Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
The
Purchase: I have been a working
musician for over 30 years and I have a number of great electric and acoustic
guitars. In the my collection of 30 instruments I have
never had a Martin guitar or a really high end acoustic (I do have a Takamine and this has served me well) and I have tried
many. The mass produced acoustic guitars never seem to meet my expectation so I
have put off the purchase of a really top of the line acoustic guitar in hopes
that something great would come along. About two years ago my wife showed me an
advertisement for MacPherson Guitar works and it is about 5 minutes from my house and I had a bunch of
things I wanted done to several of my electric and acoustic guitars. I met
Dennis MacPherson and after several minutes of talking to him I knew this guy
was extraordinary with guitars. He looked a several of the guitars and with some he made minor
adjustments that made a world of difference and the ones that I left for more
extensive work were phenomenal when I picked them up after Dennis had worked on
them. He had a number of his hand made guitars around the shop and since I am
left handed it was not easy to really play them but I did know that what I
could play (upside down on the righty guitars) sounded and felt like no other
guitars I had ever handled. So last month I finally was able to actually
purchase a gorgeous left handed Black Pearl guitar.
Believe
me when I tell you that if you are thinking about spending the money for a
custom, hand made guitar you can stop your search
right now! Dennis MacPherson is a guy who knows what to do, how to do it and
sits with you to discuss the different types of woods, the neck, the
fingerboard, your particular style of playing, the kind of electronics and
anything else you can think of so you have a CUSTOM MADE guitar exactly to your
specifications. And the cost is around the same as a Martin, Taylor etc. The
HUGE difference is the fact that this is a one of a kind guitar made just for
YOU. If you read about guitars there is an overwhelming amount of research that
indicates that Martin guitars
from the 1920's - 1940's where great guitars. They were made by
hand and the wood was exceptional.......now the guitars are mass produced and
it is difficult to get certain kinds of wood not to mention the the quality control over such a large number of
instruments. Think about it
in terms of
food......yes you can get consistent meals from a chain restaurant but would
you rather have that or a meal prepared by a chef who owns his own place and
puts a certain amount of love and care into your individual meal on a very
small scale? YOU might think well does the love and caring of the person making
a guitar really affect the guitar? If you read a book called "ERIC
CLAPTON'S GUITAR" the author clearly states that this is absolutely true
and once you purchase a
guitar from Dennis MacPherson you will know
this truth first hand.
The Guitar: The guitar is a 000 Zero and is as light as a
feather but sonically amazing. It rings and sings.....I chose not to have
electronics placed in the guitar but Dennis indicated they could always be put
in later on. This guitar has back and sides made of African Mahogany,
a Red Cedar top, A Mahogany neck. It plays like a dream and sounds
beautiful....the notes resonate forever. Dennis a lots
of different kinds of wood so you can really create exactly what you want.
If
you are not familiar with what types of tones are created with different kinds
of wood....Dennis does and he will walk you through selection process each step
of the way. Remember that you are working with a person who knows his craft
inside and out....this guitar will be unique and built just the way you want it
to be!
Follow-up: If you live in the
Tri State area it is worth the trip to go to the shop and you can feel the
sense of caring, pride and love that Dennis has for his "children".
Having a guitar built by Dennis MacPherson is the experience of a lifetime and
his guitars will remind you of all the great qualities that people talk about
when they are speaking of instruments they love and why they love them.
Summary: Treat yourself to an instrument that will
stand the test of time! Get to know Dennis MacPherson and trust his skill,
knowledge and passion as you will have a guitar like no other. Once you have
one of his custom, hand made guitars you will wonder
how you did without one......they are the guitars that you imagine and dream
about.....make you dream come true you will never regret it.
On
a personal note: Dennis you are the best, thank you for all you have done for
all of my guitars and my new "baby" the one you made just for me!
This review submitted by Rick Norman 8/ 10 / 07
Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
The Purchase: Now that I have learned that it wasn't too difficult having a custom made guitar, I proceeded to dip into the well, again, for another one !!! This time it was a Black Pearl 12 string. A little more difficult to make but well worth this investment. Sitting through the Q. & A. with luthier Dennis MacPherson was a challenge to make me think about my handling of a guitar, the way I like to play it. This interviewing process is the beginning of a journey that MacPherson Guitarworks needs to understand for his building philosophy as well. I primarily play the 12 string with open G tuning and with an active slide Kottke style. Again, there is much finger picking. I wanted the biggest sound out of the biggest body he could create on his bench. Dennis allowed me to co-design it with him ( if I may use that phrase loosely). The Jumbo J 200 12 string cutaway was now conceived !!! The wood selection process was another treasure trove hunt. I selected a High Quilted African Sapele for the body with Brazilian Bloodwood binding for contrast. Wow !!! We were both very happy with the choices as he held them side by side. He described his sculpted bracing techniques ( which I cant go into ) for this huge bodied wonder. Dennis was open to my ideas for an oval modified soundhole also bound with that difficult - to - bend Bloodwood. Once more, The MacPherson Guitarworks shop was alive with the sounds of the luthier's trade tools.
The Guitar: The back & sides are of a High Quilted African Sapele. The top was a warm Kermodie Sitka Spruce. Luthiers choice. The neck was oversized mahogany w/ a Brazilian Bloodwood partial skunk stripe in the rear. Ebony fingerboard with oval Tahetian Black Mother of Pearl position markers to match the oval soundhole. A Celtic Peacock highlights the 21st fret. The machine heads are dazzling Gotoh gold/ Tortoise Buttons with Rosewood / Pearl dot bridge pins to match. There is an Ebony armrest with my signature scripted in Brazilian Bloodwood inlay. The headstock and bridge have the MacPherson custom shapes. For the electronics Dennis installed a Fishman Prefix/Tuner. I wont lie to you, as the challenges that went into this guitar were not for a novice guitar builder. Mac proved he was the man for the job. Dennis consulted with me along the way of the building process. Keeping you in the loop helps personalize the words "Custom Made". This is something MacPherson Guitarworks is fully aware of. You are on this journey together. He finished off the guitar with KTM-9 Lacquer clear gloss. The Black Pearl Label within is artwork itself too.
Followup: Dennis cannot stress enough the importance of good humidification for a new guitar. He recommends several different ways to care for your guitar. Read and Heed !!! Neck tune-ups are customary for Spring & Fall. Consult him for a wealth of guitar shop talk.
Summary: This guitar is another Masterpiece !!! Dennis will never cease to amaze you with his ability to blend fantastic sound with unprecedented beauty. This Black Pearl is one for the Guitar Hall of Fame. The high quilting is mesmerizing ! The Bloodwood keeps your eyes from wandering off the guitar as the movement plays tricks on them. It's almost more fun to look at than to play. I think I hear the tune of a custom classical being made for my next review..... yes, it's that affordable ! Dennis, thanks for your professional contributions and keep up the great work.
This review submitted by John Tripi 3 / 19 / 07 This, too, was long overdue...
Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
The Purchase: I never would have considered buying a custom made guitar before meeting Dennis MacPherson Guitarworks. The reasons are few. One would have been the astronomical cost. Then, every luthier you've ever read about was across the country, somewhere in the mountains. Thirdly, I wouldn’t know how to describe what I wanted in a custom made guitar. I did meet with Dennis in his shop in the mountains, but I didn’t need a packing mule to get there. His shop is crowded with evidence of someone who has developed and crafted his trade over the past twenty five years or more. Exotic wood samples, as well as guitars in progress, were a tempting feast everywhere you turn. Within a few meetings of interviews, his Q. & A. with me, outlined for him, the kind of guitar suited to me and my style of playing. I generally finger pick an American Classical - Leo Kottke style format. When my fingers are resting I play lead rhythm in a church gospel band. My 6 string Dreadnought needed a solid bottom end sound picking up the bass runs while picking; as well as a cutting and clear playability during the various chord colors and rhythm patterns I favor with the band. Dennis' cost for building my dream guitar was inspiring. The affordability enabled me to dream a little further with some additional personalized features. Dennis was fair in keeping my perspectives in line with his philosophy of what a good guitar should look like as well as what it should sound like. Which leads me to:
The Guitar: Dennis showed me, with pride, the most desirable exotic wood fit for human consumption I have ever seen. Brazilian Rosewood like this never came out of a Martin guitar shop. I own three Martins, and never thought I could top those. The wood grain typically pops out with it's varied polychromatic shades. But, this unique piece held an additional God - like fingerprint: whiter shades of sapwood. Pictures can only get you half way there. The top is Engelmann Spruce (which I challenged Dennis to custom tint with his staining skills). I requested a cutaway. Dennis blended every edge to perfection. The body has a border of Fine Herringbone purfling w/ Tortoise binding front & rear. The ebony fingerboard has a Full Vine Inlay w/ Mother of Pearl and Abalone. The bridge is a custom design by MacPherson Guitarworks w/ more inlay and Goldbug Floral Engraved Bronze pins. The MacPherson stylized headstock of ebony continues w/ the Herringbone border. It is inlaid w/ a Gold/Silver MOP Angel. Dennis inscribed, to perfection, my wife's signature "Angelique" across the top. The machine heads are Goldbug 14 carat gold plate floral engraved Gotoh 510 gears. I also wanted the Fishman Prefix Plus-T onboard Preamp system. Dennis applied a KTM-9 clear gloss lacquer finish. I learned all these guitar language skills from my relationship with a real luthier. Dennis will call, fax or tell you to stop by to reflect on the needs of the guitar as the work becomes progressive. He really makes you feel a part of the customizing of the guitar building process.
Followup: Dennis carefully warns of the constant fight to humidify a new guitar. Follow his instructions carefully and your guitar will mature trouble-free. I personally would recommend buying a top of the line case that has a built in humidifying system. Dennis can steer you here as well. Spring and winter neck tune-ups are just another excuse to get you back at The MacPherson Guitar shop. But Dennis will always welcome you regardless. Someone invariably stops by for a little grinnin' and pickin'. For me, ...well... it led me into buying my next custom made 12 string. More on that later.
Summary: This guitar is summed up in a few words. Quality, beauty, and sound at their highest attainability, like you never dreamed of, are only found in The Mac Shop. This guitar deserves a 10 Gold Star rating. It's a hands down winner !!! And ever to keep me humble, Dennis reminds me, "a good looking guitar is only as good as it's maker; a good sounding guitar is only as good as it's player, and God makes them both".
This
review was submitted by John Tripi 3/19/07. It was long
overdue.....
Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
History: I
have been playing guitar for over 20 years both for my own pleasure and
occasionally professionally. Historically my choice has been Martin guitars
because of their sound and quality. The Black Pearl Guitar is every bit as good
as what I am accustomed to, however, it incorporates features not available
from
Purchase: I obtained my Black Pearl directly from the luthier, Dennis
MacPherson of
Features: I have a Black Pearl WD-18. This model has
a mahogany neck with a snake head stock, ebony fingerboard and bridge, the top
is Kermodie (which is also known as Lutz), the back
and sides are highly figured walnut and the body is bound in tortoise.
What I Like About Black
What I Do NOT Like About Black
Black
Black
Rating of this Black Pearl Guitars product: A++
This Black Pearl Acoustic Guitars Review
Submitted By: Jim Martin aka Zipster100
Date: 021807
Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
Model: Thin Line Dreadnought 6 string
History:
I received my MacPherson Thin Line Dreadnought 6
string as a gift from two great friends.
Because the style I play which goes from jazz standards, fusion as well
straight ahead, it is often difficult to find an acoustical guitar which
encompasses the warm but lively tonal qualities I enjoy. The MacPherson was a pleasant surprise.
Purchase: Gift
Features:
Brazilian Imbuia
Wood (back and sides), Sitka Heavy Bearclaw (top),
Mahogany (neck), Ebony w/MOP Tiger Paws High lighted
with Imbuia grass blades (finger board), Ebony
(Bridge), Green/Black Tortoise Celluloid Pearl Dot (bridge pins), Bone/Tusq (saddle-nut), Ebony Overlay w/MOP Recipients Name full Tiger Inlay (Headstock), MOP dotted as
well around the sound hole, Chrome Plate w/Ebony (Schallar
Machine), Tortoise (binding), Electronics (L.R.Baggs
Preamp/I-Beam system), Clear Plastic (pick guard), Clear Gloss Lacquer.
What I Like About Black
The tonal woods chosen, South American Imbuia back and sides, Sitka Heavy Bearclaw top, their new and original bracing patterned base on years research, in addition the thin line body style which increases clarity so each note is distinct, produces warm sustain, often not found in wider body guitars, and allows me to play without any muddle notes.
What I Do NOT Like About Black
There is nothing that can say
about the MacPherson Custom Shallow Dreadnought that I didn’t like.
Black
The quality of craftsmanship, the
well thought out plan in design based on the playing style of the recipient,
the inclusion of personality and creative desire to build an instruments
presentation that draws the admiration of the future owner as well as others,
has been very rewarding. Hey, just owning
one allows the ability to show off a little bit! But, Dennis MacPherson founder
of MacPherson Guitarworks is definitely dedicated to a long term quality
relationship with current and soon to be owners of these very
playable works of art, he provides a life time warranty which truly
works.
Rating of this Black
10 being perfect, I would rate this guitar a 10, in quality
and company service.
This Black
Neal T. Williams
Date: February 19, 2007
Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
Model: Small Jumbo Ziricote
back & sides Lutz top
History:
Purchase:
I purchased my guitar from MacPherson Guitarworks. I had spent 3 months going
from Gibsons, Martins and
Features:
What
I Like About Black
What I Do NOT Like About Black
Black
Black
Rating of this Black
Highly recommend!
This Black Pearl Acoustic Guitars Review
Submitted By: Tim Van Duyne,
Date: 2/20/07
Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
Model: Hawiian Koa Dreadnought & Quilted Cherry Dreadnought
Sorry should have emailed you the sound the guitars make is nothing like I've heard before, if you play the chords correctly!
My wife loves her guitar and one of the neat things with mine is the automatic tuning tells me what note I'm playing (if I'm looking for notes to start scales with)since I, We really appreciate the craftsmanship, time, effort and quality of the materials etc .having a lot of fun making noise and on the rare occasion music.
Submitted By: Eric Blattman
2/16/07
Black Pearl
Guitars by Dennis
MacPherson
History: We’ve always looked up to Dennis MacPherson and his unbelievable talents for crafting amazing instruments from the finest materials in the world. We feel honored to play Black Pearl Guitars!
What I Like About
Black
What I Do NOT Like
About Black
Black
Black
Rating of this
Black
This Black
Date: 2/22/07