NGD: Brondel Hog Wild

justonwo · #1 08-25-2013, 12:41 AM

After an extended courting and a few visits to Schoenberg, I couldn't resist. The original guitar that piqued my interest in Laurent's work. It has a gorgeous, clear tone, tons of available headroom, exquisite volume dynamics, and a really beautiful voicing. The guitar is a real featherweight, responds to a very light touch, and the setup is perfect for me and allows me to really dig in when I want to.

Neck profile is PERFECT and really easy to move around on. Laurent is building some of my very favorite guitars. Absolutely exquisite all around.

Specs:

Top: Adi
Back and Sides: Mahogany
1 3/4" at the nut
2 5/16" at the saddle
Brazilian RW fretboard and bridge
Celluloid nitrate binding and pickguard

I REALLY like the extra room at the saddle and feel like it's a bit easier to maneuver with my fingerstyle playing. I wouldn't usually go for a plastic binding material, but I think the celluloid works wonderfully with this guitar. It has a great look.

Cocobolo Kid · #2 08-25-2013, 01:22 AM

Congratulations Juston. That Brondel looks AMAZING!!!

I like the binding and how it's also used around the inside of the sound hole. The mahogany back is stunning. I like that wood even better than "The Tree". The dark streaks on the top are nice too.

Please post a recording when you have time.

Laurent is really coming on strong lately, between this guitar and the black and maple guitar... wow!

cokezero · #3 08-25-2013, 01:50 AM

Juston!
Congrats! That looks awesome and I'm sure it sounds awesome. I'm digging Laurent's guitar more and more. Another excuse to go to Oaktown!

Jason

The Growler · #4 08-25-2013, 03:37 AM

That's a seriously good looking guitar. Congratulations!

iim7V7IM7 · #5 08-25-2013, 04:27 AM

Traditional, understated and elegant.

Kudos

Portland Bill · #6 08-25-2013, 04:46 AM

Very tastefully done.

justonwo · #7 08-25-2013, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cocobolo Kid

Congratulations Juston. That Brondel looks AMAZING!!!

I like the binding and how it's also used around the inside of the sound hole. The mahogany back is stunning. I like that wood even better than "The Tree". The dark streaks on the top are nice too.

Please post a recording when you have time.

Laurent is really coming on strong lately, between this guitar and the black and maple guitar... wow!

Yeah, Laurent's work is incredible. There's a D-3 at Schoenberg which I also found really spectacular. It's a smaller body 12 fret. You can tell he's consistent in his voicing, producing very light, expressive guitars.

James and Eric at Schoenberg were very hospitable on my few trips there. They run a great shop.

Here's the D-3.

ChuckS · #8 08-25-2013, 10:09 AM

Congratulations! Great looking instrument. I've always been drawn to Laurent's aesthetic; hope to hear and play one some day. Seems a great artisan can make even their simpler work look fantastic (in this case it's Laurent's essential model).

I've noticed a few makers who place the soundhole on their 14 fret designs a little higher than traditionally done. Your Brondel seems to have that (one of my guitars is like that as well). The top of the soundhole is around the 20th fret position of the fretboard. I wonder if that gives them more soundboard to get sound out of.

Have a good time with it.

ukejon · #9 08-25-2013, 10:22 AM

Lovely, understated, classic design. Bet it sounds great.

ewh2 · #10 08-25-2013, 11:19 AM

Great purchase Juston.

Does your guitar have a oil finish like other guitars he's built? Did you have a chance to try the Mini Dread above? How does it's sound compare to a 'normal' sized dread?

There's a Pau Rosa small dread on his blog, when the soundclips were still up I spent a lot of time listening to.

I'm a big fan of Laurent's guitars. Of all the luthiers on the other side of the pond to mine (I'm in the UK), if I hadn't spent all of my coins on jellybeans and apples, Laurent or Bruce's guitars would be my first choice.

mesa · #11 08-25-2013, 11:32 AM

Fantastic workmanship, Laurent!

El Conquistador · #12 08-25-2013, 11:47 AM

I have 3 words for you. Fab. You. Lus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve

JoeCharter · #13 08-25-2013, 11:48 AM

Nice score. Really nice back.

UKPhil · #14 08-25-2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justonwo

After an extended courting and a few visits to Schoenberg, I couldn't resist. The original guitar that piqued my interest in Laurent's work. It has a gorgeous, clear tone, tons of available headroom, exquisite volume dynamics, and a really beautiful voicing. The guitar is a real featherweight, responds to a very light touch, and the setup is perfect for me and allows me to really dig in when I want to.

Neck profile is PERFECT and really easy to move around on. Laurent is building some of my very favorite guitars. Absolutely exquisite all around.

Specs:

Top: Adi
Back and Sides: Mahogany
1 3/4" at the nut
2 5/16" at the saddle
Brazilian RW fretboard and bridge
Celluloid nitrate binding and pickguard

I REALLY like the extra room at the saddle and feel like it's a bit easier to maneuver with my fingerstyle playing. I wouldn't usually go for a plastic binding material, but I think the celluloid works wonderfully with this guitar. It has a great look.

Superb looking guitar

Diamondave · #15 08-25-2013, 01:13 PM

I played this one at Eric's, I wanted it instantly!!! Nice score... Sorry I wont be watching a custom build thread, but glad you found a good match... or you doin a madrose too now!