Oct
26
Written by:
athompson
10/26/2012 11:42 AM
Built in Woodstock, New
York, by a small team headed by luthier Joe Veillette, this uniquely styled steel-string
acoustic features elements inspired by archtop and Macaferri-style guitars
along with traditional flat-top designs, with the goal of combining classic
blues tonalities with the punch and presence of a jazz box. Carved into what
Veillette calls a “radiused arc shape,” the Flyer 13’s solid-spruce top is light,
stiff, and highly responsive. Paired with solid maple back and sides, the combination
results in a surprisingly girthy sounding instrument that’s still compact
enough to fit in an airliner’s overhead baggage compartment.
The curves of the body make
this guitar comfortable to hold either seated or strapped, and the workmanship
is excellent across the board, as witnessed by the expertly carved bridge and
tailpiece, polished, frets, and flawless finish. Cosmetics are minimal, but the
binding that edges the body and oval soundhole is pin neat and the abalone logo
and amber buttons on the tuners look sweet against the gloss black facing of
the headstock.
The Flyer 13’s slender,
full-sized neck feels great and the setup and tuneful intonation make for an
inspiring playing experience. Acoustically, the Flyer pumps out a rich tone
with abundant midrange complexity, firm lows, and a crisp top-end. This would
be a fine guitar for a singer-songwriter, though it also delivers the gutsiness
and ringing attack for blues, as well as the buoyancy and stringy detail that a
fingerstyle player would want. These sonic characteristics are well represented
by the D-Tar electronics, which sounded balanced and well focused though combo
amps and small PA systems alike. The Volume and Tone controls located just
inside the soundhole are easily to manipulate, though this is a guitar that
requires very little fussing with EQ to get a good amplified sound.
Worth noting is that the
Flyer 13 can be personalized to the nth degree, as it’s available in a variety
of colors and body woods that include spruce (as tested) maple, figured walnut,
myrtle, and other exotic species. You can also specify black or gold hardware,
as well as your preferred scale length, string gauge, nut width, fretboard
material, and lots more. And if the Flyer 13 seems a little too diminutive for
your tastes, Veillette is also offering it as a Flyer 14 (14" lower bout)
with a body that’s an inch wider for the same price.
One of the coolest
choices around in a standard-size guitar that travels well, the Flyer is
definitely worth an audition if style and sound are high on your list of
priorities.
—Art Thompson
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3 comment(s) so far...
Re: Veillette Flyer
That's a real piece of art! I wish I'd ever at least touch it...
By Debussy on
11/27/2012 2:52 PM
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Re: Veillette Flyer
I have a Veillette 12 string baritone and a Gryphon 12. They are amazing. The Flyer should be too.
By Steve Dodd on
12/17/2012 9:17 AM
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Re: Veillette Flyer
I recently got one. I have right shoulder problems and have gone through a bunch of acoustics trying to find the best combination of comfort & tone acoustically. I think the Flyer is it. It is incredibly comfortable and easy to play and sounds great. I'm not big on acoustic guitar and am surprised at how much fun I have playing the Flyer and how often I pick it up. And the Veillette guys were great to deal with.
By TDJMB on
1/9/2013 8:47 AM
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