16-4-2008, Randy Bachman USA
Randy Bachman with Vienna Golden:
“My Scharpach Vienna guitar was well worth the wait. With merging of the old wood and modern technology Theo has created a guitar that for me is a one of a kind. What I noticed when I played my Vienna for the first time was that the acoustic tone is totally balanced across every string in every register and part of the neck. Then when I plugged it in and heard the same deep, clear, resonant sound from the pickup that Theo designed and had made, I realized what a special instrument it really was. The craftsmanship, the design, the body, the finish. the engraved headstock and tailpiece are not only beautiful but add so much to the sound of the guitar. I look forward to playing this instrument forever. “
Randy Bachman
It has been a great honour for me to receive the request to build an archtop for someone who is really an icon: Someone who contributed so much and over such a big period, and still now, to pop music and jazz.
For me it is a great compliment to connect through an instrument to someone who has been written such beautiful melodies and knowing this person respects your work. Gifted musicians like Randy Bachman have such a rich knowledge about music so building a guitar for Randy was inspiring.
When Randy Bachman came to my house with his wife Denise to collect the guitar in person, this was another great pleasure. After the first notes Randy had played on his new guitar, I had the feeling that this guitar was really delivering what Randy had been expecting. He did not stop playing it. And already after a few hours the guitar had changed dramatically starting to fit his playing more and more. The nicest thing was that Randy showed me all the other styles you could play on that guitar beside strictly pure jazz: Finger picking country style, Blues and even Rock and Roll, it all sounded well in his hands. Randy accepted the new guitar without comparing it to the many hundreds of guitars out of his collection and by doing so he could discover the original beauty of that new instrument. Being able to do that, explains the great creativity of a musician. How often I sadly experience the different...
I will never forget this day in my life, Thank you Randy and Denise.
Selection of recent testimonials
"Dear Theo, your classical is my favourite...
guitars are.. Daniel Friederich,.. Robert Ruck.
two Thomas Humphrey... Read more
3-1-2009, Craig Bachman, USA
18-12-2008, Mark Adams, England
7-8-2008, Frank Dunbridge, USA
USA: 22-11-2009: Tom Moore
Dear Theo, your classical is my favourite guitar. My other less favourite guitars are one Daniel Friederich, three Robert Ruck and two Thomas Humphrey.
Your build quality and sound surpass all of the above.
My Ruck guitars are the best Ruck guitars on the planet. The Friederich is great but is simply less sophisticated, less complex in sound quality and build quality. The Humphrey guitars are excellent.
Your build quality separates your guitar from the other guitars I have.
In addition, each string of your guitar sounds as the other strings with the same degree of volume, sustain and complexity. You have the finest Brazilian wood and it comes with superb sound volume and quality especially for a spruce.
They should study your guitar.
Sincerely,
Tom Moore
USA: 1-1-2009: Craig Bachman
The web site’s Dolphin guitar looks very familiar. I have not put it down. I have many other guitars, but this Dolphin is very interesting: The sustain, balance, and “voice - all very mature. The guitar suggests not only ”classical” and “jazz” but new music. I am very excited about it.
USA: 18-12-2008: Mark Adams
Guys, many thanks for the guitar. It is excellent. I have been playing most recently with gut strings so tuning the nylons up, was just short of torture. It is almost there now. Now I have to play it in. Superb work!
USA: 17-8-2008: Frank Dunbridge
The guitar looks and sounds beautiful. The guitar does not shout instead sings towards the audience; the broad spectrum delivers a strong presence that makes it possible to hear every detail even at the last row of the concert hall.