Product: Mermer Guitars Autumn Star
Price Paid: US see website - price depends on specs.
Submitted
07/19/2004
at
12:24pm
by
Bart & Janice
Email: bhovis<at>primary dot net
Features
:
No Opinion
The Autumn Star is a new model that Rich created in response to a request by my wife and I for a medium size steel string that would excel at both fingerstyle and flatpicking. Sizewise, it is between Rich's Morning Star and Blazing Star models. It is very comfortable to hold and play.
Specs: Figured Mahogany back and sides (incredibly beautiful wood), master grade Adirondack spruce top, ebony bridge and fingerboard, curly Koa binding and headstock faceplate, gold Waverly tuners, Rich's trademark turquoise purfling and rosette rings with contrasting coral inlay in the rosette. Nitro-cellulose finish buffed to a mirror shine. No pickup or electronics, although Rich can certainly add that if requested. Delivered with "hybrid" set of strings (mix of medium and low tension), in a hardshell douple arch case.
My rating in this category is "not applicable" simply because Rich is a custom builder and the features are whatever you request (neck shape, width, scale, woods, etc.). Virtually every aspect of this guitar was discussed with Rich either prior to, or during it's construction.
Sound
:
10
As mentioned above, this guitar was designed to work well for both fingerstyle and flatpicking. I absolutely love it for flatpicking - it's rich, clear and detailed. The bass is punchy, deep, and resonant without being loose or woofy. Trebles are warm and clear. Note separation is excellent - every note in a chord is distinct, but they blend together beautifully. Response is snappy and immediate. I don't feel like I have to work the guitar - it works with me.
Although in the week I've owned the guitar it has been played mainly with a pick, the playability, quick response and excellent sustain make it a good fingerstyle guitar as well.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
It arrived directly from Rich in fine shape. It's beautiful - no flaws detected - best of the best. Action and setup was as requested.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
Given resonable (common sense) care, this guitar will last for generations. Rich has built many guitars for traveling pros and he knows how to make guitars that hold up. No worries about durability, but I know that Rich supports his clients if any help is needed.
Customer Support
:
10
In my experience with Rich, support is what you would expect (and hope for) from a custom builder. He's absolutely concerned about his guitars and is with you every step of the way in the building and delivery process. We received emails (including digital photos of the construction) and calls from Rich during the building of our guitar to clarify our specs, and to inform us of progress. This is my second Mermer guitar, and in my experience Rich will bend over backwards to make the customer happy with their guitar.
Overall Rating
:
10
We could not be happier with the guitar - I can't think of anything bad to say - when you order a custom made guitar, and the luthier does a great job of realizing your wishes, there's nothing to complain about. The Autumn Star is beautiful, sounds fantastic, and is a joy to play. It was exciting to order a new model and work with Rich throughout its construction to make sure it was exactly as we wanted. Even though the guitar was expensive, we still consider it a good value. I've owned many, many guitars in my 30+ years of playing and collecting, and in that context I can say the Autumn Star is among the best of the best.
