New Mervyn Davis Smooth Talker SSBT2 - Baritone Acoustic Guitar
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Audio played by Al Petteway
Artists who play instruments by this builder: Steve Newman, Johnny Fourie, Tony Cox, Vusi Mahlasela, Dozi, Rudi Bauer, Greg Georgiades, Tananas, Not My Dog, SciCoustic, Radio Kalahari Orkes, CH2, Aquarian Quartet
Mervyn Davis has created a fresh and exciting guitar design that is not only artistic and eye-catching but completely musical and practical. His Smoothtalker design concept features very stiff back and sides, not unlike what many modern makers are doing these days, and a fan braced Spruce top that because of the body design is extremely lively and responsive. Soundports in the waist and near the neck flood the player with the beautiful voice. The result of this design is an instrument with serious projection and extreme clarity. The trebles strings simply soar, with more density and volume than the average guitar. The bass is focused and clear also with profound power. This Smoothtalker Baritone is simply amazing, the even articulation up the entire fingerboard is very useful on a Baritone and allows every note to ring true. It easily goes down to low A and remains clear, not muddy at all. The Smoothtalker also comes outfitted with a Baggs Active Element and a deluxe Cedar Creek case. This is an inspirational new design straight from South Africa.
Mervyn Davis has created a fresh and exciting guitar design that is not only artistic and eye-catching but completely musical and practical. His Smoothtalker design concept features very stiff back and sides, not unlike what many modern makers are ...read full description
- Woods & Trim
- Back/Sides: African Kiaat
- Top Wood: Sitka Spruce
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Neck Wood: African Kiaat
- Rosette: None
- Binding: African Kiaat?
- Fingerboard Bindings: None
- Headplate: Rosewood
- Headstock Bindings: None
- Headstock Inlay: None
- Top Trim: Wood Lines
- Back Strip: None
- Fret Markers: None
- Tuners: Gotoh
- Measurements
- Body Size: Jumbo
- Scale: 27 1/2 in. (698.5 mm)
- Nut Width: 1 11/16 in. (42.9 mm)
- String Spacing: 2 5/32 in. (54.8 mm)
- Body Length: 16 5/8 in.
- Upper Bout: 12 3/4 in.
- Lower Bout: 15 3/4 in.
- Serial #: 153
- Body Depth @Neck Heel: 3 1/2 in.
- Body Depth @Tail Block: 3 3/4 in.
- Frets to body: 22
- Extras
- Cutaway: Custom Double Cutway Design
- Pickguard: None
- Case: Cedar Creek Black Alligator
- Pickup: L.R. Baggs Active Element
- Condition: New
Player Reviews:
"I met Mervyn Davis at the Healdsburg Festival and I have to admit his Smoothtalker design caught my eye immediately. While skeptical I just had to try it and I was floored. This is not a strange design for design's sake, this is a serious instrument with a unique voice that I know many players are seeking. So often we're asked for very strong projection and clarity by serious players who want articulation and volume. Well these Smoothtalkers have it in spades. The treble strings are simply joyous as they leap from the soundboard propelled by the stiff body and lightweight fan bracing. The bass project straight outward with beautiful focus and balance. As many of you know I'm a regular Baritone player and I can tell you Mervyn's design really works, it plays super easily over the entire fingerboard and the clarity is a joy. I wrote a new song the first time I sat with this Baritone, it has that kind of compelling voice." - Paul Heumiller
"This is one very articulate and clear Baritone guitar. It's easy to play and the design allows it to go to Low A without getting floppy or weak. Well done." - Al Petteway
