Baranik Retreux Parlor Guitar

I first met Mike Baranik at last year's Woodstock Luthier Invitational. After playing several of his guitars it didn’t take me long to invite Mike to be part of the select group of acoustic builders I represent. His workmanship and quality of build are totally in sync with what I like to see in an acoustic guitar.

My first Baranik offering is called the Retreux Parlor. That’s the official name but to me it really is the “ultimate couch guitar.” You may know that parlor guitars have made a bit of a comeback in the last decade. Their portability and historic tone have been charming a whole new set of players and listeners for good reason - parlor guitars are just cool. And this is without a doubt one of the finest parlor guitars I have ever experienced.

First, it is absolutely beautiful. The wide grain Adirondack top along with a rare set of fiddleback mahogany back and sides just beckens. Expecting the sound to be a bit contained because of the small body, I was pleasantly surprised to hear how much volume there was once I started to play. It’s really like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. This is a guitar I would have no problem using in just about any playing situation. The tone is sweet and woody with a hint of natural reverb - very organic! The open side port brings the player into the guitar for a very satisfying playing experience. The 1 3/4” nut width and 2 1/4” bridge spacing make this very comfortable for fingerstyle players. To my ears, this small wonder really imparts a soulful character to acoustic blues playing (think Clapton unplugged).

Mike Baranik left no stone unturned in the design of the Retreux Parlor. Every millimeter of this guitar is as it should be. It’s a joy to play.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT BARANIK GUITARS
Mike Baranik attended the Roberto-Venn school of Luthiery in Phoenix, AZ in 1993. He decided to stay in Phoenix after graduating and served an apprenticeship with the school’s main instructor, John Reuter. Alongside his good friend and fellow luthier Kent Hamblin, he focused on custom electric and acoustic guitars before the company closed down to refocus back to a solo workshop. Mike then worked at an exotic wood supplier while setting up his own shop and business in 1997 and debuted his acoustic guitars at the Healdsburg show the same year. Every year since, his business continued to grow and gain exposure by word of mouth and by displaying his work at guitar festivals including Healdsburg, Newport, Woodstock and NAMM. Mike’s current workshop is located on California’s central coast wine country. Each year he makes a limited number of steel string acoustic guitars, achieving creative artistic designs while using modern technology. His focus is on high-quality craftsmanship, and he enjoys seeking out choice exotic woods for both visual and tonal excellence.