Stonebridge acoustics? . . . NGD

Cranky · January 2021

I strummed a Stonebridge OM acoustic at a local shop a couple weeks back. Had a nice D-shaped neck, all solid woods, a subdued Martin-esque tone that was balanced from top to bottom. I'd never heard of the brand, though the name "Furch" sounded familiar . . . these just aren't common guitars in the US. The label said something like "made in the heart of Europe," but that doesn't necessarily mean that the guitar itself was actually made in Europe and I didn't see any other indication as to its origins.

For what I see on Reverb.com, Stonebridge guitars aren't exactly cheap instruments. The one at this shop, though, was going for I think $499 or $449, which seems rather underpriced going by the limited information I have. So what can my UK friends tell me about these acoustics in general? Are any of them made in China/Indonesia? Did I just strum a run-of-the-mill mass-produced second-class Furch, or should I hurry up and grab this guitar at a bargain price before the shop realizes what it is?

danishbacon · January 2021

Stonebridge was the US name for Furch, because Fuck. Whoever did the importing decided it was a sound idea. They are made in the Czech Republic. They are Furch guitars with a different name. Furch have a wide range of instruments and whilst Stonebridge was still a thing they had a completely different naming convention than they do now. If I recall correctly, they had numbers and then a vintage series. A D-22cm I had was a dreadnought with polished top, unpolished sides and back, cedar and mahogany. An om-35sr was much higher end, with special bindings, inlays, high grade woods. Both were superb. A lower number denotes entry level, though even their ‘entry level’ guitars were what one might consider mid range guitars.

What model is it?

DiscoStu · January 2021

I've got a Stonebridge DS23CR. I like to think of it as a Martin but at half the price!
As @danishbacon says, they are Czech-made Furch guitars which were rebranded for the UK and US markets to sound more 'familiar' than Furch. They did this for a few years before reverting to just using 'Furch' on everything once they had more of a presence in the market (I assume). They are top-end guitars, absolutely beautiful to play and sound wonderful. I've had mine 9 years from new and it will be with me for life. Here it is

https://i.imgur.com/AZcTQ09.jpg

DiscoStu · January 2021

$499 for a Furch though? I'd be snapping that up super quick! Do you know what model, and did it come with a case?

Basher · January 2021

...And just to further cloud the waters.

I have a "Stanford OM5 Vintage" guitar. The headstock just has an inlayed "S" and the label says "Stanford by Frantisek Furch".

I bought it new in 2009. Not sure if it preceded, followed or overlapped the Stonebridge line but it's all very confusing. I have vague memories of it being something to do with a German distributor/partner but I might be wrong (and often am). There were definitely Far-Eastern made Stanfords as well as the Czech-built models costing quite a bit more. Not sure if this was the case with the Stonebrige guitars. I think not but the label might indicate if it's a Czech built model.

I did read at the time that these alternative brand names were because "Furch" would not be taken seriously because in the Czech Republic it's pronounced the same way as the verb we use to describe sexual coupling. It's plausible I suppose but unnecessary as every English speaker I've heard mention the brand pronounces Furch to rhyme with "church" and would never think to do otherwise. It seems like a bit of dog's breakfast really....

Speaking of which, here's my OM. An unusual thing in being an OM (long scale and 14-fret neck join) but with a slotted headstock. It's definitely in Martin territory in terms of sound and cosmetics. 44mm nut but feels a bit wider than some with this measurement (string spacing?) makes it a great fingerstyle guitar, the long scale gives the OM sound and helps a bit with dropped tunings, if that's yer bag. Gloss finish with a satin neck, lovely herringbone inlay and rosewood back/sides too.

It's been on the "get rid of" list for a while as I seem to have settled on shorter-scale, mahogany bodied guitars. Certainly if it had these attributes, I'd be keeping it. That said, I recently tightened the truss rod 1/4 of turn and it made an amazing difference to the playability - which may have been one of the reasons I wasn't playing it too much.

Image: https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3460051172_434acf68a0_b.jpg

usedtobe · January 2021

I bought one with some money I inherited. Bought it new, and paid a lot of money for it, and I don’t regret a penny of it. I could have paid more, and I’d still think it was worth it. Used ones do go crazy cheap! So if you can pick up a used one, do it!

Edit: Mine is a Furch branded instrument, but as @DiscoStu says, they’re the same as Stonebridge. It’s just marketing.

DiscoStu · January 2021

@Basher Furch were making Stanfords for years before yours was made. They did bring out more affordable Chinese made ranges under the Stanford name around 2007- the Performer and Monterey lines. Not sure if yours is one of those.

The Stonebridge models are all Furch models with the 'F' on the headstock replaced with an 'S', and a Stonebridge label in the soundhole. That is all that makes them Stonebridge, other than that they are full-fat handmade Furch guitars from the Furch factory. Stonebridge was purely a marketing exercise to break in to the UK and US and it worked, as the Furch name is now more well known and highly regarded in both territories.

https://www.theminorchord.com/Instruments/Furch/images/Furch_Yellow_GCR_headstock.jpg
https://eagle-images.imgix.net/XL/stonebridge-headstock.jpg

Basher · January 2021

DiscoStu said:

@Basher Furch were making Stanfords for years before yours was made. They did bring out more affordable Chinese made ranges under the Stanford name around 2007- the Performer and Monterey lines. Not sure if yours is one of those.

The label says "Custom Guitars - Stanford - Frantisek Furch" with the model and serial number hand-written on.

I'd never really thought about it but nothing actually says "made in the Czech Republic", although that was definitely how these models were marketed (I seem to remember a similarly specified "vintage" dreadnought, possibly slope-shouldered but definitely with the slotted headstock).

This article says that Stanford was started around 1990 by Mr Furch and a German designer (maybe that was why I remembered a German connection?) and that the "Artist Series" were made in the Czech Republic. The Chinese guitar reviewed was from the lines you mentioned, presumably the Performer series, which started in 2007.

Certainly, I paid Czech-made money (though still good value) for mine rather than the price mentioned for the PSRD10 reviewed.

TheBigDipper · January 2021

I've got a Stonebridge S23 SF 12-string with a cutaway and it's glorious. I don't play it often enough. Hand made in the Czech Republic. I've never played a Stonebridge or Furch that didn't punch above its price tag for tone, build quality and playability.

Jetsam1 · January 2021

I have had the cheapest Stonebridge and now a solid mid range Furch. Worth it. Made in the Czech Republic does not mean poor quality. No interest in changing accoustics again.

earwighoney · January 2021

Basher said:

DiscoStu said:

@Basher Furch were making Stanfords for years before yours was made. They did bring out more affordable Chinese made ranges under the Stanford name around 2007- the Performer and Monterey lines. Not sure if yours is one of those.

The label says "Custom Guitars - Stanford - Frantisek Furch" with the model and serial number hand-written on.

I'd never really thought about it but nothing actually says "made in the Czech Republic", although that was definitely how these models were marketed (I seem to remember a similarly specified "vintage" dreadnought, possibly slope-shouldered but definitely with the slotted headstock).

This article says that Stanford was started around 1990 by Mr Furch and a German designer (maybe that was why I remembered a German connection?) and that the "Artist Series" were made in the Czech Republic. The Chinese guitar reviewed was from the lines you mentioned, presumably the Performer series, which started in 2007.

Certainly, I paid Czech-made money (though still good value) for mine rather than the price mentioned for the PSRD10 reviewed.

Good to see another Stanford crop up.

I have one, a Performer series one I think. Which isn't the best guitar I own by any stretch of the imagination but it seems to be the one which suits my way of playing better than the others I own.

Mine is a MIC one, but it's really lightly built, and almost too light at times. The soundboard moves all over the place with the slightest change of humidity.

It sounds great played with a light touch, but terrible with a pick.

Cranky · January 2021

DiscoStu said:

$499 for a Furch though? I'd be snapping that up super quick! Do you know what model, and did it come with a case?

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

Just went back to the shop for a couple of guitar straps, but played the Stonebridge again. I don't think I'm going to make it through the week, it's such a warm sound and plays so effortlessly. I'll gladly sell my Guild D40 to make room for the Stonebridge.

The model is G20CM, cedar top, sapele back/sides, all solid, comes with a gig bag, $499. So about £365 from where you stand.

DiscoStu · January 2021

Just googled the model. Looks to have been around £750 here when new. It's not as highly detailed as mine (binding, inlays) but that doesn't matter if it feels right and sounds right. What else could you get for $499? Sounds to me like you're on to a winner!

drofluf · January 2021

@Cranky I admire your restraint. If that were me it would be sitting on my rack by now.

Stop teasing us and buy the guitar!

Cranky · January 2021

drofluf said:

@Cranky I admire your restraint. If that were me it would be sitting on my rack by now.

Stop teasing us and buy the guitar!

Ha, yeah, let's not confuse restraint with guilt or perhaps addiction. I've acquired in the last couple months a cheap Epiphone 00, an Am Pro II Strat, and a Thin Skin Jaguar.

We'll see what happens here with this Stonebridge. I have a weird feeling of jealousy at the very thought that someone else will buy it first.

DiscoStu · January 2021

Put it this way- I've yet to hear a bad thing said about Stonebridge/Furch of any level. It seems to be calling you...

Cranky · January 2021

Cranky · January 2021

You guys are either good friends or total enablers. Either way, thanks for the support! The cedar top is new for me, and the auditorium size body is a good compromise between the bassy dreadnoughts that I usually like and the 00 type stuff that doesn't have enough bass for me. My most comfortable acoustic overall, especially sitting on the couch.

Revolting1 · January 2021

I think congratulations are in order though for some reaso your pictures dont work.

And if buyers remorse does kick in simply pop over here post plague and Im sure one of us will have an interesting swap for you.

DiscoStu · January 2021

Nice one! But we can't see your pics...

baratandre · January 2021

Furch is really a solid and reliable brand. On the G20 I would recommend upgrading the tuners and you are set to go. The price seems fair to me as it is the equivalent of the "new" blue series.
I own 8 Furch myself

Enjoy!

earwighoney · January 2021

baratandre said:

Furch is really a solid and reliable brand. On the G20 I would recommend upgrading the tuners and you are set to go. The price seems fair to me as it is the equivalent of the "new" blue series.
I own 8 Furch myself
Enjoy!

8? Fine work.

Sorry to ask but which ones do you own? I think they are great guitars.

Cranky · January 2021

Sorry, I'm bad at posting images.

http://imgur.com/a/vldSvNC

Basher · January 2021

Cranky said:
Sorry, I'm bad at posting images.

There you go...

Looks great!

Freebird · January 2021

baratandre · February 2021

earwighoney said:

baratandre said:

Furch is really a solid and reliable brand. On the G20 I would recommend upgrading the tuners and you are set to go. The price seems fair to me as it is the equivalent of the "new" blue series.
I own 8 Furch myself
Enjoy!

8? Fine work.

Sorry to ask but which ones do you own? I think they are great guitars.

I own a G25 SK (Koa back and sides - the most beautiful i own), GN4 SR, OOM 3 Vintage, OMc 23 LR, G 25th Anniversary - Quilted maple back and sides, OM35 AG (madagascar rosewood) a Red Plus SW and Red Plus G SR . I have a couple more to sell, but those are from my "collection".

I have owned and sold many more models. The ones I ready do regret selling is an OM 24 SR . One of the best sounding I ever got.

I lived in Czech Republic and Furch is my one of my favorite brands.

If you have any doubts let me know, I am glad to share my thoughts.

chromatuna · February 2021

I think I reported in another thread that I bought a Furch last year which beat off half a dozen Martins in the shop and saved me £1,000 in the process

I am still stuck 120 miles away from it so still can’t confirm the model but here’s a picture....

https://imgur.com/a/oigJ5vt

CountryDave · February 2021

I saw Jerry Donahue and a mate playing in a local pub a few years back.
His mate (whose name I unfortunately forget) was playing a Stonebridge and Jerry was playing one of his telecasters.
They were both plugged into a modest PA system, JD through the Award Session preamp and the acoustic may have been through something outboard too.
The acoustic was one of the nicest amplified acoustic sounds I’ve heard.

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Stonebridge acoustics? . . . NGD

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