Bbach1 Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 So, like usual, I'm thumbing through "Guitar Player" mag and see an advertisement for Nik Huber guitars. Always the shopper, I log onto their website www.nikhuber-guitars.com. Zowie! Gorgeous. I've not played one, nor heard one, nor do I know anyone that owns one, but I could be talked into buying one by a used vacuum cleaner salesman in a checkered suit on a Sunday afternoon. The dolphin inlays are not available in the US (why?). I think I should go to Canada and buy one of those. bbach Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
Sleaze_Disease Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Oh wow, those are gorgeous guitars!! Lyrics-wasted time between solos.
Kramer Ferrington III. Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 They're really nice, but they don't look any better than so many other buotique guitars out there, really. Kinda PRSey looking, which might not be a bad thing to some. But if I had to splurge out, I'd prefer something a bit more individualistic. I don't like the site very much either... I'd prefer better pictures of the guitars themselves. I'm not sure I trust a picture of the photographer's girlfriend looking at a guitar that's on the other side of the room. I can't believe there'd be any imperfections in the guitars (the closeups show some fine craftsmanship) but I'd like a closer look at the guitar, rather than the totty's armpit. Band MySpace My snazzy t-shirt empire
Bbach1 Posted June 23, 2006 Author Posted June 23, 2006 Originally posted by Kramer Ferrington III.: They're really nice, but they don't look any better than so many other buotique guitars out there, really. Kinda PRSey looking, which might not be a bad thing to some. But if I had to splurge out, I'd prefer something a bit more individualistic. I don't like the site very much either... I'd prefer better pictures of the guitars themselves. I'm not sure I trust a picture of the photographer's girlfriend looking at a guitar that's on the other side of the room. I can't believe there'd be any imperfections in the guitars (the closeups show some fine craftsmanship) but I'd like a closer look at the guitar, rather than the totty's armpit. I agree about their website. Very limited in giving out the information a player would want. The links to their dealers provided some better pics and information. Interesting comparison to PRS, because the luthier has some blood ties to PRS. (According to some web site I found and could find again, but I'm really too lazy or I'd post a link). I find them quite individualistic, but that is entirely subjective. That main issue is what is making it difficult to find my next guitar purchase, as I am seeking just the right thing that turns my aesthitic eye as well as my ears. bbach Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
Bluesape Posted June 23, 2006 Posted June 23, 2006 Gorgeous! I didn't find any pricing info, but they ain't gonna be cheap, especially the flagship model that caught my eye. Never a DUH! moment! Well, almost never. OK, OK! Sometimes never!
6thstringmusic Posted June 25, 2006 Posted June 25, 2006 Every one has their opinions so here is what I think. Huber guitars are incredible- there simply is no comparison with a PRS. I love all of his models although some simply do not like the shape of his Dolphin body. The Orca was only recently made available to the US so you will start to see more and more LP style Hubers around soon. I'm hoping to have a new Korina Jr built to my specs, we'll see how it pans out. The few examples I was able to see, play, and hear were stunning. I can tell that Nik's craftsmanship can be as good as anyones, and that is truly exciting. One of his reps here in the US actually stated that his work can be on the same standard of Johan Gustavsson (in my opinion, one of the best luthiers of our time). Huber guitars have actually been around for a bit, but only in the last few years has he been selling to dealers in the US. They definitely aren't cheap, but I do believe they're priced rather fair considering the handwork involved. Some think that the Orca is now in the runnig as a "Historic LP Killer", but I do tend to disagree with that. It can definitely sound like a LP, but it definitely has it's own unique tonality which sort of seperates it from '59 replicas. I think if you talk to the owner of a dealership who speaks directly with Nik, you probably won't have a problem getting Dolphin inlays (I could be wrong...). To be honest, I actually never heard that before (I only knew of the Orca previously not being available in the US). Any way you look at it, I think you will be extremely satisfied with a Huber! I was checking into this one myself: http://www.bcrmusic.com/detail.asp?product_key=472 The customer actually returned it due to financial difficulty. Musictoyz just got a sick Orca in as well! http://www.musictoyz.com/guitar/guitars/nhuber.php Good Luck! Sam Tuliebitz 6th String Music www.6thstringmusic.com
Bbach1 Posted June 25, 2006 Author Posted June 25, 2006 Originally posted by Bluesape: Gorgeous! I didn't find any pricing info, but they ain't gonna be cheap, especially the flagship model that caught my eye. Prices seem to vary wildly by dealer. There is a dealer in Wisconsin who seems to like to charge about $4999 for every Nik Huber he posts on his website. A fellow in Florida has offered better prices but still, they are right up there. A person has to be willing to fork out $3500 and up I think. bbach Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
Bbach1 Posted June 25, 2006 Author Posted June 25, 2006 Originally posted by 6thstringmusic: Every one has their opinions so here is what I think. Huber guitars are incredible- there simply is no comparison with a PRS. I love all of his models although some simply do not like the shape of his Dolphin body. The Orca was only recently made available to the US so you will start to see more and more LP style Hubers around soon. I'm hoping to have a new Korina Jr built to my specs, we'll see how it pans out. The few examples I was able to see, play, and hear were stunning. I can tell that Nik's craftsmanship can be as good as anyones, and that is truly exciting. One of his reps here in the US actually stated that his work can be on the same standard of Johan Gustavsson (in my opinion, one of the best luthiers of our time). Huber guitars have actually been around for a bit, but only in the last few years has he been selling to dealers in the US. They definitely aren't cheap, but I do believe they're priced rather fair considering the handwork involved. Some think that the Orca is now in the runnig as a "Historic LP Killer", but I do tend to disagree with that. It can definitely sound like a LP, but it definitely has it's own unique tonality which sort of seperates it from '59 replicas. I think if you talk to the owner of a dealership who speaks directly with Nik, you probably won't have a problem getting Dolphin inlays (I could be wrong...). To be honest, I actually never heard that before (I only knew of the Orca previously not being available in the US). Any way you look at it, I think you will be extremely satisfied with a Huber! I was checking into this one myself: http://www.bcrmusic.com/detail.asp?product_key=472 The customer actually returned it due to financial difficulty. Musictoyz just got a sick Orca in as well! http://www.musictoyz.com/guitar/guitars/nhuber.php Good Luck! I like the Orca and Dolphin II as well. The one I totally fell in love with though is the Redwood hollowbody. Total beauty to my eyes but I'm kinda in the market for a solid body. It was actually in their advertisement in Guitar Player that said the Dolphin was not available in the USA. However, I see they are readily available so who knows. bbach Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
JingleJungle Posted July 30, 2006 Posted July 30, 2006 As an owner of 3 "hoobers" (or "hoobies") I can only say that Nik's stuff is top notch. The way the Dolphin (the regular mahogany / maple /RW) does both the long-scale twang and the lester push is something to be experienced. Something has to be said about Nik's attention to the detail: before finishing the bodies are sanded up to 600 grit, he uses 3 different types of glue for the fretboard, neck joint and other gluing chores, he takes his time to let the finish cure and dry between sanding sessions - even though "industry standard" (and many buyer's too) seems to accept 1 hour UV-hardened poly - and he is willing to pay up for handmade Haeussel pickups, even though he could go for more standard and economically chaper ones. As far as prices are concerned - yeah, they're expensive. But not much more than your top-range lester or PRS, for example. Prices do vary quite a lot because of the range of top woods he is offering (private stock quality, BTW). Typically redwood, quilt, and "exceptional" tops command higher prices - and so do the solid braz necks. Here are two of my hoobies - on the left the Dolphin reviewed in Dec04 Guitar Player, on the right my hollow korina, redwood top, ebony fretboard Dolphin (now has 2 P90s in HB frame and series-parallel switching on the push-push tone ctrl): http://static.flickr.com/54/185501664_b6f5f05bf7.jpg Have a great sunday, y'all! JingleJungle ...Hoobiefreak
Guitarzan Posted July 30, 2006 Posted July 30, 2006 will someone buy me this for my next birthday? oh yeah http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=193274 rock it, i will
JingleJungle Posted July 30, 2006 Posted July 30, 2006 http://static.flickr.com/63/201791618_a03e729586_o.jpg It was sold at a show in Italy last November. It now hangs in company of posh and vintage jazzboxes from the golden 40-50s. Nik Huber on the left, yours truly on the right - both grinning because the photographer noticed THAT very guitar from almost 100 ft. away and came running to take pics before the rest of the crowd swarmed in. Quite an experience JingleJungle ...Hoobiefreak
Bbach1 Posted July 30, 2006 Author Posted July 30, 2006 Oof, that yellowish green color of the one on the left gives me the ebee jeebees Jingle. However, I do love Nik Huber guitars. I've been watching eBay and am particularly fond of the one in my avatar that is currently up for sale. I don't know though. I just forked out $2000 for a couch and another $2200 for carpet and my daughter is getting braces ($3000) and my wife just had a root canal ($1200). Crap. I feel bankrupt and no new guitar to show for it. bbach Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
JingleJungle Posted July 30, 2006 Posted July 30, 2006 The "platinum" Dolphin you're sporting in your avatar looks bruddy sexxy, if you don't mind me saying so. Fortunately the seller re-installed the original Haeussel pups. At one stage he was trying to sell it w/ Duncans - ouch! JingleJungle ...Hoobiefreak
Bbach1 Posted July 30, 2006 Author Posted July 30, 2006 Originally posted by JingleJungle: The "platinum" Dolphin you're sporting in your avatar looks bruddy sexxy, if you don't mind me saying so. Fortunately the seller re-installed the original Haeussel pups. At one stage he was trying to sell it w/ Duncans - ouch! I notice that he had it listed a couple times and didn't get a bid. I was oh so tempted but held off. Then he closed his auction and relisted it with no reserve or buy it now price and it's bid up to $2500 already. Funny thing, but he may get more than he was trying to get with the buy it now price. I've been in communication with a Canadian dealer. I'm just in love with the Redwood and considering a new one even though I thought I didn't want another hollow body. Never say never. bbach Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
JingleJungle Posted July 31, 2006 Posted July 31, 2006 I can only commend your interest in the Redwood and I'll gladly tell you the following. I had Nik build my own Redwood w/ a korina body and neck (and the usual ebony freboard) because I wanted something spanky, airy and "alive". FYI (but maybe you knew this already) the "hollow" extends all the way around the body, from the treble side horn (almost), around the endpin and all the way up to the shoulder on the bass side. I had initially ordered it w/ the P90 HB only in the neck. Some months ago I installed the other P90HB in the bridge (we're talking Haeussel pups here), and the series-parallel mod. It was recently played at a demo, and everybody commented about it's "tele tones", "335 tones", "Knopfler Twang" (in the parallel middle position), "jazz warmth" (series connection engaged), "bluesy vibe" (neck position). Everybody from the most die-hard rock players to the jazzcats enjoyed playing it! Speaks volumes about it's versatility. Revolution Music is a cool store... I met their dealer at the Frankfurt Musik Messe last year Given the current lead times (6-9 mths), you are well advised to plan ahead if you're going for a custom order...! JingleJungle ...Hoobiefreak
Bbach1 Posted July 31, 2006 Author Posted July 31, 2006 Six to nine months would be ok. I've been looking a long time already for my next guitar, wanting to find a genuine keeper. There have been a couple PRS's that I nearly jumped on but they weren't just exactly what I was looking for. Nik Huber's are gaining popularity. They pop up on eBay now and again. I might like to custom order one though. Thanks for the input on Revolution Music. He does seem like a nice fellow. bbach Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
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