Blueberry Groove Review
 

Okay lets start with when I received the guitar which was about two weeks ago. It was ordered directly from Blueberry Guitars in Montreal after having many conversations with owner Danny Fonfeder, I had my concerns about the strength of the solid Alaskan spruce top having all those grooves carved into it. This is not an extra thick top designed to accommodate grooves, it is a standard thickness. Danny reassured me that this was a non issue and that in all likely hood it would be the best sounding guitar I had ever played!

I have been playing for 20 plus years and have owned Martins, Guilds, Seagulls, Blueridge etc. So I have played some good guitars. I haven't ever had a Taylor. I've played some beauties but never found one that really did it for me!

So I receive the guitar at my office and could not resist taking the case out of the box. It comes in a dark blue TKL case with the Blueberry logo on the top of the case in large gold letters. I opened the case and was quite shocked to see a guitar with probably over 1500 grooves in the top. It was kind of hard to get my head around, The back and sides are solid mahogany and the back is also completely grooved. The first thing I noticed was just how light the guitar was, Probably as light or lighter than anything I have owned before, It was naturally shipped detuned. Incidentally the packaging was first rate. I was concerned about the grooves carved into the back of the neck which mark the 3,5,7 and ninth frets, They were there and were quite deep. I wasn't sure that I would like this?? Danny hand promised to give me a full refund if I did not like the guitar and in the back of my mind I thought that I might well take him up on his offer.

Thats as far as I went with my first inspection because I was at the office. Packed it back up and waited for the day to end so I could get back home.

I got home and took in out again and and gave it a thorough inspection, It was virtually flawless with the finish and fit of all components. 14 frets to the body, ebony fingerboard, bridge and headstock, bone saddle and nut. Fret markers done very well with nice fit and finish. Had rubbed finish is beautiful and it will not check or crack which is a bonus when you live in a city that can hit -40 in the winter!

My wife also plays guitar so I handed her the Groove and asked her to tune it up while I left the room. I wanted to hear the first notes come out with everything tuned up. I went back into the room and looked at the action. It was very very good for my tastes. Danny asked me if I wanted a specific set up prior to shipping as they will do this for the customer at no charge prior to shipping. I said not to change anything. So the "factory" set up was excellent.

So I sat down and began picking...I'm a finger picker no picks, just the flesh on my fingers, Without exaggerating....I almost fell out of my chair. I forgot to mention..body size is Grand Concert, so smaller than a dred. I had so many thoughts going through my mind, the volume was incredible and yet played softly did not loose any of it's character. The sustain on this guitar is nothing short of mind blowing. I have never heard anything like it before!! The highs ring the mid range seems to be perfectly balanced and really nice bass response without the boominess of some dreds, You can feel this guitar, it's like it's alive. You can feel it resonating on your leg, on your stomach and chest, on your picking arm and all the way up the neck!! This whole guitar just resonates!!

I found the grooves on the back of the neck a bit of a distraction at first but I have probably put 30 hours of playing time into it now and to be honest I don't even notice them now but have noticed that I have relied on them a couple of times as I move up and down the neck.

I brought it to show my friend and the first thing he did was take it from the case and banged it into the corner of a metal shelf in the lower bout where the top meets the binding. My heart literally stopped figuring that the already light top would have a hole punched right through it!! There was barely a mark and with the grooves, it isn't even noticeable. That put my fears to rest about the top being more fragile because of the grooves.

This guitar in my opinion is a flat pickers or fingerpickers dream guitar. It is nothing short of fabulous!! It also sounds beautiful when strummed as well.

I have loved the sound of all the guitars I have owned and this one as well. They all have different characteristics that I like. But I do have to say that this may very well be the favorite of them all!! For my style of playing I have never heard anything that even comes close.

I know they are not easy to find yet but everyone should definitely try to get there hands on a Groove. You will not be disappointed! I paid $xxxx.00 for my Groove, it had been at a trade show in Toronto so Danny knocked a little off the price. I paid over $1000.00 more for each of my Martins and you cannot knock a Martin they're awesome, but for the price the Groove is a steal!! I think you'll see prices start to rise once people get their hands on a few of these. I am still not sold on the look of the grooved top but I really don't care. It's a small sacrifice to make if it makes this guitar play and sound the way it does.

If you have anymore questions, let me know, I would be pleased to answer as best I can. I'll post some pics when I have more time!! Take care all!

Wow, Thanks!!

Does it come with a black hat and dark glasses as well? Oh, and what about the free CD's that will have any beginer playing like a pro in just hours (thousands of hours)....
all for three easy payments of ??

Boy, it almost seems like you are the owner of the company? Nice review though!... :D:D:D

Thanks for the price breakdown as well!!! :D:D:D

Sammy

that's quite the detailed and informative review!

I still can't get past the looks personally, especially the headstocks.

If a company can manufacture guitars with great sounds, as this poster claims, why do they have to go to such lengths with the outrageous designs? Other builders have had success (Larrivee and Godin) in Canada, with pretty plain jane guitars!

Seems like an added cost that would deter more players than it would attract (*checks UPS status on Larrivee delivery*).

But to each his own, sounds like a very special guitar to you and that's all that matters I guess. :)

Glad you like the guitar!

I still wonder why they groove the front rather than the back of the guitar.....why no other builder has done this (or, if they have, why it hasn't caught on), and how they finish the top.
Kind of reminds me of a friend of mine who was convinced that if you drove with all the windows down, you could go faster.
Sometimes, "less" isn't "more". :lol:

I would think that grooving the top could have a similar effect as shaving the braces. Reduce the unsprung mass and you get a more responsive oscillation.

As a steel "I" beam is stronger than a solid counterpart, I could also envision the groves in the top could increase top stiffness if cut properly as well as the reduction of mass could result in something that is able to respond with a faster attack time and volume but with decreased sustain.

I'll definitely be interested in seeing a real live one.
I have problems with the headstock carvings as well but that would never dissuade me from buying one if it sounded good to me. I usually guitar shop with my ears first and my eyes second.

After all... I would buy a Blueridge and that headstock is certainly not shy about showing itself on their Historic line.

Nahh.
First of all, these grooves don't look like they could be "tuned" to the top like braces can. Once you scour those grooves in, you can't undo it. At least with braces you can just replace one if you over do it.
Secondly, there is another way to remove mass from a top...make it thinner.
Builders have had centuries to play with top geometry.
Radiusing the top....tapering the edges.

BTW, welcome to the forum. Never seen you here before! ;)

Can we see some picture's of these Blueberries, I dont remember seeing one??

JeffM,

you still have your 3? ;)

Sammy

Sorry, I'm still not buying the whole concept. I believe it to be more the brainchild of a person who is neither a player or builder of guitars than a viable technique that will find a long standing place in the guitar industry.

The things I've seen posted about them appear to be carefully written and placed efforts in marketing than anything else.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars

Thats what Im saying, I keep waiting for Estaban to show up! :D:D
Sammy

Kind of reminds me of a friend of mine who was convinced that if you drove with all the windows down, you could go faster.
Sometimes, "less" isn't "more".

That's a great line.... I think I might have met that guy "back in the day" ;)

Right next to my Zager's :up:

Five of them listed with pics....

http://instruments.shop.ebay.com/?_f...ove&_sacat=619

Interesting marketing for a guitar maker....eBay store.

I wouldn't mind hearing some sound clips, particularly since you can A/B with a Martin or a Guild that is collecting dust in the corner.


ken

That is also the impression I got from reading the material on the Blueberry website.

"Nahh.
First of all, these grooves don't look like they could be "tuned" to the top like braces can. Once you scour those grooves in, you can't undo it. At least with braces you can just replace one if you over do it.
Secondly, there is another way to remove mass from a top...make it thinner.
Builders have had centuries to play with top geometry.
Radiusing the top....tapering the edges.

BTW, welcome to the forum. Never seen you here before! "
-------------------------------------------------------------

Errr...Sorry everyone. I've been lurking here for months and just recently been cleared to post through an error in the server.
I have enjoyed many hours of reading here. Thanks !

Regarding Blueberry guitars, I have seen and played a couple. Esteban's and Zagers, they are the farthest thing from.
They are actually well crafted guitars and a perticular dread (hog/spruce) I tried did not take a back seat to anything.

The perticular model that I enjoyed playing was called the "Celtic Lion". Blueberry placed only 3 back braces and did away with 1 diagional lower bout brace on the top as well making the guitar very light and resonate. Actually, the guitar was a powerhouse.
The carving detail was exceptionally well done and flawless. Visually, I had mixed feelings about it. Specifically, the headstock despite it being flawless as well.

Current guitars I own include a '85 Beneteau Dred spruce/EIR, Blueridge BR-260, a ported and polished Sigma hog lam/solid spruce and a solid hog/ spruce pacrim Revival (new kids on the block).

I've played bluegrass/country since '80 and grew up with Martins and Gibson's.
I currently play in a classic country dance band and occasionally mandolin in a little local bluegrass band. Mandolins include a '61 Gibson F-12 and a "A" style mando I put together from a kit.

Many guitars I rate, I use the Beneteau as a benchmark but I don't try to compare apples with oranges or hogs with rosewood. I do get my hands on some Martin D-18's quite regular and the juiced up Sigma compare's with them generally speaking. My benchmarks are not Esteban's thaat is for sure.

I'll reserve judgement on these groove topped Blueberries until I get to see one in my hand and pound it a bit.
It's posssible they may have something or they may be a gimmick trying to create a buzz.
Regardless, if they sound like the Blueberry I got to preview, and the workmanship remained consistant, anyone would be hard pressed to critizise it.

Thanks Everyone for allowing me to contribute.

I have not played one. After seeing what they cost there is no way I would pay that much for a guitar that looked like they do. Thats just....well.....no way.

I know....I know.....Its all about the tone, but even if I played one and it had the tone, I still wouldnt buy it.

Thats just my opinion.

PMC,
Don't fall prey to the old "it's all about tone" ploy to get you to buy guitars that are poorly or sloppily crafted and poorly finished.

Any builder who is worth their salt in this industry has gone to great lengths and has made huge investments in both time and finances to build their skill in every aspect of the craft.

Believe me, sloppy joints in binding, poorly fitted necks and other components are just the obvious and more visible indications of either a lack of skill or a lack of concern for and attention to detail on the builder's part. If they won't take the time to make sure that the visible joints are very clean and as close to perfectly fitted as possible, what would ever lead anyone to believe that they would take the time on the joints inside the guitar and between the components that are responsible for the creation of its tone through the free transfer of vibration. Sloppy and poorly fitted on the outside usually is an indicator of the same being present throughout.

I've never bought it as I've heard builders say, "Well I'm not worried about the purfling miters or the finish on my guitars since tone is what I specialize in and that's been the main focus for me as I've developed my skill as a builder. Fit and finish don't matter and my customers are more discerning, educated players who really know quality when they see it". That's laughable and is the biggest crock of trash that a builder can possibly offer in defense of their lack of discipline and attention to detail and their poor workmanship.

I know one builder who is really a novice at the craft and has only built a few guitars, but he touts himself as world being renowned and claims to be receiving world class accolades from well known artists. His guitars are an absolute mess in most respects and look like the beginning luthier's instruments that they are, but his aggressive and shameless, not to mention deceptive self promotion has paid off as people are beginning to believe it and are waiting for guitars that will likely prove to be huge disappointments to them when they get them.

Just because someone lists themselves among the very best in the world....no one else has to until the guitars that they're building does it for them.

A great looking guitar with very nice detail achievement in every respect will likely have great tone if the builder has any level of experience. There are plenty of great looking pieces coming out of shops of entry level builders who haven't cut their chops fully yet in the tone department.

So, I guess my point is that the appearance part is the easy part to develop to a point where world class results are being achieved....the tone part is what really takes the time. One is more mechanical since it takes advantage of great tools, lots of jigs and fixtures and good general woodworking skills while the other takes advantage of and cannot be accomplished without the intuition and insight that can only come from numbers of guitars built and exposure to more and more guitars repaired and listened to closely to develop a sharp sense of what works as well as what doesn't work when it comes to creating great tone, response and balance in a guitar.

Too many times I've seen posts from guys who are initiating commissions with young builders who have only a small number of guitars under their belts and want to validate their purchase by claiming that the guitars are as good as those coming out of the shops of builders who have multiple times the number of guitars
to their credit.....and at a fraction of the price! I've played guitars from many of the new guys that are very nicely built, but still reflect an undeveloped tone or a lack of the results that can come only with time and the type of growth that comes with it and nothing else. It makes the player feel better that they're getting a guitar built from the very same woods, with the same finish and a similar design as that of their much more expensive counterparts, but the diffrence is readily obvious in most cases and the fact remains that they are still getting what they are paying for.

Regards,
Kevin Gallagher/Omega Guitars

Is that you Mr. Blueberry?

Okay just to clear this up!!
 

You know what, I am getting tired of people insinuating that I own or work for Blueberry. My name is Stewart Curry, I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. I am a salesman for a company by the name of Konica Minolta Canada. Prior to that I worked for Heidelberg Canada a manufacturer of printing presses. If I had posted a good review on a Martin or a Taylor or a Babicz or Benateau no one would accuse me of doing under handed marketing for a guitar company. I am a guy who works hard for his money and wanted to post my impressions of the Groove for those who were curious. Kevin Gallagher may very well be right, maybe the grooves do nothing to the sound. Bottom line remains is that I personally like the performance, sound and tone of this guitar. This is not a guitar with sub standard binding or sloppy craftsmanship. The other partner in this company is George Morris who runs the Vermont school of lutherie. This not some guy who decided on the fly to try to contract some work to some Balinese wood carvers who had never made guitars before. The workshop is owned by three partners, one of them being George Morris. The shop employes about 50 people that work solely for Blueberry. The reason for the ebay store is for one reason. They needed to sell guitars! You cannot keep a shop that employs 50 people going for very long unless you sell guitars. It was either start moving some guitars or wind things down. The shop can only produce 25-30 guitars a month. The owners are doing this because they are passionate about guitars! How do I know all this.....I must be an employee!!....All this info is available on their web site if you take the time to look. Bottom line I like the Groove and you can be sure that over time if I see issues with cracking or a bad neck or bridge pulling off, I will be the first one back here telling people of how things have taken a turn for the worst!! By the way if any of you need a photo copier let me know!!

:D:D:D

im just glad you enjoy playing guitar and making music with your new guitar;)

Ease up killer. I'm sure we are all (I know I am) joking.

50 employees at 25 to 30 instruments a month! Holy crap! Jeff Traugott has a better track record than that in man-hours per instrument...one man, one instrument a month, and Jim Olson has put out four guitars a month working solo. There's something wrong with this picture... If those are the real numbers, this is a business that's going to burn through its start-up capital at a phenomenal rate. Something's fishy...

Hey John, I guess my tone comes across more harshly than intended. I'm not
doing it to be "killer" I just feel bad for the guys at Blueberry because the people I have spoken with have been just awesome and super helpful!! I just don't want people who read this to think that Blueberry Guitars is run by some snake oil salesman names Stewart4328! This is a great forum and enjoy reading all the posts!!

Cheers!

Rick,

They're in Bali....come on.
Why don't you check out their website, it's worth a look, really!!

I will say this.
The history of the company, (a vacationer in Indonesia with no experience building guitars saw some local craftsmen carving Balinese designs in wood and said "Hey!! I got an idea!!"), sudden "burst onto the scene" marketing, eBay store, Video NAMM interview with the company owner ( when asked to play one to show how it sounds, he strummed a C chord that it looked like he had a hard time fingering. At least Estaban can play...and Zager kind of knows "Starway to heaven" :roll:), overseas production by people with NO experience actually building guitars, much less high end custom built instruments.
And then there is the design.
Thousands of grooves carved into the top? It looks like somebody took a cheese grater to it.
(And WHY DO THE GROOVES HAVE TO GO ON THE TOP ??!! :lol:)
All added up, these do not shout out "This is a quality guitar company that knows what we are doing."

If anybody is interested in these, I suggest that you talk with luthiers who had a chance to see these at the last NAMM. I've heard some of their feedback.
Their reports are quite...interesting.

Along the lines of what Kevin has said...
there are many excellent builders out there who have spent years and years perfecting their craft. Their combintion of workmanship and tone is a thing of beauty.
There are several large guitar companies who have been producting quality instruments for decades and decades, whose guitars are played by thousands of knowledgeable professional players, and have contributed to the "Holy Grail" guitar lore.

I want a guitar that has quality in fit and finish. That has guitar tone. That plays well. I want it all.
There are too many other fantastic builders out there to tempt me for me to be enticed by a "Blueberry".

To guys like Kevin:

It's a Canadian company owned by a few guys who have a factory over in Bali, who make these guitars, which then have some fancy wood carvings carved in. That's it.

I checked out the company for a bit for my workplace to see what the scoop on these guys were. Exchanged some emails with the rep, good guy. My coworkers also checked out these guitars at the MIAC show in Toronto a few weeks back with generally positive remarks, and stated that they're at a good price point for what they offer (at least in the entry range).

It's just a new, up and coming guitar company. I've heard that the first batch they released on the market were dreadfully built, but that they quickly got their stuff together once they determined this, and have improved substantially.

Give it a few years and you might see more of them. Time will tell. Although I'll agree on the assessment of the "grooves", can't see any reasoning behind that.

Get some pictures of yours Stewert, sounds sweet.

Feedback I've seen from luthiers who saw these at NAMM noted that;

"they were of very poor quality and that the fit and finish were terrible."

These are not priced at "entry level guitar" range...ie, same as Blueridge, Larrivee 03 series, Seagull, etc.
For what these are selling for, there are LOTS of EXCELLENT guitars one can purchase from world class builders like Martin, Taylor, Gibson, Larrivee, SCGC, used.

If somebody asks me should they consider one...I'd say that from all I've seen so far, if you have the money burning hole in your pocket and are buying one just to "experiment", go for it.
If this is about getting a quality guitar.....I'd think about looking elsewhere and avoid the risk.

Check out the prices on the Blueberry ebay store. Maybe they're selling guitars at an entry level price somewhere but that somewhere is not their ebay store. Imagine the fine guitars you could get for these prices!

By the way saw some of these at a trade show in Montreal in the summer of 2007 and I was not impressed. That said, to my eye the aesthetics are appalling so that may be tainting my eye/ear.

Regards,

Steve

Never said once said entry-level range.

I'll clarify by saying their entry range. As in, where their prices start at (which I believe is somewhere around a thousand). I could be wrong: just from some of the research I've done, they start in that range.

And buying a guitar like that on eBay is ludicrous in my mind as well, I didn't notice the ads. In fact, I think buying ANY guitar from eBay is insanity. :) Try before you buy people, Blueberry has dealers. ;)