A little beauty, this Mercury is a traditional short-scale parlour model. With the neck joining the body at the 12th fret - rather than the 14th - the strings are held at a slightly lower tension than on regular models. Another implication of the 12th fret join is that the bridge is shifted further from the soundhole.
These features result in a guitar that is physically easier to play, sounds much bigger than you would imagine and is also simple to handle and transport.
Using the combination of Red Cedar and Mahogany, Classic Burst models sound as rich and warm as they look. Using a three-tone burst finish, based on deep browns, reds and amber, this finish is intentionally understated and is a personal favourite of Patrick's.
The tonal character will have emphasis on the lower-midrange with a beautifully warm, vocal nature. The Classic Burst models are bound with Solid Macassan Ebony, and use the same high quality timber for the fingerboards, headplates, heelplates, bridges and bridge pins. Faith Classic Burst guitars are complete with a Faith Hardcase.
This Mercury parlour model is a classic example of the genre. The strings are kept at a little lower tensionthan on standard models because the neck joins the body at the 12th fret rather than the 14th, plus the bridge position is a little further from the soundhole when compared to most models. These adjustments result in an instrument that is extremely comfortable on the fingers; has a tone and volume that belies its smaller size; and that can be both held and transported with ease.
Classic Burst models' tonal qualities are just as impressive as their visual ones thanks to the use of a classic pairing of Red Cedar and Mahogany: one of Patrick's favourite combinations. Cedar, which is somewhat less stiff than Spruce, is naturally mellow, and together with Mahogany produces a wonderfully warm tone with an extra upper mid-range bite thanks to the unique body shape. The top has a three-tone burst finish, based on deep browns, reds and amber and the mahogany back has a deep stain applied, both finished with a gloss lacquer. Using solid Ebony for the fingerboard, bridge, pins, and headplate fascia, you can also be sure of fittings that match the quality of the instrument's core.
The Mercury Classic Burst is a classy little instrument with an historic, traditional vibe and has a 45mm nut, a little wider than most Faith Guitar nuts. This gives the guitar a little more of a traditional feeland a little more space between the strings; a feature often favoured by traditional fingerpickers. And don't forget the elegant 'scoop' at the 12th fret for easier upper fret access. This little beauty has been referred to as the 'songwriters best friend' as the naturally warm and mellow timbre seems to cry out for a vocal on top, never battling for supremacy, but rather providing a welcoming sonic canvas upon which the artist can freely sketch musical ideas.
Amplification of this little beauty is possible thanks to the Fishman S-tone pickup system which features anundersaddle piezo pickup, controlled by an active Volume and Tone control mounted just under the edge of the soundhole. This system is super-discreet, keeping the instrument’s traditional aesthetic firmly intact.
Your new Faith Venus Natural comes complete with a plush-lined hardcase, ideal for protecting your guitar whether at home awaiting its next practise session or whether travelling from gig to gig.
Specification
Top Cedar - (Solid)
Back & Sides - Mahogany (Solid)
Fingerboard - Macassan Figured Ebony
Fingerboard Radius - 16"
Fingerboard Inlays - Mother of Pearl 'F' at 12th Fret
Binding - Solid Indonesian Ebony
Machine Head - Grover Rotomatic Chrome
Neck - Mahogany
Neck Joint - Patrick James Eggle Bolt-On Design - 12 Fret to body
Trussrod - 2 Way
Nut / Saddle Width - 45mm
Nut / Saddle Material - TUSQ (PQ-6116)/(PQ-9110)
Bracing Material - Hand-Scalloped Quarter-Sawn Spruce
Bridge - Macassan Figured Ebony
Bridge Pins - Indian Ebony with Abalone Dots
Rosette - 5mm Abalone with Fibre Border
Finish Type - PU Lacquer Hi-Gloss all over
Preamp / Pickup - Fishman Sonitone with soundhole controls / Undersaddle Pickup
Hardcase - Included
