My fascination with baritone guitars is deeply rooted in their unique sonic landscape. As someone who discovered the comfort of singing in a lower register, the baritone’s frequency range has always resonated with me. While I wouldn’t classify myself as a singer, the spacious sound of baritone instruments has consistently felt like a natural fit. My initial encounter was with a Gretsch Electromatic double neck, featuring a baritone neck alongside a standard six-string – a visually striking instrument that delivered immense tonal satisfaction. Currently, my collection includes three electric baritones, and the quest for the perfect acoustic counterpart has been ongoing. I had previously tested a few acoustic baritones, most recently an 8-string model from Taylor, a brand I admire. However, that experience left me underwhelmed. The sound didn’t appeal to me, the guitar felt cumbersome, and the neck profile was uncomfortable for my hand. It simply wasn’t the right match.
My interest was piqued by Alvarez guitars after hearing them on Anderton’s Acoustic Paradiso channel. Even through the compression inherent in YouTube videos, their sound quality was evident, especially when listening through studio monitors. Recently, an email alerted me to a sale at The Guitar Boutique in Bethany, Ontario. The shop offered attractive prices and, crucially, had a selection of various baritone acoustic guitars in stock.
Intrigued, I contacted the store and spoke with the owner, Nick Angelo (more on Nick later). He suggested that, given my proximity to Bethany (less than a two-hour drive), a visit to the shop to personally try out the guitars would be the most beneficial approach. He was absolutely right.
Initially, I was drawn to the gloss black version of their 8 string acoustic baritone guitar. However, Nick first presented the Shadowburst model, as it was readily accessible. To my ears, it sounded magnificent. It possessed a powerful voice, yet remained open, with excellent projection and a balanced tonal character overall. He then brought out the all-black version. It felt equally comfortable to play as the Shadowburst, but perhaps influenced by its aesthetic – a gloss piano black top with satin black sides and back – it exhibited a noticeably darker and boomier sound. While a 6-string baritone was also available, the octave shimmer of the 8-string configuration truly captivated me, solidifying my preference. After playing both the Shadowburst and black 8 String Acoustic Guitars back to back, I decided to purchase the Shadowburst. It came with a quality padded soft case and necessary accessories, and I was genuinely pleased as I prepared to head home and fully explore its capabilities.
This experience underscores a point I feel strongly about. There was absolutely nothing inherently wrong with the black 8 string acoustic guitar. I could have easily ordered it online, had it delivered, and likely been content. It still outperformed any other baritone acoustic I had previously tried. However, being physically present in a real guitar store allowed me to compare different versions of the exact same model. This direct comparison enabled me to discern subtle nuances and ultimately choose the instrument that was perfectly suited to me. This level of personalized selection is simply unattainable online, regardless of marketing claims. For serious guitarists, a visit to a brick-and-mortar guitar shop remains invaluable.
About Nick Angelo
It’s important to note that this website operates without compensation, relying solely on Patreon member donations. Nick Angelo, the owner of The Guitar Boutique, is a seasoned veteran in the music industry. His shop, while not massive, stands out for its curated selection. Instead of stocking the usual mainstream brands, Nick focuses on instruments that offer exceptional value and quality, carrying acoustics from Alvarez, Alvarez-Yairi, Cole Clark, and Eastman, among others. His electric guitar selection includes Revelation, Eastman, Heritage, and Duesenberg. Nick’s philosophy is to offer alternatives to the ubiquitous brands, recognizing that discerning players understand that brand recognition doesn’t always equate to superior quality.
What truly sets Nick apart is his remarkable background. Beyond his extensive experience as a live sound specialist, recording engineer, and accomplished musician, Nick’s history includes a unique chapter: in 1964, he played in Les 4 Francaises, a pop band from Montreal, Canada. Les 4 Francaises holds the distinction of being the only Canadian band to have ever opened for The Beatles. The “About Us” page on The Guitar Boutique’s website features a video, filmed by Nick’s father, capturing the band’s performance opening for the Beatles at the Montreal Forum in 1964. The video also includes live footage of The Beatles and interview segments filmed in Montreal, complete with vintage microphones bearing the call signs of stations like CFCF and CJAD – identifiers that evoke powerful childhood memories for me. Witnessing Nick and his band share the stage with The Beatles is truly a magical experience. Nick generously gifted me a black and white photograph of Les 4 Francaises with The Beatles, all smiling and laughing together.
Nick’s genuine warmth and passion for music make a visit to his shop worthwhile in itself. His wife, Jane, is equally welcoming, and I feel fortunate to have discovered The Guitar Boutique. The scenic drive to Bethany, Ontario, was undoubtedly justified. During my visit, another customer, Simon, stopped by en route from Vancouver Island to an event for his daughter. He had dropped his family off in Bethany specifically to visit The Guitar Boutique. If you are within driving distance, I highly recommend making the trip. However, it’s courteous to call ahead to let Nick know you’re coming. While the shop is open seven days a week, a quick call is a thoughtful gesture.
UPDATE
You can watch the short film, captured by Nick’s father, of Les 4 Francaises opening for The Beatles on The Guitar Boutique’s website.
