2006, June 28

Guitarist Acoustic Magazine
Number 9, May – July 2006 quarter.
Edition Sarl Duchâteau-Voisin, Paris, France.

Danger, Beware!

No, you are not mistaken. There are certain physical similarities between this guitar and the series 14 Taylor, and the “814” model is the most prominent. However, Mr. Benito was Luthier responsible for this competition, the mythical company Martin. Today, Lito Benito works independently in Chile building his own signature, magnificently beautiful instruments in his factory of 30 employees in Santiago.

A Millenary Exception

This Larch tree guitar is an instrument in its own right for its particular box. Once we get used to it, we begin the test on this part of the instrument. Actually, it is an outstanding experience to be able to hold an instrument on your knees which was made with wood aged beyond 3500 years—something to be proud of. Although this may sound anecdotal to some, the effects and consequences in the acoustics leave none indifferent. The Larch tree is a South American Wood. Protected by the forest management campaign, Lito Benito, after producing a prototype, quickly became aware of a musical interest (and it goes without saying, business interest as well), of using for this thousands of years old wood for profit which as offered for purchase. The Larch tree is here surprisingly associated with an essence of Walnut although Benito also offers the alternative of two other more common woods, Mahogony and Indian Rosewood. Likewise, the set of box fillets are equally made of wood.

Assured Comfort

Drawn from the Series 200, this model bears a common form and features, but even so demonstrates interesting peculiarities such as the Cedar neck. Altogether, it is equipped in conventional terms, with an Indian Rosewood fretboard. It guarantees total execution comfort. With its medium radius, moderate thickness and Standard width, it is in all aspects comfortable and comparable to any high caliber guitar. This is normal since it is one! Movement is performed without restrictions and it is possible to adopt all types of execution techniques without any problem whatsoever. The most complex chord may be played effortlessly. The pegs are chromed, self-lubricating Grover pegs for which you can rest easy. The Rosewood bridge maintains the traditional wooden Ebony pins. To top it all, the plate covering the access to the truss-road is made of Cedar. Finally, the union of the neck and body is made via a bolt system.

A Certain Form of Perfection

Undoubtedly, you will ask about the certain acoustics of this guitar…. The sounds are highly comparable to those of a hemlock top/Indian Rosewood body instrument. The notes are precise, straight, with lengthy sustain and a pearly tone rather than crystalline. The bass notes are powerful and although their efficiency cannot be doubted, they lack roundness. Notwithstanding this fact, the global tone of the guitar is not affected in any way providing the total ideal of its efficiency in a great variety of musical styles. This L. Benito is polyvalent through excellence. The smallest chord is executed sweetly making the instrument vibrate everywhere. Each note of harmony is perfectly defined, clear with equal balance between octaves. This type of perfection generally translates into lesser personality of the guitar since in general the sum of its qualities and defects is what gives the instrument its character and personality. However, in this case, it is so good to hear such pure sound! In open tuning, the sound seems even more wonderful…We could not test the B-Band system, but we can say that as a whole, it behaves beautifully. And why shouldn’t it?!

Total Success

This Grand Auditorium L. Benito is an extraordinary guitar. Both for its unusual technical features and its original sound for which it greatly outdistances the sounds we are accustomed to. Associated with comfortable execution in all tests, its peculiarities entrusts our hands, ears and eyes with a truly original instrument. Its price, 2.300 Euros , is an added advantage given its overall qualities. The recent introduction of the brand in France does not yet allow this guitar to be present in music stores, but you should be aware and above all, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try it. It is an excellent discovery!