Here’s a lovely treat built by Mark Bailey for one of contemporary fingerstyle’s most famous faces, the one and only Preston Reed. Mark and Preston live just a few miles apart, and Mark’s been repairing Preston’s guitars, in addition to designing two signature models with him, for some time now. This is Mark’s PRJ-7 Jumbo, with Mexican Cocobolo back and sides, Sitka Spruce on top, and a multi-source pickup system combining a K&K Pure Mini with a Fishman rare earth humbucker/mic combo. Tying these two elements together makes for an incredibly lush and articulate amplified tone, and acoustically this Bailey is delightfully energetic, responsive, and loud.
For percussive styles, this Bailey is an instant fit, but it also performs perfectly for a variety of techniques and genres. The neck has a slim, quick profile and slender nut width at 1 11/16”, keeping that left hand relaxed and agile. We appreciated the extra definition and presence of the bass response, which at the same time avoids overpowering the voice. Big chord shapes and double tapping runs both come out clear and crisp.
Trimmed in a novel inlay material, Heathergems from Preston and Mark’s own native Scotland, this Bailey Preston Reed Signature cuts a fine figure in striking greens and purples and tans. Whatever our fingers threw at this guitar, it ate it all up with relish.
Please note, this is Preston’s personal guitar, and therefore with us only in a demonstration capacity. If you’re interested in getting one for yourself, give us a shout! We’re more than happy to get the ball rolling for your own Preston Reed Signature from Mark Bailey.
Check out our interview with Preston here, where he and Paul discuss this gorgeous instrument in detail: https://youtu.be/j4ScEAG0o9M
Innovative fingerstylist Preston Reed is letting us show off his custom-built Preston Reed Signature Jumbo, built by luthier Mark Bailey. This is a big boy that's got lots of power under the hood, but a very easy and tap-friendly setup that's a breeze to play. The dual pickups make it a monster amplified, and this Bailey already stands out with its rich, and very loud, acoustic voice. This is Preston's personal guitar, and so isn't for sale, but we're more than happy to discuss getting one built for you. | Scale Length | 25.4 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.72 in |
| String Spacing | 2.125 in |
| Woods | Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Cocobolo |
Here’s a lovely treat built by Mark Bailey for one of contemporary fingerstyle’s most famous faces, the one and only Preston Reed. Mark and Preston live just a few miles apart, and Mark’s been repairing Preston’s guitars, in addition to designing two signature models with him, for some time now
Innovative fingerstylist Preston Reed is letting us show off his custom-built Preston Reed Signature Jumbo, built by luthier Mark Bailey. This is a big boy that's got lots of power under the hood, but a very easy and tap-friendly setup that's a breeze to play 