We ordered this Atoll in a custom "short" baritone variation, and we can confidently say that it's one of the very best sounding and playing examples of this style we've encountered. The 28" scale length and 19-fret neck allow it to play more like a standard electric, making it a bit more approachable than some of the longer scaled traditional electric baritones. No knock on those, but a "tucked in" baritone offers a more ergonomic playing experience that we just love!

A pair of custom wound MOJO Hersheybuckers with Island's signature pickup enclosures make this Atoll absolutely sing. It's an unbelievably dynamic and responsive baritone, with great acoustic-like qualities in its tonal register due to the slightly microphonic nature of the pickups. The 1 3/4" nut width creates plenty of spacing for comfortable chord work as well as double stops and single note runs as well.

We'd be remiss if we didn't call attention to the great use of reclaimed woods in Nic's builds. This Atoll's got a lovely figured Maple top set on a reclaimed Spruce body, and the Douglas Fir neck (a staple of Island builds) is paired with a rich Ebony fingerboard. The combination of both soft and dense tonewoods yields a certain warmth and roundness, yet clear and well-defined in terms of fundamental. And with a thinly applied finish, you feel EVERYTHING this guitar is doing.

If we've got any say in the matter, this Atoll Baritone will be in the Island lineup here at TME indefinitely. What a guitar!