Orangewood Berkeley Review: A Premium All-Solid Dreadnought That Hits All the Right Notes
Orangewood Berkeley Review: A Premium All-Solid Dreadnought That Hits All the Right Notes
The Orangewood Berkeley Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar stands out as a premium offering in the acoustic guitar market, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern features. Part of Orangewood's Topanga Collection, the Berkeley model is designed for musicians seeking rich tonal quality and reliable performance.(BAJAAO.COM, YouTube)
Design & Build Quality
The Berkeley boasts an all-solid wood construction, featuring a torrefied solid Sitka spruce top and solid pau ferro back and sides. This combination enhances the guitar's resonance and contributes to its durability. The torrefaction process gives the spruce top an aged character, offering a mature tone right out of the box. (Orangewood)
The guitar's mahogany neck with a comfortable C-shape profile is paired with an ebony fretboard and bridge, ensuring smooth playability. Mother-of-pearl inlays add a touch of elegance, while the Grover open-gear tuners with gold hardware provide stable tuning and a classic aesthetic. (Vintage Guitar, Orangewood)
Sound & Performance
Sonically, the Berkeley delivers a full-bodied tone with a strong low end and a snappy midrange, making it ideal for bold strumming and fingerpicking alike. The scalloped X-bracing enhances the guitar's projection and sustain, ensuring that each note rings out clearly. (Orangewood)
For those needing amplification, the Berkeley Live variant comes equipped with the LR Baggs Anthem pickup system, offering a natural and dynamic plugged-in sound suitable for live performances. (Orangewood)
Value & Accessories
Priced at $760.75, the Berkeley offers exceptional value for an all-solid wood guitar with high-end features. It comes with Ernie Ball Earthwood Phosphor Bronze Medium Light 12–54 strings and includes a self-adhesive tortoise pickguard, allowing players to customize the guitar's appearance.(Orangewood, Orangewood)
Final Thoughts
The Orangewood Berkeley Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar is a compelling choice for musicians seeking a high-quality instrument that combines traditional tonewoods with modern playability. Its rich sound, elegant design, and thoughtful features make it suitable for both studio recordings and live performances. (BAJAAO.COM)
For a closer look and to hear Berkeley in action, check out the following video:
Orangewood Berkeley Acoustic Guitar Demo