has the 3 knob layout and I wish I could have gotten the 4 (which I could have if I had ordered custom but I bought it stock from the store, so had to go with the standard 3 knob). Came with case and tools. I'd like to eventually add an RMC acoustic piezo bridge as well, but we'll see.

I play blues and jazz mostly, but recently have gotten into heavier stuff like Dream Theater, etc. I run through a tubescreamer, Mesa V-Twin and into a Carvin 212 tube amp and a Mesa Road King. It is dead quiet in any setting, has a very full, somewhat dark sound. It is quite versatile, though the coil taps are not great, in my opinion. I think this is due more to the pickups than anything. I am not a fan of these VV pickups and may swap them out. They sound a bit too dark for me on this guitar, and the coil taps are almost useless. Having said that, this guitar sounds and plays phenomenal. I feel that, with the right pickups, it could be just unbelievable. In spite of the fact that the pickups are not my favs, I'll give it an easy 10 because the guitar itself has the sound in it. Will blow away almost any other guitars on the market. Paul Reed who?

Fantastic setup, and it had been in the store for a while (Wild West Guitars - Thanks, Bo!). Top is unbelievable. Puts any other top I've seen to shame. Not a single flaw (and I definitely looked!).

I have no qualms about the durability of this guitar. Should last a long time - and I bought it to play. Guitars of this caliber are meant to be played, not to sit on a stand in someone's bedroom. I wouldn't use ANY guitar without a backup, but I also have my Tom Anderson Hollow Drop Top Classic, so with the two guitars can cover just about any musical base, and have a backup at the same time.

Unfortunately, Baker just got bought out by another company. But in all my communication with Gene, he was nothing less than stellar and very very helpful (I'm still talking to him, in fact!).

If this was stolen, I would get another one with the insurance from this one! It truly is a work of art, but one that is meant to be used. Fantastic guitar. I bought sight unseen, and only would do that based on a REALLY strong reputation (and, it helps that Wild West had a 48 hour trial period). I could not be happier that I did.

Before I tell you about the features, let me just say this:
This guitar costs about $2,800, and blows away the korina McNaught
I spent $4,500 on before I found the Baker. The McNaught obviously
had good sound, but considering the price differential the McNaught
should smoke the Baker. The opposite was true. The Baker sings like
no other guitar I have ever owned, and I've been playing since
about 1970. In fact, I've only ever played one other guitar that
came close and that was a 1957 LP jr.

Baker B1, 2001 or 2002 model serial #322, made in U.S.A. 22 frets,
AAAA flamed maple top in Tequilla Sunrise, 2 humbuckers, 2 volume
controls, 1 tone control with coil tap for the neck p.u., 3 way
togle, mahogany body and neck, brazillian rosewood fretboard,
Buzz Feiten tuning system, tone pro bridge system, HS case included.
The only reason I didn't rate the features at ten was because I
would have liked a coil tap option for the bridge PU as well.

Despite the 10+ flamed top and overall beauty of the B1, the sound
is THE best thing about this instrument. I can't rate it highly
enough. I've owned Gibson, Fender, McNaught, PRS, Moonstone, Warrior
and others, but this guitar has the best sound I've heard in my budget. You can tell before you even plug it in that the guitar has
superior resonance and sustain. When you plug it in things just get
better.

I hate to keep picking on the McNaught, which again, is obviously a
fine instrument, but the $4,500 McNaught I owned came from the
dealer with action that was too low, causing bad fret buzz up around
the 12th or 14th fret. The buzz was very localized and would have
likely required some additional fret work to properly eliminate. The
$2,800 Baker was .... you guessed it, perfect.

This is obviously a guitar that will be pampered, but the hardware,
finish etc. are all proven and state-of-the-art. I have no concerns
about this guitar's reliability or durability.

I've owned the guitar for less than two days and can't offer an
opinion yet.

I've been playing for 30+ years and currently own a 1980 Moonstone
Vulcan Deluxe, an Ibanez Satriani model, two Carvin Steve Vai Legacy
2 x 12 combos and a Digitech RP2000 processor.

If my Baker B1 were lost or stolen, replacing it would be a must.

Gene Baker, if you ever read this, thank you! I've been looking for
this guitar for a long time, my search is over.

B1 Honey burst, #61 of 100 built for Namm (with medalion). Mine has 3 knobs (vol, vol, tone), no split coil knob, and Dimarrzio air buckers. Gibson scale, and LP tone and then some! The quality and precision just leaps out at you the moment you get within a few feet of it...pick it up...and you have to have one! They are the most fantastic instruments, and absolute piece of art!

This Guitar (and all the other Bakers I have tried) are flabergasting! I play blues, and each minor movement of a tone or volume or pickup selector knob yields exactly what I hear in my head when I imagine the ultimate Humbucker tone. Instantly familiar, never muddy, clean, clear, and ringing as long as you let it. I have never tried a Humbucker/LP style guitar that can touch it, and I have tried to like many of them.

Quality of build, finish, setup, fretwork, electronics, wood selection, etc are unsurpassed anywhere. For example; some old PRS have similar feel and finish of quality, the fretwork is on par (or better)than Grosh and Suhr, and I have never played a Gibson that comes anywhere close (I have never played a 50's Les Paul, and certainly can't afford one).

This is a tried and true recipe. It's such top quality, I have no reliability/durability concerns whatsoever.

No experience.

I have been playing for about 20 years. I own about 10 electric guitars, and generally prefer single coils (G&Ls are my favorite), but this guitar is as special as they come. I sold a PRS Artist I to get it, and have not the slightest remorse. The PRS sat in it's case, and I can't stop playing the Baker. Now I am jonesing to get a long scale one...maybe with ebony...or hollow....OH BOY!

Body: Mahogany with 1/2" carve maple top, AAAA Quilt
Cream binding on body and neck
Color: "Binge Cherry" ...though my girlfriend says it looks more like a "Tiger Cherry" so that's what I call it.
Electronics: 2 volume, 1 tone, 3/way switch, coil tap (coil split?)
Gold Bells, Schaller strap locks, Tonepro stop/tail (check 'em out...they lock onto the the body so even if all of your strings are off, you can pick up the guitar by the stop). www.tonepros.com, I think.
Serial number 324. Completed 11/24/2001
Ebony fretboard
Buzz Feiten Tuning system.
Here's a new one...nut made of Delrin--no more "cracking/slipping" sounds when you tune your strings.
22 Fret 12 radius, 6155 fret, 24.625" scale
Gold-pearl "Baker Crown" inlays
Schaller Roto tuners
Perfectly playable...from jazz to southern rock to metal-crunching, knock your ass off.
When I played the first Baker, it was clear that I was going to buy one...the difficult part was deciding on which one...I tried about 20 Bakers before I chose this one. The consistency was right-on. Every one had its own personality and was impossible to put down. I chose this one because I needed a solid body with ebony fingerboard, and I liked the red color.

This thing is hot. It cost me a lot of money, though, because it made me buy a better amp because my old amp was no longer cutting it! But that's a good thing...it revived my commitment to top-quality sound, because in the end, it's just you, your guitar, and an amp up there on stage. Every portion needs to be the best. To be honest, I was getting a bit disheartened by a lot of the instruments on the market before I found Baker.

The two hums with the coiltap make it very versatile. No tuning problems...sometimes I hit very hard, so that's always a concern...the Baker stays in tune. I love to play this guitar, and I feel confident in knowing I have the best product out there on the market.

Top quality. A job well-done. A lot of mass-produced guitars are just "sound boxes." The craftsmanship that goes into producing a fine *instrument* is several cuts above. Although it rocks, thrashes, and shreds, the Baker is really a fine instrument at heart. It is a truly superb example of 2000's guitarbuilding, and as I've learned about every little detail that goes into its production, I've realized that the Baker is truly a step above even most other high-end instruments. I began studying classical guitar at age three, so I still have a traditional approach to playing music (at heart), and I appreciate it when an instrument maker is able to incorporate master-level building into a functional, practical instrument.

Oh my gosh, yes! Very durable and reliable. I hate to put it in its case. Sometimes I'm not sure that I even need a case for it...I'd just as well be playing it. Gene Baker really knows what he's doing.

Before I bought the guitar I researched the company and its guitars. I then played about a dozen Bakers at concert volume and decided that it was the guitar for me. When it came down to deciding on the final instrument, I rented a studio, and Gene Baker came down with about 8 of his newest builds, and I thrashed on them for the morning at peak volume. I chose mine because it had an ebony fingerboard, cream binding, a solid body, and I liked the color. I would have done well with any of the instruments, but this one made sense for me. I have gone back to the Baker website dozens of times since, and I noticed that it's being constantly updated...a nice thing to see as the company develops into what I hope will be one of the giants of the guitar world!

Gene has serviced and built guitars for the tops of the tops including some of my favorites: Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Robben Ford, Lenny Kravitz. But whatever he's done in the past, he's definitely got his act together in looking forward to build a name for himself. I feel comfortable playing Gene's instruments, largely because I have had the pleasure of working with him directly and witnessing his passion for guitars and rock. He is a great guy and is clearly knowledgeable as a player...he wrote a guitar instruction book when he was very young. I feel that there are a lot of top-notch builders out there, and I don't take anything away from them when I play Baker's instrument. But on the other hand, when it's just me and my rig up on stage, in the studio, or even in rehearsal, I absolutely need to *know* that my equipment is going to perform (and it doesn't hurt that it looks good, either). When I played the Baker, it made me appreciate quality again...just as when I played my first Gibson after years of playing s**t guitars. It takes my playing to another level, and it's definitely a guitar I can grow into and with. I look forward to how it will mature as an instrument and how the wood will harden over time and with thousands of hours of playing. It's been awesome so far, and it's only getting better...

Hi It's MikeN of the old Forum here and I WOULD NOT LIE TO YA BRETHREN, This guitar is the shit!!!! Can I say that? Oh Well ..WebMaster Scott forgive me.... I'm in guitar heaven here. Mine is a B1 made in Santa Maria CA, USA by "Mean" Gene Baker. It has a AAAA carved Flame Maple Top. Body is solid mahogany. This is a "Custom" guitar all the way, but it's genious is it's simplicity I believe. 2 DiMarzio matched Air Buckers are the pickups, and are bells...NO GLASS BELLS. Great pickups! It has 2 volume, one tone knob and a 3 way switch...simple but beautiful. Comes with the Buzz Fieten tuning sytem, and after having it I don't want to go back! The Bridge system is the best in the biz... a Nashville TonePro see, www.tonepros.com. Better than the system on a Gibby! Mine has a Rosewood board on a Mahogany neck. Shape is described by Gene, as Small C .820/.920... I describe it as like an old 57 LP neck. Guitar is body and fretboard bound in white. This one is a Tobacco sunburst. I got in under the first 100 in serial # with a 072!!!! Gonna be TOOOOOOOO COOOOOOOL one day! The coolest thing about the neck to me is the fret markers ...untraditional...yes...beautiful...yes....Do I love em....yes! The fret markers are bluegreen abalone in squares that are in the upper top edge of the fret ...not in the middle. ...offset to the top of the fretboard...new thinking is good! See em at www.bakerguitars.com. Tuners- Grover Rotomatic Tuners the MasterLock of Tuners in my opinion...you could shoot em and they'd stillstay in tune! Can you tell I'm in love yet? Hardware is nickle, pickups are black, rings are creme, and the knobs are gold bells. Finish is Urethane and appears to be many many top coats cause it Gleams like a lighthouse! OK enough...How does it play ...Better than all that I said times 10! I'm gonna say tons of features cause all the features are so GOOD!

If this guitar doesn't suit you in any category... you need a full physical immediatly. I have recently been playing it through a Johnson Marquis JM60 miked into a PA. This is an experiment and don't know how long the trusty Fender Hot Rod Deville w/Marshall half comes back out.Any amp would be made better with this axe plugged into it! I use a TubeScreamer and a CryBaby Wah and that's all. Monter Rock cables do all the connecting. I absolutely love this axe..can't put it down. You know when you pick up an electric guitar and play it unplugged and it sounds amazing you got a good un as we say in the south!

PERFECTION IN ALL AREAS. Came out of the case in tune and perfectly intonated. Pickups adjusted by the master himself so they are perfect. This guitar has no flaws in any way! You guys gotta drop them PRS' and grab a Baker..I aint gettin paid for this by the way...I just love someone to come along and make a better guitar. Gene Baker did it and you need to know about it!

GIG, Travel...sling it , slap it, spank it, squeeze it, spin it, and occasionaly I play the hell out of it for hours and hours non stop . I haven't had a guitar that I couldn't put down since I got my 1968 ES335 Gibson last year.And the Taylor 810 earlier last year. I have Les Pauls, Strats, Teles, And other Boutique guitars ( for sale) now. This is all of a sudden #1 and I do believe church,,,,Gonna stay that way!

Dealing with Gene Baker or the folks at Wild West Guitars is like dealing with brothers. Repair...wont need it..Warranty ...life of the original owner! They are sure of these bad ass dudes aren't they! Totally cool people like us..players.. but they turned into masterbuilders to make a better moustrap and have built the best electric guitar in many years!

Best guitar for under 4-5 grand on the market.. bar none....You should jump on before the price shoots to the moon...cause that's where it deserves to be...New Company...underpriced in my opinion....but they need to move units and build rep. Don't wait too long. Word is at least here in my kneck of the woods, the greatest guitarists in the south are ordering or wanting out of other contracts as soon as possible so they can order. Cats in Nashville are ordering. Check out Toby Kieth's Band, all electric guitars are soon to be Baker's!..it wont be long before these babies are double and still worth every penny! Tell em Mike in Macon, GA sent ya!!!!!! And I still aint getting paid...or free guitars, or compensation in any way.. I'm just preachin the truth brothers and sisters!!!!!!

This guitar is a creation of master builder Gene Baker who's roots extend through Gibson's and Fender's custom shops, (check Baker Guitars website for the whole story). Built in 1999 it is a solid body constructed identically to a Historic Gibson Les Paul, extended neck tenon under the neck pickup, 17 degree headstock angle, holly veneer over headstock. The B1 departs from the Gibson Historic when it comes to body shape, wood selection, and attention to finish detail. The wood quality is superb, light Honduras mohagany for the body and neck, Brazilian rosewood for the fretboard, and a beautiful very tightly and totally flamed bookmatched body finished in amber natural. The body has a belly cut on the back and a PRS like shape with an extended upper horn which lends itself to a very balanced instrument when strapped on. Electronics consist of two Dimarzio Air Classics, two volume controls, one tone control, and a traditional Les Paul three way toggle switch.

A builder with Gene's experience knows that when the lights go out all that's left is the tone. The volume of instruments that Baker produces allows him to hand select the wood and caress it together to form a resonant machine. No assembly line can produce 10 out of 10 resonant guitars like Gene can, 1 out of 10 maybe. This B1 has a 25.5 inch scale length, he will build whatever scale length you want. This longer scale length has earned my B1 the nickname "shred paul". The attack and solidity of the wound strings will really push your amp. Back off on the picking and traditional Les Paul tones flow with a little more sparkle and harmonics probably due to the scale length and the Brazilian board. The best way to describe the tone of the B1 would be an extended range 59 reissue Les Paul. No mushy bass from the neck position and harmonic dimension from a PAF wind pickup in the bridge position.

The best way to describe the action, fit, and finish is to compare the B1 to a mid eighties PRS. They both are the epitome of solid body guitar making at it highest level. Today PRS builds too many instruments to capture the resonant woods and applies their finish very thickly for a super gloss look which damps the tone. Baker's finish is gorgeous and actually falls into the flames due to it's thinness. The B1's fretwork and fingerboard feel as if they have been played for years, burnished, very nice.

Les Paul's are still around from the fifties, Baker's are no different.

Gene responds to any question. Very cool customer oriented gentleman, everyone is treated as if they were a star.

Baker guitars are a relatively new entity from a very experienced builder. These early guitars posses the spirit and art of the master builder. They are exceptional in not only form, function, and finish, but also value. PRS private stocks start at $10000 and paul doesn't even build them. A Baker can be had for less than a Historic Gibson and given time will probably appreciate.