PNW Cutaway Review August 2023
I’m not usually one to write reviews. However, in this case, I feel it’s necessary to compose a few remarks on how delighted I am with the creative, precise, tonally engaged craftsmanship of Chris. I purchased his Pacific Northwest Cutaway (PNC) about three months ago, and I’ve got to say, his work is elegant, yet practical. It is an intimate instrument that really packs a tonal punch! I’m completely convinced it makes me sound a better guitarist than I probably could take credit for.
Full disclosure, I’ve always been a Taylor man – I love my Taylors. But I’ve got to be honest: side by side, comparing my Taylor 614 Builder’s Edition (which is no slouch) against Chris’ PNC, I’ll take the latter every time. In many ways it hurts to say this, because my 614 is special to me. But truth is truth.
The PNC is tonally rich with a wonderful, balanced sound across the fretboard. For fingerstyle players such as myself, it’s a dream. The 113/16 nut width allows for slightly wider string spacing, which I absolutely love. And again, the positive benefits to the fingerstyle player is immense. And this guitar absolutely sings! The Cedar/Walnut pairing supports a beautiful bouquet of buttery-smooth overtones, and the projection punches well above its weight! However, the quality that most grabs me is the sustain this guitar produces. The best way I can describe this is by comparing it to the sound produced by a piano with a sustain pedal fully engaged as the key is struck.
As for the transaction process itself, Chris is an excellent person to communicate with. I first saw Chris’ guitars at https://www.luthiersshowcase.com and reached out to him for initial inquiry. He responded very quickly. This is, of course, standard, you might think (and you would be right). However, Chris responded while on a family holiday overseas. I thought that was a real class move that revealed a sense of commitment. He is very attentive to questions, honest, and more than happy to demonstrate the capabilities of the instrument, whether through video, audio, etc. I received two videos of the PNC.
For this price point, you won’t find a better instrument. My thoughts are that these prices will not remain; the quality is too good. So, if you’re reading this, then it’s probably the case that you’ve been fortunate enough to come across Chris’ work. If you’re also in the market for an excellently crafted, sonically superior acoustic guitar, then CAM Guitars is a worthy place to start, Regards,
C. Ryan
I’m not usually one to write reviews. However, in this case, I feel it’s necessary to compose a few remarks on how delighted I am with the creative, precise, tonally engaged craftsmanship of Chris. I purchased his Pacific Northwest Cutaway (PNC) about three months ago, and I’ve got to say, his work is elegant, yet practical. It is an intimate instrument that really packs a tonal punch! I’m completely convinced it makes me sound a better guitarist than I probably could take credit for.
Full disclosure, I’ve always been a Taylor man – I love my Taylors. But I’ve got to be honest: side by side, comparing my Taylor 614 Builder’s Edition (which is no slouch) against Chris’ PNC, I’ll take the latter every time. In many ways it hurts to say this, because my 614 is special to me. But truth is truth.
The PNC is tonally rich with a wonderful, balanced sound across the fretboard. For fingerstyle players such as myself, it’s a dream. The 113/16 nut width allows for slightly wider string spacing, which I absolutely love. And again, the positive benefits to the fingerstyle player is immense. And this guitar absolutely sings! The Cedar/Walnut pairing supports a beautiful bouquet of buttery-smooth overtones, and the projection punches well above its weight! However, the quality that most grabs me is the sustain this guitar produces. The best way I can describe this is by comparing it to the sound produced by a piano with a sustain pedal fully engaged as the key is struck.
As for the transaction process itself, Chris is an excellent person to communicate with. I first saw Chris’ guitars at https://www.luthiersshowcase.com and reached out to him for initial inquiry. He responded very quickly. This is, of course, standard, you might think (and you would be right). However, Chris responded while on a family holiday overseas. I thought that was a real class move that revealed a sense of commitment. He is very attentive to questions, honest, and more than happy to demonstrate the capabilities of the instrument, whether through video, audio, etc. I received two videos of the PNC.
For this price point, you won’t find a better instrument. My thoughts are that these prices will not remain; the quality is too good. So, if you’re reading this, then it’s probably the case that you’ve been fortunate enough to come across Chris’ work. If you’re also in the market for an excellently crafted, sonically superior acoustic guitar, then CAM Guitars is a worthy place to start, Regards,
C. Ryan