Bailey guitars are very excited to announce the Preston Reed Signature Baritone
Preston is a true master of solo acoustic guitar, a real pioneer, responsible for
many fantastic and unique ground breaking recordings. There are many inimitable
facets to his work, for instance he is as comfortable playing in standard mode as
he is using his distinctive over the fretboard tapping techniques. Another extra
dimension to his style is created by the percussive drum sounds intermixed with
the sound of the strings. This makes him as amazing to watch, as his music is to
listen to.
We were delighted when he approached us in 2010 to create this new guitar, which
was to become his main instrument, and our first signature edition. He knew exactly
what he wanted:
- Baritone 720mm long scale length
- Large body made from mahogany and cedar
- Mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard
- Deep rich piano like sound from the strings
- Realistic drum sounds from the body
- Onboard controls including active EQ and 3 source blend system to mix the sound
We also respected Preston’s wishes to make the guitar as ‘green’ as possible. The
material for the neck and body come from our source of old reclaimed mahogany. There
is no mother of pearl – the inlays are made from small offcuts that would otherwise
be wasted.
Starting with a blank sheet we pooled our knowledge, and came up with the guitar
you see here, which he now plays as his main instrument at all of his one man shows.
We are looking forward to hearing it on his next album!
The end result was so good in fact that he decided he wanted to include a standard scale length version.
"Everything I know and have learned about guitars in over four decades of performing,
composing and recording is in these instruments. These artisan-crafted acoustic
guitars represent the ultimate expression of beauty, comfort, playability and tone."
Preston Reed