Product: Schwartz Guitars Pinnacle Fingerstyle
Price Paid: 5000.00 (CDN)
Submitted
04/28/2005
at
05:29am
by
Ian M.
Features
:
9
This guitar was made in 2004 by Luthier Sheldon Schwartz of Toronto, Canada. The guitar is his so-called ?Pinnacle Fingerstyle? model. As the model name suggests, this is a guitar that is designed for fingerstyle players. It has a longer scale of 26 inches (660 mm) and is specifically designed to be played in drop down, altered tunings. A picture of this guitar, as well as the detailed specifications, can be found on Sheldon Schwartz?s web-site at www.schwartzguitars.com (look under Pinnacle model). The guitar came with on-board Highlander pick-up.
Sound
:
10
The sound in this guitar is absolutely huge, but with a most impressive clarity across the neck. It seems impossible to overdrive the top. The top is made of sitka spruce and has an interesting carbon fibre construction which the Luthier describes in detail on his web-site. The sound is bright with extremely resonant basses. The guitar has virtual piano-like clarity of sound. The harmonics that this instrument can produce are absolutely stunning and come "flying out of the box". If you wish to play in altered tunings and like to do a lot of "heavy wood" slapping and tapping, this is the guitar for you. I have played this guitar many times in public. Every time I am asked what kind of guitar it is. People comment on the huge sound presence and beautiful tone.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
I find the action and response to be quite consistent when going from one tuning to the next. The workmanship of this guitar is impeccable. Although, the appointments on this model are somewhat plain, it is the sound that counts. The guitar has a pinless bridge which makes string change more convenient. The standard set up is for medium gauge strings, and because of the extra tension due to the longer scale length, the Luthier recommends that this guitar not be kept in standard tuning for an extended period. If you wish to play a lot in standard tuning, it is recommended that you have a special saddle made for light gauge strings. I have noticed the higher string tension when in standard tuning due to the longer neck, but it does not impede the playability of the instrument
Reliability/Durability
:
10
It is an extremely solid, well made instrument and I have no concerns about it standing up to the rigours of a lot of playing and travelling
Customer Support
:
10
Shortly after my purchase, I asked Sheldon Schwartz to make an action adjustment. He gladly made and installed a taller saddle (at no charge) so that I could play the guitar with light gauge strings. Sheldon spent some time and effort to make the fine adjustments to get the action just right for my style of playing.
Overall Rating
:
10
Sheldon Schwartz is a phenomenal Luthier. I have owned and played many fine classical and steel string guitars. I have no hesitation to give my highest recommendation on this guitar to any serious player who wants the finest hand-crafted instrument
