Late NAGD: I found my path!

[Kiichi]

Good day gentlemen!

As I mentioned elsewhere I have a NGD which is kinda belated, but I wanted it to be finished before I posted it (and named it for that matter).

What I am talking about is a used old Wechter Pathmaker! Most people are probably not familiar with Abe Wechter, let me say a few words on him. He was a student of the great Richard Schneider and became a master luthier building for Gibson. Perhaps his most famous work are the guitars he did for John McLaughlin, including the Shakhti guitar (with drone strings) and another one with scallopped frets. All in all a pretty inovative builder. At one point he started his own company to make acoustic guitars with an optimal bang for the buck. It does not exist anymore, he now does custom work from China, but I managed to get the 47th Pathmaker model build in his Michigan workshop.
I was introduced to him by an icelandic musician I mixed one night. He was playing a Pathmaker Thinline and it was amazing. So I went and had a look.

I got it at the end of August off ebay for a pretty good price, but it was a players guitar so I had work done on it. Neck had an uncomfortable dent in the finish and felt a bit sticky so I had it refinished. I also took out the plastic saddle and bridge pins and had bone put in (was actually good plastic, but the bone is tad better) and now I just had the frets leveled cause it was buzzing a good bit in some positions.

Now it is wonderful. Double cutaway acoustic. Rosewood sides, back and board. Cedar top, mahahony neck and walnut bridge. 22 frets. Playes really easily and fluid. Legato techniques are a pure joy, just so loud and responsive. Lovely warm, woody, and balanced sound. Despite being double cutaway it is the biggest sounding guitar I have, big projection and bite. The definition is actually so good that I use it in D standard.

I am very much in love with this one and have now named her "Cosi". It is both the nickname of a girl I know who kinda got me to get over myself and do more acoustic playing and actually sing, and a reference to "cozy" cause that is what this feels and sounds like to me.

If anyone ever sees a Wechter Pathmaker check it out, they seem to often go for far less than they are worth. Lot of bang for the buck if bought at new price and second hand these are bargains I think.

Attached a couple of quick shots of the beauty. Now  back to waiting for the next NGD I just ordered....man my room is getting faaaaaar too small.

Cheers!

[Philly Q]

Interesting looking guitar!

I have certainly heard of Wechter before but it's one of those brands I've always just assumed would be hugely expensive.

[Andrew W]

I really like that. It's innovative without looking like it's trying too hard. It's always gladdening when someone gets a second hand guitar and fixes it up. Nicely done, sir!

[Kiichi]

Interesting looking guitar!

I have certainly heard of Wechter before but it's one of those brands I've always just assumed would be hugely expensive.

I think new most models (at least of the Pathmaker) went for around 1200$ or so. So upper middle class but not hugely expensive. The two I have now had the pleasure of trying were really, really good though, so that price was already justified. I am also told that the customer service was great and even though he now is in China he still honors it (was also very kind when I asked him about the woods). Second hand you can get them for quite a bit less than new, I guess since it is not a well known name. Again, I highly recommend checking them out when seeking acoustic guitars, I think this is one of overlooked gems. I will actually likely look to get another one at one point.

At least mine is not really a Philly guitar though as the neck is pretty thin and flat. Do not recall if it was the same with all. It is very well shaped though and feel great, even according to some thick neck people I know. Just has that certain something.

I really like that. It's innovative without looking like it's trying too hard. It's always gladdening when someone gets a second hand guitar and fixes it up. Nicely done, sir!

Thanks, I like second hand stuff. Over the internet it is always a bit of a gamble, but here I knew the general quality was great, so even though I had to have more done than I hoped it was sure worth it. Having an acoustic already played in alone is pretty great.
Yeah, I am not one for super over the top guitars, but this one has a twist that feels organic and the entire thing is simple enough. Now the neck access is really good and the sound is staggering. F*ck whoever told me cutaway guitar can not sound as loud and full as guitars without them.

[Alex]

It is definitely a different looking guitar, glad to hear you found what you were looking for!

[Telerocker]

Congrats? I quite like that. Didn't know this brand.

[Lew]

I'd not heard of them either. Lovely looking thing!

[38thBeatle]

New one on me too- I like the look of it.

[Philly Q]

I saw some pictures of Carl Verheyen with his Wechter thinline - I like the way it seems to hang like an electric, almost like a Yamaha SG.  That's very appealing, because I find regular-sized acoustics very bulky and cumbersome.

Not sure I like the sound of the thin flat neck though!  :lol:

[Kiichi]

I saw some pictures of Carl Verheyen with his Wechter thinline - I like the way it seems to hang like an electric, almost like a Yamaha SG.  That's very appealing, because I find regular-sized acoustics very bulky and cumbersome.

Not sure I like the sound of the thin flat neck though!  :lol:

Mine is not thinline and it still does not feel bulky, however satisfyingly big, both in sound and look. You just it is there.

The neck might not be for you and flat might be the wrong word. What I meant by that is a lot more C than U shaped.There are those thin necks that are kind weird and flat, and there are those who are thin yet well shaped so they just feel slick. This must be my favorite thin one I have played after my Dean Vendetta. Most thin necks are not for me either, although I do not like to go as chunky as you. I am a middle of the road guy I think.

[Telerocker]

I especially like the superb access to the higher frets. And it has it's own stylish design.

[Mr. Air]

Not totally sure that I'm sold on the design, but it's hard to beat a good sounding and playing acoustic. The best acoustic I have played so far is my dad's old Kasuga from the mid 70s. It just has a wonderful tone. I'll check out the Wechter brand for sure.

[blue]

That's a great looking guitar, and sounds like it's as good as it looks.  I love the serial number, "the 47th one" :)