2004 Beardsell 2A Cherry
Serial # 65. Innovative Winnipeg-based Luthier Alan Beardsell flat-top guitars incorporate design elements borrowed from the ultra-tradtional to the extra-modern. This Style 2 features a fairly standard Martin-style X braced top, but a radically braced back, reversed kerfings, double side-ports, and the most obvious features -- the Petite bouche sound hole, Laskin armrest, and flush-heel cut away. Some of the guitar's most beautiful features become obvious only when in your hand: the asymmetrical teardrop carve of the neck, the abalone-pearl side inlay, gorgeous rosette, and bookmatched headstock backstrap overlay, to name a few. Beardsell's instruments are both tasteful and unique, and are as striking to listen to as they are to behold.
With its Adirondack top, cherry back and sides, 12 fret body joint, smallish 15" wide body, and extra-light build, the guitar reacts similarly to some of the great late 1920's early 1930's acoustics that have passed through the shop. There is a rumble and presence in the midrange that you simply don't hear in guitars built more heavily, and the roundness in the treble notes that seems to follow. Basses are compact and articulate, but still quite present, and the instrument really does come alive under a light to moderate fingerstyle attack. The neck is wonderfully comfortable, and there is an ease of playability in this guitar that we don't often encounter. Very good fretwork allows a slinky set-up which certainly adds to the fingerstyle experience! Gold Waverly tuners with Snakewood buttons finish of the guitar deservedly. 24.9" scale, 44mm nut (just under 1-3/4").
With hardshell case