Avalon Rio

[adhamh]

This is the new Rio I acquired this Christmas from the wonderful people at Avalon Guitars. Its a L320c Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Sikta Spruce Soundboard. And they even inlaid my name on the 12th fret in Mother of Pearl. Got a Fishman Elipse Blend pickup system. And it sounds a dream! Played it for an hour in the factory before I decided that I had to have it. It quite honestly is the most amazing guitar I've ever played. Thanks so much to Jim and all the boys at Avalon Guitars for everything. Happy New Year!

[Brewster]

That is absolutely gorgeous. You must be so pleased. It's surprising how much you really do fall in love with them.

[adhamh]

I'd love to do a review...but I fear I don't have the necessary expertise. And I'd only be too happy to provide a sound clip...but I dont have the equipment.

Yes, Brewster, I agree, you really do fall in love with them. So much so that it cost me many hours of valuable study time I needed for my exams this past week.

I also have a question, if anybody could answer it for me. This is the first spruce top guitar I've owned. The others all being cedar. When they say that, unlike the cedar top, the spruce takes a year or so of constant playing before it starts to 'open up'. What exactly does this mean, and how does the sound change over time? i.e. how will the guitar sound once it has 'opened up'?

[Dattan]

Spruce is a harder and more resinous (hm, is that even a word in english...?) wood than cedar. It has more resins in it, that is, and therefor has to be broken in over a period of time to be able to vibrate more freely.

The good news is that the more you play, the more the top/soundboard will vibrate, and the better the guitar will sound as it matures, or "opens up". It´s hard to describe exactly what happens with the sound in this process, but generally speaking the guitar will sound warmer and fuller. It adds a little magic, so to speak. Listen to a old vintage Martin, and you get a pretty good idea...

I guess you could say that your Avalon is a bit like a high quality, vintage wine, getting even better with age.

[chris c]

Congrats Adamh, what a magnificent instrument !

Yes, spruce topped guitars take some time to develop their full potential. You'll see that the guitar will sound fuller, more mature, especially after 12-18 months.

[Jimbo]

...so if you think if sounds good now, just you wait!