For guitarists seeking a richer, deeper tonal landscape, the Baritone Acoustic Guitar offers an enticing alternative to the standard six-string. Like many, I’ve long been captivated by the unique voice of the baritone guitar. It’s not about compensating for vocal shortcomings, but rather embracing a sonic space that feels inherently comfortable and inspiring. My journey into this lower register began with a Gretsch Electromatic double neck, its baritone upper neck unveiling a world of resonant possibilities. Currently owning several baritone electrics, the quest for the perfect baritone acoustic guitar became a passionate pursuit.
My initial forays into the acoustic baritone realm were met with mixed results. I recall trying an 8-string model from a respected brand, Taylor. While holding high expectations, the experience unfortunately fell flat. The sound failed to resonate with me, the instrument felt cumbersome, and the neck profile proved incompatible with my hand. The search continued.
Serendipitously, I encountered Alvarez guitars through Anderton’s Acoustic Paradiso channel. Even through the filters of online compression, the studio recordings showcased a remarkable sonic quality. Then, an opportune email arrived, announcing a sale at The Guitar Boutique in Bethany, Ontario. Intriguingly, this shop boasted a selection of various baritone acoustic guitars in stock, a rare find.
A phone call to Mr. Nick Angelo, the owner of The Guitar Boutique, proved to be a turning point. His suggestion to visit the store in person, given its proximity, was invaluable advice. He understood that choosing a baritone acoustic guitar, especially, requires a hands-on experience. He was absolutely right.
Initially drawn to the allure of a gloss black 8-string baritone acoustic guitar model online, I arrived at The Guitar Boutique with this in mind. However, Nick first presented me with the Shadowburst version, readily accessible in the shop. The moment I played it, I was captivated. The sound was magnificent – a powerful voice, yet open, with impressive projection and a balanced tonal spectrum. Next, he brought out the gloss black model. While equally comfortable to play, its sonic character, mirroring its aesthetic of piano black top and satin black sides and back, leaned towards a noticeably darker and boomier tone. Although a 6-string baritone acoustic guitar was also available, the captivating octave shimmer of the 8-string had already solidified my preference. After playing both the Shadowburst and black 8-strings side-by-side, my decision was clear: the Shadowburst 8-string baritone acoustic guitar was the one. It came accompanied by a quality padded soft case and essential accessories, and I left the shop thrilled to delve into my new instrument.
This experience underscored a crucial point, one that transcends the specifics of baritone acoustic guitars. While the black model might have sufficed if purchased online, the visit to a physical guitar store offered an irreplaceable advantage. The ability to directly compare different iterations of the same model allowed me to discern subtle nuances and ultimately choose the baritone acoustic guitar perfectly suited to my preferences. This tactile, auditory comparison is simply unattainable through online retail, regardless of marketing claims. For any guitarist serious about finding the right instrument, especially a nuanced instrument like a baritone acoustic guitar, a visit to a genuine guitar shop is paramount.
Discovering Nick Angelo and The Guitar Boutique’s Unique Charm
It’s important to note that this website operates without commercial endorsements, supported solely by Patreon donations. My encounter with Nick Angelo and The Guitar Boutique is shared purely based on genuine appreciation. Nick, a seasoned veteran of the music industry, curates a shop that deviates from the mainstream. Instead of the ubiquitous brands, he stocks instruments from Alvarez, Alvarez-Yairi, Cole Clark, and Eastman acoustics, alongside Revelation, Eastman, Heritage, and Duesenberg electrics. His philosophy is refreshingly unconventional: why offer the same selection as every other store? For discerning players, this resonates deeply, as true quality often transcends brand recognition.
What truly sets Nick apart extends beyond his curated inventory. His decades of experience encompass live sound engineering, recording expertise, and, of course, being a dedicated musician himself. Remarkably, in 1964, Nick played with Les 4 Francaises, a pop band from Montreal, Canada. Les 4 Francaises holds a unique place in music history as the only Canadian band to have ever opened for The Beatles. The “About Us” section of The Guitar Boutique’s website features a video, filmed by Nick’s father, capturing this historic performance at the Montreal Forum in 1964. The footage includes Les 4 Francaises on stage, the Beatles themselves performing live, and even interview segments with vintage microphones bearing the call signs of CFCF and CJAD, radio stations instantly recognizable from my own childhood. This personal connection to musical history adds an undeniable emotional resonance to the entire experience. Nick generously gifted me a black and white photograph of Les 4 Francaises alongside a smiling and laughing Beatles – a truly magical memento.
Nick’s warmth and genuine passion for music and instruments make a visit to The Guitar Boutique worthwhile in itself. His wife, Jane, is equally welcoming, and I feel fortunate to have discovered their shop. The scenic drive to Bethany, Ontario, was a small price to pay for such a rewarding experience. During my visit, another customer, Simon, from Vancouver Island, stopped by while his family was in Bethany, specifically to visit The Guitar Boutique – a testament to its reputation. If you are within driving distance, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit. A courtesy call ahead is always appreciated, even though Nick keeps the shop open seven days a week, as a sign of respect for his time and personalized service.
UPDATE: Relive History
You can witness a short film, a precious historical document captured by Nick’s father, showcasing Les 4 Francaises opening for the legendary Beatles.
