GEAR
[ BATSON TROUBADOUR ACOUSTIC | Michael Hodge ]
Walking around Summer NAMM in Nashville thing is that the guitar’s voice stands out when
I came across a very unique guitar company. played next to another acoustic. The pickup
Cory Batson builds acoustic guitars with some system is a Peizo type set under the top, close
special features I’ve never seen before. to the bridge. The volume and tone knobs are
placed conveniently on the side of the sound
OUT OF THE BOX: hole. I was curious to see how it would work
The Troubadour is one of three new Batson in a live setting. I took it to church and played it
acoustic cutaway models and comes in a through a DI. The sound guys like that it has a
nice black hard-shell case. It’s designed by lot of high end and cuts through the mix easily.
Cory and hand built with the help of a South I actually preferred the tone control backed off
Korean factory known for exceptional high- a little, which brings out the lower mids a little
end craftsmanship. The top is Sitka Spruce, more. In the studio, I would recommend using
but unlike most guitars, has no traditional a 2 mic setup. Place one about a foot in front
sound hole. There is also an armrest bevel on of the 21st fret and another above to catch the
the top where your right arm goes over the bass. If you can add the DI as well it adds a
body. This makes it very comfortable to play. nice flavor.
Many electric guitars have them, and they’re
a welcome addition to an acoustic. Both the PLAYER PERSPECTIVE:
bevel and the body binding, front and back, are With an acoustic, I find I need to spend a
made of Flamed Maple. The back and sides are little time getting a feel for the action and how
both East Indian Rosewood. Another unique the guitar responds to finger style, as well as
feature is the large sound hole on the top side strumming.
of the guitar, right at the upper bout where you
might usually find some electronics. The neck With a 4-½ inch depth and armrest bevel, it’s is Honduran Mahogany, and the fretboard, a very comfortable guitar to play. I passed bridge, and tailpiece are all Ebony. The nut and it around to my colleagues, and they all saddle are bone, and the tuners have a 21:1 commented on that armrest bevel. I think ratio. The neck is comfortably wide with 2.25” smaller folks would especially like how it feels. string spacing at the saddle, and features the I’m a fan of the Buzz Feiten tuning system. It Buzz Feiten tuning system. Lastly, inside the really helps. Being a studio guy, tuning is a huge sound hole are volume and tone controls for issue and can make or break your reputation. the Batson Clear Voice Electronics, featuring a The action and neck feel really good. The CONCLUSION:
Peizo pickup. The neck is cantilevered in design cutaway makes easy to get up to the top of Corey Batson has come up with a guitar that is
and doesn’t really touch the top, allowing it to the neck. It’s a little heavier than some of my turning heads.
vibrate freely. The top’s underside also has a acoustics, but not as much as an electric.
custom-bracing pattern.
The Troubadour has a unique sound, and
IN MY HANDS: GOOD LOOKS: employs a number of features not found on
The Troubadour has a very unique sound. It’s There’s no question the Troubadour is eye many guitars. The solid top, and sound hole
not like anything else. catching. It’s a little McPherson-ish, which is a placement, cantilevered neck, carved tailpiece,
If you are expecting a Martin or Gibson, it’s not. high compliment. I am a fan of the cantilevered and Feiten tuning system make it a special
As the player, you hear the bass coming up Fretboard. It makes a real difference in the tone, guitar. The Craftsmanship is high quality.
from the hole below your face. As a listener and just plain makes sense. The tailpiece adds across the room it’s got a brighter than normal the vintage vibe and contributes to the sound. If I were to summarize, I’d say it plays great,
sound, and I’d describe it like a hybrid. There is The shiny headstock has an Indian Rosewood sounds great, and looks great. The Troubadour
a slight hint of Dobro in the sound that might be Veneer; a nice touch. lists for $2,430.00; $1,699.00 street. For more
why so many finger style guys like it. Another
information go to www.batsonguitars.com.
August 2017
WorshipMusician.com
51