Product: Brook Guitars Torridge 010
Price Paid: US $3000
Submitted
01/06/2005
at
02:03pm
by
Alan Hodge
Email: alhodge<at>myway dot com
Features
:
10
2004
12 frets to body, 19 total
Solid Sitka Spruce top
Solid Indian Rosewood back & sides
Wood binding (I believe walnut)
Herringbone purfling and rosette
Mahogany neck w/ebony faceplate, slim profile
Slotted headstock
Ebony fretboard & bridge
24.75" scale
44mm nut width
Hiscox hardshell case
Sound
:
10
I've never heard a tone quite like this guitar. It has a bell-like sweetness that gets better as you move up the neck. Truly beautiful. Very clean highs & lows with nicely balanced midrange. This is a guitar that sounds wonderful strummed, but shines as a fingerstyle box. It also generates more sound than you'd think from a 00 sized guitar.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
Fit & finish is superb. The woods are gorgeous and craftsmanship is exceptional. One area that Brook excels at is the setup. The action on this guitar is ultra-low for an acoustic, but absolutely no buzzing whatsoever. This makes it a dream to play. Intonation is perfect over the entire neck, as is the fretwork. It doesn't get any better than these guys.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I've only had the guitar for a short time, but it's obvious that it's well built. Although small, it does have a solid feel to it. With the right case, I'd definitely take it on the road and believe it would be highly dependable. If I HAD to do a gig without a backup, I'd have high confidence with the Torridge. (No way I'm not having a backup!)
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Haven't had the need to contact Brook yet, so no opinion here.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing for 29 years, but haven't gigged for some time now. I'm currently working on repertoire for solo performance. The Brook will definitely be involved. Currently, I have 6 electics and the Torridge. Will be picking up a Taylor for slide playing. If the Brook was stolen or lost, I'd be very upset as it would currently take about ten months to replace it! That said, I'd have my order in pronto. The things I love most about this guitar are the tone, the perfect setup right out of the box, and the fabulous intonation over the whole neck. Also, the sheer playability of the guitar. It's hard to find this kind of quality all in one package for less than $5000. Although Brooks have gotten a bit expensive lately ($2000 a couple of years ago, now $3000), I believe they are certainly worth the money. While not being the awesome deal they once were, you cannot find a better built guitar at any price. Three grand for a handmade guitar still ain't too bad...
