Fortunately for us, Barry Grzebik's lifelong love of guitars, woodworking, and product design led him to guitar making and the creation of the Grez Mendocino model - and in this case, a baritone version. The basic idea was to create a guitar that fits in the ES-335 world, but is lighter and has more depth of tone - somewhat between a great ES-335 and an archtop. 

 

To help achieve this goal, a 1-piece Honduran mahogany body is hollowed out (with the exception of a narrow center block) and topped with a 500-700 year old piece reclaimed Redwood, also 1-piece.

The results are spectacular! Like the 6-string Mendocino, the Baritone model is incredibly lightweight, balanced, and very alive and resonant. It's beautifully made - and finished in a sharp Matte Black - has a slightly chunky, late-50's Gibson-esq carve with a slinky overall feel, and sounds amazing. 

Speaking of tones, the Lollar Goldfoils are a perfect match for this guitar. Open, airy, killer chime...clean tones are a no-brainer. Plugged into a Victoria Silver Sonic, there's both an articulation and fatness to the tone that reminds us of a Jerry Jones or vintage Danelectro baritone, but with a slightly more open/chimey tone. With some gain? Classic low-fi, deep bass swampiness that's incredibly fun and inspiring.

If you're looking for something new that's both beautiful, alive, a blast to play - and - made by a luthier with an eye towards sustainability? You need to check out the inspiring Mendocino Baritone. 

• 13.25" semi-hollow body, 1.75" depth 
• 1-piece old-growth Redwood top
• 1-piece Honduran mahogany body & neck 
• Macassar ebony fretboard, MOP dots
• 28.5" scale length 
• EVO Gold jumbo frets
• Lollar Goldfoil pickups 
• TonePros AVR2 bridge 
• Grez tail piece, 2 gauge stainless steel, polished
• Nitro finish 
• Hardshell Case
• ~5 1/2 lbs