Hey there, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we’re going to dive deep into a unique piece of new guitar gear that I recently got my hands on. Spoiler alert: there’s only one of these in the world, and somehow, it’s here with me! Yes, you guessed it—it’s the Baum Leaper Melody Vega prototype, and let me tell you, it’s as stunning as it sounds.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Gold Sparkle
As I pulled this beauty out of the box, the first thing that struck me was its color. Sparkly Inca Gold! Now, I’m no fashion expert, but this guitar looks like it belongs on a stage with a gold suit. Seriously, if I ever get the chance to perform in Vegas, this is the guitar I’d want by my side.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is a prototype, which means it doesn’t have a pickup system yet. That’s right—no gimmicks, just pure craftsmanship and soul. And boy, does it feel light! For an acoustic guitar, it’s definitely lighter than your average solid body electric. You know what they say, lighter means you can play it longer, or at least that’s what I tell myself!
Sound Check: Can It Hold Its Own?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Andy, how does it sound?” Well, let’s set up a mic and find out! I used my trusty Lewitt 540 S condenser mic, along with some other mics to capture the sound in all its glory. Since this prototype doesn’t have a pickup, I had to get a bit creative with my mic setup.
First up, I recorded some low-end riffing and medium-strength strumming. The sound? Oh, it was warm and balanced. Honestly, it felt bigger than it looked and sounded. You know how some guitars feel squeaky and new right out of the box? This one didn’t. It felt like I’d been playing it for years, which is a testament to its build quality.
Fingerpicking and Strumming: A Versatile Companion
Let’s talk about playability. I grabbed it for some fingerpicking, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. It covered all the bases for what I want from an acoustic guitar. Open chords strummed beautifully, and it felt comfortable in my hands. But there was a little ringing behind the nut, which is pretty normal. Just a little finger placement behind the nut, and voilà, problem solved. Clean golden acoustic sound achieved!
Taking It Outside: A Bonding Experience
On a whim, I decided to take this beauty outside. The sunlight was glorious, and I wanted to see that sparkly gold in all its glory. Let me tell you, the rainbow sparkle that popped out was simply breathtaking. It’s not just a flat gold; it’s a universe of colors!
But it’s not all about looks. So, let’s get into the specs, shall we?
Specs and Materials: What Makes It Tick
The Melody Lipa Vega features a Sitka spruce top with mahogany veneer back and sides. The neck is also mahogany, and the fretboard is rosewood. The bridge plate is maple, while the bridge itself is ebony, and the pins are ebony with an abalone inlay. The rosette? Tortoise shell, which is just gorgeous.
Now, up at the fretboard, you’ll find mother of pearl butterfly inlays. Seriously, these details make the guitar feel like a work of art. The nut is ox bone, and we’ve got a rosewood veneer on the headstock. As for the tuners, they’re open-back vintage-style and, you guessed it, they look the part. The wheels on the back? Gold, of course, matching the front.
The Build Quality: Flawless and Premium
Let’s talk about build quality. This guitar is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. I’ve played guitars that cost twice this one, and they don’t even come close in terms of quality. Everything is flawless, and it screams premium. By the way, if the gold is too much for you, it also comes in Nordic green and pearl black. But let’s be real—gold is where it’s at!
Playability: A Joy to Play
Now, I’ve had a chance to really bond with this guitar. It’s comfortable, and it sits nicely in your hands. Even though I typically prefer thicker necks, this one felt just right. If Baum can do this with every guitar they produce, they’re onto something special. I can’t wait to try out their full-fat version!
Capo Test: Does It Hold Up?
One of the tests I always do is the capo test. Many acoustics fail when you stick a capo on the higher frets, but this one? It passed with flying colors! I slapped the capo on the seventh fret, strummed a chord, and it sounded beautiful. That’s what I like to hear!
Price vs. Value: Is It Worth It?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price. At $1,599 for this model, it might seem steep. But having played it, I can confidently say it competes with guitars that cost $2,500 or more. It’s not just about the price; it’s about what you’re getting. A premium sound, build quality, and playability that’s hard to beat.
Some might argue that their $300 guitar sounds just as good, but let me tell you, they might be listening through a tin can. With over a thousand guitars played, this one stands out as one of the best.
Final Thoughts: A Magical Experience
So, to wrap it all up, the Baum Leaper Melody Vega is an incredible piece of new guitar gear. It’s not just a guitar; it’s a magical experience. The looks, the sound, the build quality—it all comes together to create something special. If you’re in the market for a new acoustic, I highly recommend checking it out.
And remember, you can only buy this beauty directly from Baum. So, if you’re ready to take the plunge, hit the link in the description. You won’t regret it!
That’s all for today, folks! I hope you enjoyed this little journey into the world of the Baum Leaper Melody Vega. Until next time, keep strumming, and I’ll see you in the next video!