Here's a very special Baker... the B1 59, with a very low serial number -
105. A solid Mahogany body and carved Flamed Maple top give this guitar some
serious punch at the low end, but this guitar has an articulate tone no matter
where on the neck you find yourself. And what a neck - the '59 profile is
really comfortable, but has a very solid feel. The B1 59 has become a very
desirable Baker model.
The tone of this B1 59 is just sublime. The guitar is very resonant, and ringing
sustain is there when you need it. I actually find myself playing it unplugged
quite a lot, especially when it's not practical to amp up. I love hearing
it acoustically, and feeling it resonate as I play. It seems like the whole
instrument, from tail to headstock, is getting in on the act! Not only is
this one of the best sounding electric guitars I've ever had the privilege
of playing, but it is also one of the most nicely finished. When you handle
this guitar, it does not take long to realize that Gene Baker is a master
craftsman with an eye for both the big picture in terms of design and performance,
but also for the details. Construction is virtually flawless.
The pickups are Seth Lover humbuckers - that's right - "factory-installed"
Seth Lovers, amazing pickups and a rare standard option for a Baker. Each
has its own separate volume and tone controls, and a three-way selector switch
lets you use either or both at once, as you'd expect.
This instrument is in almost-mint condition. Just because I am very picky,
I am going to suggest that you expect a tiny mark or two here and there, but
nothing that I'd describe as a ding or scratch. There's also a little bit
of fogginess on the pickup covers. It's beautiful, and is in supremely collectible
shape! But the great thing about collecting Bakers, as with any amazing guitar,
is that you can really enjoy your collection - while it appreciates, you can
sling it around your neck and really appreciate it. But of course, Mr. Baker
did not build these instruments so that people could put them on walls and
stare at them. This is at heart a player's guitar - a tool for creativity
as well as a functional work of art, and an instrument designed inspire the
holder to strive for greater and greater levels of musicianship.
