Sound Pure's Take

This OM is a chameleon! Fingerstyle, strummin' away, or a little bit of flat picking - it doesn't matter, this orchestra model sounds incredible. There is an authoritative tone that is fundamentally strong, but equally as lush in harmonic content. This is a comfortable median between the larger bodied guitars and more intimate small bodies that can really project the best of both worlds. No power lost while still retaining all the intimate and humble sounds of the guitar's true tone. This OM is sure to please the first person who gets it in their hands.


About Furch/Stonebridge Guitars 

In 2004, while attending the Music Messe Trade Show, in Frankfurt, Roger Schmidt, who was at that time employed as a sales manager and product scout, came across the booth of the Czech guitar builder, Frantisek Furch. Having been around guitars his whole life, as well as being an avid fingerstyle player, the guitars on display immediately grabbed his attention. After spending a good while sampling the many fine instruments, Roger had no doubt in his mind, these were especially good guitars.

The following year, Roger returned to the same show, now as an independent sale representative. His main mission was to have another careful look at the guitars he couldn’t seem to get out of his mind. Sure enough, they gave him an even better impression the second time around. After some discussions with the sales manager on hand, it was agreed, that they would begin cooperating together, towards the introduction of their guitars, into the USA and Canada.

With very limited resources, but much determination, Roger set about to see what could be done. He pretty much “maxed out” is personal credit card purchasing a small selection of samples. When they arrived a few months later, he took them, along with his family, on a “working vacation”. In less than three weeks, they had visited numerous music stores in over twelve American states. The impressions and reactions were almost unanimous at each stop; the guitars were deemed to be of very high quality and truly impressive. The one “hesitation” that kept coming up was the brand name.  Frantisek Furch, who had been building his guitars since 1981, had already established a fine reputation, selling the guitars with his family name as the brand throughout Europe and Japan. However, the general feeling was that it would probably be best to identify the guitars with a more marketable brand name for the North American market. Heeding this sound advice, Roger came up the name of “Stonebridge”, inspired from the Charles Bridge in Prague, which was built in the 12th century, and made entirely of cut stone. Before this world famous historical landmark was officially named after a much-loved king, the people just called it the Stone Bridge. Frantisek Furch readily agreed with the concept and the brand was then created and developed by Roger Schmidt.

In 2010, Roger joined forces with Ken Wilson, who is now the president and CEO of Stonebridge Guitars International. Together, along with the help of their USA Sales Director, Todd Allison, who has been with the company since 2007, they have worked tirelessly to build up the company, and the awareness of these remarkable guitars. Their main strategy for lasting success has been to build up genuine “street cred” through down to earth hard work,  and conviction in a superior product that inspires one to create.  By staying this course, Stonebridge Guitars has firmly cemented themselves in the world of fine hand crafted boutique guitars, with a continued steady growth and impeccable reputation.

Stonebridge Guitars are now in the hands of many fine players, many who are recognized by their fans and peers, as being at the very top of their genres. As well, there are many emerging artists who have come to own, and hone their craft with our guitars. We have made many good friends along the way and look forward to making many more. We hope that this might become the case for you, as well!

  • Solid Top: Sitka Spruce
  • Solid Back and Sides: Indian Rosewood
  • Binding: Artificial Tortoise
  • Purfling: Black & White Lining
  • Rosette: Black & White Triple Ring
  • Bridge: Ebony
  • Bridge Pins: Ebony
  • Saddle: TUSQ Fully Compensated
  • String Spacing at the Bridge: 55 mm
  • Strings: Elixir Ph-Br Nanoweb 12-53
  • Top Finish: Vintage Hand-Brushed Finish
  • Back & Sides Finish: Vintage Hand-Brushed Finish
  • Pickguard: Artificial Tortoise Pickguard
  • Nut Width: 45 mm
  • Scale Length: 650 mm
  • Fingerboard Material: Ebony
  • Fingerboard Radius: 400 mm
  • Fingerboard Inlay: Pearl Dots
  • Headstock Overlay: Ebony
  • Neck Material: African Mahogany
  • Machine Heads: Furch Machine Chrome - Gear Ratio 1:15
  • Nut: TUSQ
  • String Spacing at the Nut: 38 mm
  • Neck Finish: Satin Smooth-Slide Finish
  • Headstock Finish: Vintage Hand-Brushed Finish

Free 3-Year Warranty

Sound Pure stands behind our products. Free three-year warranty on this item. Coverage exclusions live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Level of support and expertise that simply isn't available at big-box megastores. Read the warranty →

Returns

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Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.