Paragon GOM

Custom ordered in late 2003 and completed early 2004 in Vancouver, Canada. 14frets to body, all-solid (Sitka spruce / EI rosewood) body. Installed a B-Band 1470 AST w/ A1 preamp. One piece mahog. neck, ebony fretboard, bridge, bridge pins, and headstock overlay. Koa binding, headstock logo, and dovetail overlay. Rosewood purfling & abalone soundhole rosette with gloss finished body & headstock. This is the grand OM model. Tuners are Grover minis with ebony knobs. Included was a high-end archtop hardshell case.

At home, and strictly acoustic is was stellar. Finest instrument I've had the fortune of playing. But do to it's extra body depth matched with the warmth of the rosewood, it was a bit too boomy for me to use in live applications. A reasonably capable sound tweaker would have had no problem acheiving wonderful sound with this guitar, but I'm strictly looking for a plug & play situation.

Guitar was set-up excellent right from their shop. Everything was top quality including the construction & wood grades.

This guitar should last to be handed down generations, considering it is cared for properly. Built to last, but not overbuilt to inhibit tone. Just a fine piece of luthery.

In this area, I have to give these guys the highest grade. They went over every minute detail with me, asking all kinds of questions of me & my desires - things I would have forgot to mention or ask about. They didn't rush the building process, but when it was complete they rushed it to me without delay, and insisted that I be totally satisfied with it. All companies should be this enjoyable to deal with!

Been playing about 27 years. Also own a Larrivee OM & a Lowden S12. After ordering my first custom guitar I know better what will suit me well. I would like to someday replace this with another Paragon based on the knowledge I have now.