One of the most knowledgeable luthiers when it comes to wood (after pursuing graduate studies at Colorado State Universtiy and post-graduate research at Duke University), Michael Bashkin combines the artist’s aesthetic with the scientist’s research methods to build instruments which sing both visually and acoustically. This 2005 Placencia OM is the perfect example: exquisite woods, flawless fit and finish, and a voice that rings like church bells.
The 14-fret neck has a slinky low setup that’s optimal for fingerstylists, and the 25.4″ scale length makes playing in altered tunings a breeze, with the bass strings maintaining a crisp attack even when tuned down to D or C. Bashkin’s take on the OM size is nothing if not comfortable: between the slightly wider nut (at 1 13/16″) and tight lower bout (at 15″), the player is afforded a playing experience which is characterized by unfatiguing right hand technique and easy action across the frets.
Bashkin’s eye for fine wood has netted him some lovely sets over the years, and this Placencia features no less than jaw-dropping beauty in its Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, German Spruce top, and Tasmanian Blackwood rosette. For the fingerstylist seeking a guitar with resounding bass notes and a delicately balanced voice, this 2005 Bashkin Placencia might just be your next favorite
They don't churn butter as smooth as this guitar's voice. I'd spread this baby on my toast and eat for breakfast every morning! Seriously though, I put this Placencia through its paces in DADGAD and was impressed by the consistent crispness of the bass strings and the treble overtones. 
Michael Bashkin is one of my favorite builders. This guitar has a clarity that you don't often hear and it plays like a dream. A great addition to any collection. | Scale Length | 25.4 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.81 in |
| String Spacing | 2.25 in |
| Woods | Spruce - German, Rosewood - Brazilian |
One of the most knowledgeable luthiers when it comes to wood (after pursuing graduate studies at Colorado State Universtiy and post-graduate research at Duke University), Michael Bashkin combines the artist's aesthetic with the scientist's research methods to build instruments which sing both visually and acoustically. This 2005 Placencia OM is the perfect example: exquisite woods, flawless fit and finish, and a voice that rings like church bells.The 14-fret neck has a slinky low setup that's optimal for fingerstylists, and the 25.4" scale length makes playing in altered tunings a breeze, with the bass strings maintaining a crisp attack even when tuned down to D or C
They don't churn butter as smooth as this guitar's voice. I'd spread this baby on my toast and eat for breakfast every morning
Michael Bashkin is one of my favorite builders. This guitar has a clarity that you don't often hear and it plays like a dream