2022 Paul Toon PT-000 – £1999

NEW ARRIVAL  I’ve known Nottingham based luthier Paul Toon for about 10 years, and he’s always promised to give me one of his guitars to sell, but he’s constantly been busy with private orders. So when he got in touch saying he had a brand new model, and I could have serial number 0001, I jumped at the chance – and the guitar really doesn’t disappoint. It’s based on the classic Gibson 00 shape, made1/2” deeper like a Nick Lucas, with the upper and lower bouts increased by 20mm. making it a 000 size. The guitar has a master grade Adirondack Spruce top, with beautiful Mexican Cocobolo back and sides, and a flamed Maple 3 piece neck with Walnut centre strip. There’s an Ebony fingerboard and bridge, a striped Ebony headstock, Hawaiian Koa rosette and bindings, with rope style purflings, and Gotoh 510 tuners. I’m not keen on the term hi-fi guitar, but if there’s such a thing, then this is a fine example. The power the Adirondack top gives belies the body size, and the clarity the Cocobolo back and sides gives, makes every note ring out. The unusual body shape keeps the trebles under control, while the bass is full and rich, and the mids sit beautifully balanced between the two. It’s a very comfortable guitar to play, really responsive, and genuinely rewarding – it handles any playing style you throw at it. Plus it looks absolutely stunning. The guitar comes in a Paul Toon monikered Hiscox flight case.