The first year with my Bailey baritone guitar was a great one.
Custom built in autumn 2010 by Scottish-based luthier Mark Bailey to my design and specifications, it is the flagship prototype for the Bailey Guitars Preston Reed Signature Series, which includes a normal scale-length version.
The custom cedar-and-mahogany acoustic cutaway has been my primary instrument at every show since its debut a liitle over a year ago in Irvine (Scotland).
Over the past year I have performed with it in the U.K., Ireland, the U.S., Croatia and Poland.
I can honestly report that on every level it has surpassed my expectations.
I am delighted not only with its sound, feel, playability and tone onstage, in radio station control rooms, in hotel rooms, at home and everywhere else, but with its rugged, road-and-airline-tested reliability.
It seems to get richer, deeper and more powerful-sounding every time I pick it up.
The English cedar top continues to darken and get more beautiful.
I will be recording my next album with it in January.
Basically, the guitar just seems too good to be true.
I still cannot quite believe that my dream instrument was nothing more than an idea in my head a year and a half ago (see earlier post in this blog: “My New Guitar”)
But Mark Bailey made it happen.
I look forward to working with him on more exciting projects in the future.
Thanks Mark!
Preston's Blog 
It would be really interesting to know some of your special requests for that intrument which now are the features.
Oh, and I forgot to ask you in Wroclaw. What’s your inner pickup for that bari? I suppose it must be some mic for percussive sounds… am I right?
No mic. I use a system made by Schertler which consists of a bridge pickup and two soundboard transducers mounted on the inside of the top, one in the upper bout, the other behind the bridge, with an onboard blender/preamp.
Hi Preston, it’s amazing how a new instrument can inspire new directions, I am excited to hear your next album.:-) Did this guitar help inspire your next album? I own a few guitars and each guitar speaks to me differently, I can only imagine what a fine instrument as yours can do to your musical soul. I like it so much and the beautiful natural tones, that I sent Bailey an email asking about what a Canadian needs to do to obtain one of those awesome Baritones way up here. The price is reasonable for such fine craftsmanship, and It may be my last major guitar purchase. I am looking for that one great instrument that will satisfy, all of my needs. After having both hands operated on in the past and just recently had a Giant Cell tumor removed from my left hand, I selfishly want to reward myself. I am a family guy first and fore most, a wife and two kids, as most parents do, I generally put my needs last, But maybe this one time Dad might get something he wants. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your insight as always Preston, hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend.
Cheers from a Canadian friend, and a true fan.
Wayne Janssen
Thanks so much, Wayne :^) If you do decide to go for it I know Mark will build an awesome instrument for you. If I’m around I will personally stop by his workshop to see how the build is going. A Merry Xmas and happy new year to you and your family.
That’s a wonderful gesture of you thank you so much, I would be honored to have you check out the build. I have firmly decided to purchase one of those Baritones, it may take some creative financial juggling, but it will be a personal goal I’m going to strive for, and hopefully achieve within the new year. I watched some great videos of your performance at the fox, that Randy had recorded, and if there was ever a demonstration of an instruments tonal, dynamic, and play-ability,
that had to of been the best. Definitely sold me. 🙂
Thank you for the kind wishes, A Merry Xmas and a happy new to you and your family as well my friend. All the best.