Real strength. That’s what The Everbloom SJ Charis from 2014 exudes. The voice is strong, vigorous, quick and rich at the same time. We love the power of individual notes flatpicked, and how at the same time big chords mix up and blend smoothly. It holds up handsomely for fingerstyle work, and in defiance of popular opinion about Redwood tops this Charis is a great strummer under a flatpick as well. Part of Bill Wise’s success here comes from his eye for tonewood. The fabled “The Tree” Quilted Mahogany, pairing up with Sinker Redwood, makes for that balance between warmth and crisp note decay, as well as overall power. A soundport in the upper bout adds a little more “me in the monitor” to the player’s ear, and sprawling across the fretboard, headstock, and rosette we find a series of delicate vine and flower inlays. Hence, The Everbloom. This Charis is a tonal work of art, with a visual aesthetic to match.
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