I have to say -- I'm listening on a laptop and have no trouble hearing differences between the two guitars. It becomes even more apparent when listening on good monitors. I've recorded several different Taylors (including a very nice special edition Brazilian rosewood that I once owned) for a total of about 500 recordings - never had one come close to sounding as good as either of Mike's two. Not trying to be contrary, I just feel that the added cost is easily justifiable, even based on the clips. In person, there's a bigger difference, I'm sure of that.

quote:

Originally posted by mwilkins:
I just thought people might be interested in a clip given the frequent discussions (and infrequent availability) of Borges guitars.

Much appreciated, Mike! I've promised to post a recording and haven't delivered yet, so I'm especially happy that you're able to post this.

No problemo.

I'm going to put together a couple of really short clips with 4-5 different guitars tonight just for kicks ... probably the Borges OM, the Blazer 000, a couple of Collings small-bodies, and then the $900 Martin 000 that my 12 year-old uses. Might even toss a vintage instrument or two into the mix just for the sake of comparison.

Should be fun.

As promised (or threatened, as the case may be) ...

http://collingsforum.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=43760485&f=...881025945#6881025945

quote:

That being said, if you can find a Yamaha that mics like that, please let me know.

Mike, I have a sitka/mah dread made in America by Crafters of TN that I only paid $750 for used. I have used it out on gigs, while camping, picnics, etc... I'll let anyone play it.. hey it's only $750 invested, but the thing really sounds good and plays easily. The top is all dented up, the frets are sticking out of the side of the neck (though I've filed them down a few times), the finish looks like crap, hense the nickname "Crappters of TN"... but I'm still able to play it well. I played it yesterday for my nephew who was over to pick up an amp from me and A/B'd it with my SJ... you really can't tell that it is inferior sounding because it isn't. But the price... the SJ cutaway retails for $5,000... I paid $750 for the Crapters... go figure.

Mike: thanks. they all sound good, to say the least, but I cottoned to the Blazer, the J50 and the Borges. That said, Kenny's right that it's possible to find cheap 'n cheesy guitars that sound great. There was a Seagull at an LA studio where I recorded; it had been gleaned from a carload at Guitar Center or Punk World or one of those Mall Wart for guitarz kinda places. Cost 300 new, and it sounded great. Not good. Great. I've played some Eastmans that were astounding for the money. Learn to speak Chinese. It'll come in handy sooner than you think.

I'm currently scoring a documentary and today I used a Gretsch "Wild West Sweethearts" guitar for a large section of one particular cue. This guitar was $99 from Musicianfriend.com. It sounded REALLY good (the U47 microphone certainly played a part, but the guitar gets most of the credit), and perfect in the context of the film where lo-fi, earthy, homespun sound is an asset. I had several people who heard it make a comment on the "great" guitar sound. Once the film is released I should be able to post a clip.

I also recorded the Borges as an overdub which sits underneath the Sweathearts guitar and is much less audible. Funny how the guitar which costs 1/100th the price of the Borges gets the spotlight sometimes.

I guess you could say that I'm in full agreement - it's not about price. On the other hand, I tend to gravitate towards more costly guitars. I'd rather the opposite be true. Today it WAS true.

Interesting, as I've looked at those a number of times and thought it would be cool to have one. I've used a Baby Taylor a few times and have gotten extremely good results (for what I wanted it for) as well.

It's all about tone ...

Beautiful playing!

Hey, great playing, I was looking at that Borges to compliment the one I already own, check my Youtube of me playing my Borges L-00 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIzIUt08z_Y

Mike, those recordings are well done. The borges has a ton of character. It and the blazer I think I enjoyed the best. Although I do admit the martin sounded very good for it's price, amazing really (for price).

I heard the character of the borges though and it makes me want one.

Robert, your Borges sounds very interesting. I like 00's obvioulsly. Can't tell the backwood. Wondering if Mahogany. Wish the sound quality was a little better, to provide a stronger sense of the tonal qualities of your guitar, but perhaps you'll make another recording some time soon.


best,

Stuart

Maple,

...and that recording was made using my wife's Canon digital camera which is not really meant for recording video let alone sound, but it shoots 30 second clips. I'm not serious into recording myself, that was just for kicks. For what it is, I think it's a good representation of the sound of the guitar. You'll have to come play it

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Robert Forman,