Simon and Patrick Woodland Mini Jumbo

SIMON 29211 Details ^top

SIMON 29211 Info ^top

Acoustic guitar players are demanding more of their instruments than ever before. Today we play all over the fingerboard, constantly change tunings, and acoustic guitars have become a key component in music of all styles. Simon and Patrick guitars combine the classic elements of the acoustic guitar tradition with state-of-the-art innovations to deliver the sound, feel and power that modern acoustic music demands.

Guitar sound is all about vibrating wood and while it is true that the entire instrument vibrates, no part vibrates as much as the top - that's where most of the sound comes from. Simon and Patrick guitars feature select solid Cedar and Spruce tops. The tight straight grain in this wood makes it stiff enough in the direction of the grain to take the string tension, while at the same time it's flexibility across the grain allows it to vibrate. The more the top vibrates, the better the sound. And, more importantly, the increased vibration causes the sound to get better and better. This phenomenon of improving sound is called aging. In order to encourage aging in the guitar it must be played! The more you practice - the better you play, and, your guitar improves with you!

Finish
Finish is another defining characteristic of an authentic acoustic guitar. An acoustic guitar finish has to strike a delicate balance between protecting the wood and allowing the top to vibrate freely. The thick polyester finish used on many acoustic guitars impedes top vibration and prevents aging. The lacquer finish used on all Simon & Patrick guitars strikes the perfect balance between protection and vibration

Finish is another defining characteristic of an authentic acoustic guitar. An acoustic guitar finish has to strike a delicate balance between protecting the wood and allowing the top to vibrate freely. The thick polyester finish used on many acoustic guitars impedes top vibration and prevents aging. The lacquer finish used on all Simon & Patrick guitars strikes the perfect balance between protection and vibration.

Neck pitch - the angle that the neck attaches to the body - is a key element in a guitars tone. The S&P neck attachment system insures consistent neck pitch. The wood towood (no glue) attachment provides excellent neck/body energy transfer. Sides are made from three layers of laminated hardwood. Real wood rosette is inlaid into top Pro Series feature solid wood backs Rosewood bridge is glued on bare wood - not over finish The S&P saddle provides compensation for every string. S&P guitars play beautifully 'in tune' all over the neck.

High Ratio, sealed machine heads. Honduras Mahogany neck is supported by an advanced truss rod system, that allows us to reduce the neck thickness to a very comfortable size without sacrificing stability. Rosewood fingerboard with medium nickel/silver frets. The solid spruce (or cedar) tops produce an excellent sound table, and improve with age. A genuine lacquer finish provides protection without inhibiting vibration.

Review of SIMON 29211

RATING:

Sound Quality	10
Features	8
Ease Of Use	10
Value	10
Reliability	10
Overall	10

I'm a hobbyist and I have several nice guitars, including a couple of Guilds, a Seagull Studio Artist, and a Simon Patrick Sunburst 12-string, which was my only cedar top guitar. I'm a little partial to Canadian guitars. A few years ago I had a beat up looking used cedar top Seagull that had an amazing sound, which I missed. I had seen the S P Mini-Jumbo and liked the simplicity of it. I was hoping it would be comparable to the Seagull. Anyway, my wife bought the S P Mini-Jumbo for my birthday and I've been waiting for its arrival. I picked it up today and when I opened the case I saw how perfect it looked. The cedar top is flawless and the wild cherry back and sides have the most beautiful grain you really have to see it to appreciate the craftsmanship. Everything is well-fitted and finished. The photos do not do this guitar justice. For you purists out there, the three-ply laminate back and sides do not diminish the sound at all and you shouldn't let that dissuade you if you're thinking about buying this model. You'll just have to trust me on that. The Mini-Jumbo is loud and projects a full and even tone it is not tinny at all. It's the sound I had been missing there is something about a cedar top that just works for me. The neck is not super slim, but it isn't as bulky as my Seagull and is easy to get my hand around. The set up is great the action is not too high or too low no string buzz at all. I usually send my new guitars to a luthier at a local music store but this one doesn't need any work, which is really cool. Oh, and the black hardshell case is sweet too it has a wine-colored faux-fur interior. No BS, if you are looking for a well-built, good quality guitar at a good price and like that even, full, and loud acoustic sound, this is the guitar you should buy.

-Zaph
-Sacramento, Calfornia, 04/20/09

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