FURCH

Though they have flown under the radar of many folks here in the US, Furch guitars (pronounced “Furk,” with a little bit of an “h” sound on the end) have been produced in the Czech Republic for more than 30 years. They first hit the scene in North America under the Stonebridge name—this was the brand given to them by their Canadian distributor at the time—but the company recently took the plunge to directly engage the North American market.  Since that time, there has been a good bit of excitement circulating around the brand.  In evaluating examples such as this GC-SRA Master’s Choice, it is easy to understand why: the quality of the build and the overall tone of the guitar clearly indicate a commitment to excellence on the part of the manufacturer.  Moreover, as evidenced by their early use of torrefied/baked tops, as well as the development of their CNR System neck joint (which centers around a carbon fiber truss rod reinforcement and a crafty neck heel reinforcement), it is clear that Furch is invested in innovative design as well.

This Red Master’s Choice GC  (Grand Auditorium Cutaway) is the top-of-the-line model in the Furch line. Accordingly, its Master Grade Sitka spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides are mated with a complement of tasteful aesthetic features: Koa binding for the body, headstock, and fingerboard; abalone purfling; Mother of Pearl and abalone “Leaf” inlays on the fingerboard and headstock, respectively; figured Ziricote for the fingerboard, bridge, and headstock veneer; and, one of our favorite (albeit minor) touches, the progressively elongated Mother of Pearl side position markers.  Most importantly, however, this GC-SR SPA MC has an impressive voice!  At first strum, one is greeted by a powerful and balanced presence; and, while it may skew a bit to the brighter side, it is by no means “tinny” or thin.  Rather, the notes are clear and bell-like with a pleasingly hearty and resolute foundation.  The GC-SR SPA has a relatively quick response, thus requiring little effort to bring notes to the fore; and, by virtue of a solid but acoustically-lively construction, there is a healthy dynamic range that can match the responsiveness of the guitar.  In many respects, the tonal attributes found in this Furch are reminiscent of those found in comparable offerings from some other notable manufacturers—an L shape Larrivee, a V-Class Taylor 814CE, or an Alvarez-Yairi grand auditorium, come to mind….  Yet, while it is certainly competitive with other notable makes, this Furch Master Choice GC is unique and potent guitar that ultimately defies any direct comparison.  Outfitted with an onboard L.R. Baggs StagePro Anthem pickup, it is capable of performing in any situation, be it home, studio, or stage.

Condition

This guitar was clearly well-maintained and exhibits few, if any, signs of use.  NEAR MINT condition

• “GC” (Grand Auditorium Cutaway) Body
• Venetian Cutaway
• Master Grade Sitka Spruce Top
• Pre-War Scalloped X-Bracing
• Master Grade Indian Rosewood Back and Sides
• Premium Koa Rosette with Abalone Inlay
• Koa Body Binding with White Border
• Abalone Purfling  with Black/White Border
• Full-Pore High-Gloss Finish
• African Mahogany Neck
• Furch Soft V Neck Profile
• CNR System Neck Reinforcement with Dual-Action Truss Rod
• Figured Ziricote Fingerboard
• 400mm (15.75”) Fingerboard Radius
• Mother of Pearl “Leaf” Fingerboard Inlay
• Figured Ziricote Headstock Veneer
• Abalone “Leaves” Headstock Inlay
• Koa Fingerboard and Headstock Binding
• Full-Pore Smooth-Slide Satin Neck Finish with Antibacterial Additive
• Clear Antiscratch Pickguard
• Figured Ziricote Belly-Style Bridge
• Ebony Bridge Pins with Mother of Pearl Dot
• Brushed Nickel Gotoh 510 Tuners (21:1 Ratio) with Ebony Buttons
• TUSQ Saddle
• TUSQ Nut
• 45 mm (1 3/4”) Nut
• 650 mm (25 1/2”) Scale Length
• Original Hiscox Flight Case