Grez Guitars Mendocino 28.5” scale guitar - Boutique baritone growl

23 May 2018 by Jef | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

Grez Mendocino 28.5” scale baritone guitar · Source: Grez Guitars

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Grez Guitars’ new Mendocino is a baritone 28.5″ scale length semi-hollow electric guitar with an optional Bigsby bridge system with a lot of vintage vibe.

Grez Mendocino Baritone

Hand-built in Northern California, the new Grez Mendocino Baritone is a boutique instrument with what I personally think are some really nice looking, vintage-style appointments. Based on the Mendocino model which they released last year, just with a longer scale length, the Lollar Goldfoil pickups will give you some low growl. I can imagine it will sound pretty decent, as I have never come across any bad sounding Lollar pickups in my lifetime.

Grez Guitars ‘Grez’ tailpiece · Source: Grez Guitars

Bigsby?

The Bigsby trem option is welcome, although you can go for a fixed bridge option as well with a ‘Grez’ tailpiece. Both options use a nice high-quality TonePros AVR2 bridge and so intonation and sustain should be spot on.

The company has also chosen some good quality timbers here, selecting acoustic guitar grade, reclaimed ‘old growth’ redwood for the top. The neck and body are one-piece Honduran mahogany while the fretboard is Macassar ebony. These are all top-notch tone woods, so I’d expect these to look and sound just that bit nicer than your average electric. But it comes at a price, of course.

They are lightweight as well, coming in at around 5.75lbs, so these won’t break your back or give you any shoulder issues. Grez uses carbon fibre reinforced necks to help keep things stiffer, which should also help keeping note definition across the neck. Black and Natural nitrocellulose finishes are available, both of which really suit the aesthetic of the guitar and look very classy indeed.

I’m won over by the styling of these – don’t they look superb? The big question would be whether to go for one with a Bigsby, as that would obviously have quite an effect on how they play and feel. Decisions, decisions…. I’m quite drawn towards one in black with a Bigsby myself!

RRP – USD 2800 inc RB Continental Hard Case