Testimonial for Stapleton Guitars® BIG BERTHA™ Orchestra acoustic guitar.
Bertha caused quite a stir at the music store. This was despite my unwelcome arrival just 10 minutes before home time. Even less welcome, my request for a non-standard case. We would clearly have to try a few. Bertha is no dreadnought.
“I’ve not seen this make before. Where did you get it?”
“I’ve just had it made. Have a go”.
Kudos to my new friend for mustering some 5pm enthusiasm. She accepted the guitar.
One strum.
One instant, massive, beaming smile.
A gasp from the staff member hustling past. He stopped dead.
“That’s a beautiful guitar, bro.”
And so she is.
Beautiful, rich, clear tone and a deep resonance you feel against your chest as you play. Strumming is one thing, but Bertha is built for fingerpicking. Magic. Wonderfully responsive and with sustain to die for, I wish I could do this guitar justice. I will have to be content that she makes me sound better than I deserve. Lovely low action. Great set up. An absolute pleasure to play. Can’t keep my hands off. My fingerprints are disappearing again.
The process was a pleasure too. This guitar was a custom build by a skilled, experienced and open-minded luthier. I’m a fan of James Taylor and was after something like the Olson “Small Jumbo” that he plays. Roman advised that “Bertha” was the closest of his models but the dimensions of the Olson were a little different. Specifically, a deeper body and a flat (rather than radius) soundboard. Roman said he could make it if I wanted. I didn’t want to be insulting, and I was worried about messing with a tried and tested design. Did he think it was a good idea? It turns out he was genuinely excited by the prospect, and even built some bespoke tools with which to create the guitar. We jokingly called her “Big Bertha”… and then it was too late. The name stuck.
No regrets.
Roman kept me updated throughout, and provided photos as the build progressed. He was kind and patient whenever I got overexcited and sent annoying requests for news. He was encouraging and enthusiastic about my choices regarding tuners, bridge pins and side dots. Fortunately, we were of the same mind regarding omission of a neck inlay and keeping the aesthetic simple… but I can see from his website that he is open to more elaborate design. Within reason - you can expect some gentle but firm guidance!
Roman clearly loves creating these instruments, selects the tone woods meticulously, will expertly craft your guitar and his enthusiasm is infectious. He will provide a realistic timeline and stick to it, and he will keep you not only informed but also involved. He builds an instrument of tremendous quality for a price which is hard to believe, especially when you consider the dedication, expertise and hours that go into it.
Thank you so much, Roman.
Big Bertha is an absolute cracker.
I love this guitar.
Sean,
Christchurch, New Zealand