Introduction to Baum Guitars
Baum Guitars is a relatively fresh name in the guitar industry, emerging seemingly out of nowhere. My first encounter with the brand was through eye-catching sponsored posts on Instagram. The striking design and familiar contours piqued my interest, and a visit to Baum’s booth at the UK Guitar Show confirmed my curiosity.
Founded in 2015 by Morten Bau,the company initially specialized in custom,high-end danish instruments.Recognizing the potential for broader appeal, Baum transitioned to producing these designs with overseas manufacturing, making them more affordable and accessible. The Carve model I’m reviewing is part of their new Vega Series, crafted in Indonesia with proprietary components and pickups, before receiving a professional setup back in Denmark.
The Baum Carve showcases a sleek 36mm mahogany body finished in a striking ‘Stone Blue’. Its sharp double cutaways evoke a resemblance to the SG model, yet it maintains a unique identity. The neck is crafted from roasted maple,featuring a agreeable ‘C’ profile and a rosewood fretboard with a 12-inch radius. Adorning the 22 medium jumbo frets are elegant ‘crown’ inlays made from nickel.
The hardware is entirely proprietary, featuring a Baum Performer tune-o-matic bridge with a stop tailpiece, complemented by Baum Performer tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio. The guitar is equipped with dual Goldsound Ember P-90 pickups, utilizing Alnico V magnets.A traditional 3-way toggle switch allows for versatile sound options, alongside master volume and tone controls with 500K potentiometers. Additionally, it comes with a premium Baum Original Deluxe gig Bag.
Specifications
- Launch Price: $999 | £669 | €699
- Manufactured in: Indonesia
- Type: Six-string electric guitar
- Body Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Roasted maple / Baum modern ‘C’ profile
- fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 25.5″ / 647.7 mm
- Nut Width: High-density composite / 42.9 mm
- Frets: 22, medium jumbo, nickel
- Hardware: Baum Performer tuners, Baum Performer bridge
- String Spacing at Bridge: 51.5mm
- Electronics: 2x Goldsound Ember P-90, master volume & tone, 3-way toggle switch
- Weight: 3.2 kg / 7.05 lbs
- Left-Handed Options: No
- Available Finishes: Stone Blue (reviewed), Vintage White
- Included Case: Baum Deluxe gig Bag
- Contact: Baum
quality of construction
Build quality Rating: ★★★★
Upon unboxing the Baum Carve from its stylish gig bag, the unique shape and metallic blue finish immediately stand out. The body shape resembles a more rounded version of the SG, with a distinctive asymmetric cut at the tail end that begins as an arm bevel but ends lower than typical at the strap pin.
This design element continues to the top horn, and on the back, there’s a bevel that wraps around the body edge and into the cutaways, along with a curved neck heel on the treble side for added comfort. Notably, there’s no access panel for the electronics, meaning that if any adjustments are needed, the entire pickguard must be removed.
The metallic blue finish is expertly applied, and upon close inspection of the knobs, screws, and overall fit, everything feels robust and well-crafted. The neck joint is tidy,and aside from a minor excess of glue at the 17th fret,the fretboard appears flawless.
Playability Assessment
Playability Rating: ★★★★
There’s no real adjustment period for being able to play my favorite licks.
Unlike the SG,which it closely resembles,the Baum Carve features a 25.5″ scale length. When seated, the modern ‘C’ neck profile feels instantly familiar to me, reminiscent of my Telecaster, allowing me to dive right into my favorite riffs without any adjustment period. The medium jumbo frets are comfortable for bending, and the .10 gauge D’Addario electric guitar strings provide just the right amount of resistance.
However, I did notice some buzzing at the 1st fret, prompting me to remove the truss rod cover for a minor adjustment to enhance its playability. Baum informed me that this particular guitar had been showcased at several events before reaching me, and they ensure that all new guitars undergo adjustments before being sent to customers. With my finger on the 1st fret, the action measures at 2mm on the 12th fret, which may seem high, but it doesn’t hinder playability, whether I’m chugging through drop-D riffs or executing rapid lead passages.
The neck profile of the Baum Carve strikes a perfect balance, offering a modern feel that is slim yet not overly aggressive for shredding. It accommodates a variety of playing styles effortlessly, ensuring that no technique feels out of reach. While the upper fret access is commendable-similar to that of an SG-it doesn’t quite match the ease of Gibson’s design. I find myself needing to adjust my hand slightly to reach those high 22nd fret bends.
During rehearsals, I noticed that the guitar remains well-balanced when worn on a strap, thanks to the strap pin’s placement on the upper horn instead of the back. However, I did encounter a minor inconvenience with the toggle selector being positioned too close to the neck pickup; while playing aggressive barre chords, I accidentally switched it to the neck setting a couple of times.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★
I brought the Baum Carve to a rehearsal, pairing it with my extensive pedalboard and an Orange Rocker 32 tube amplifier. Right from the start, I was struck by the bridge pickup’s high output. It takes minimal effort to push my amp into overdrive,prompting me to adjust some pedal settings that I typically use with my Telecaster.
The P-90 pickups deliver a characteristic midrange clarity that is both cutting and smoother than traditional single-coils. When played softly, the tone is crystal clear, but digging in with the pick easily brings out some tube saturation.This results in a delightful sound, free from the harshness often associated with single-coil pickups. Adding a touch of delay and reverb keeps me engaged for extended jam sessions.
The note sag is really obvious when I attack the string.
The neck pickup,while slightly lower in output,maintains a clean tone even with aggressive picking. It offers that same midrange clarity, but with a warm character that makes single-note phrases sound fantastic. The note sag becomes apparent when I strike the strings, providing a soft touch that complements intricate post-rock arpeggios beautifully. Engaging both pickups results in a noticeable volume boost, with the bridge pickup contributing a radiant attack.
when I introduced a couple of overdrive pedals and cranked up the gain, the bridge pickup truly shines.it excels at delivering punchy power chords, and even when playing full barre chords with a Blues breaker-style overdrive in front of my already driven tube amp, the clarity remains notable. Lead lines cut through the mix effortlessly, showcasing the punchy character of the sound.
Switching to the neck pickup, it retains impressive articulation even under higher gain settings, producing a warm tone with a bit of bite. While it may lack some clarity when playing full chords, it still inspires creativity, especially with a fuzziness that enhances single-note riffs on the low E string.
While these pickups may not cater to metal tones, they are versatile enough to handle a wide range of styles. whether I’m playing punk-inspired power chords, heavy riffs, or expansive space rock solos, the pickups perform admirably. However, those seeking vintage tones might find them a bit too hot for their taste.
Final Thoughts
I was pleasantly surprised by the price of the Baum Guitars Carve. While it is slightly higher in the US, it still offers exceptional value for under a thousand dollars. For those in the EU and UK, this guitar is notably noteworthy for its affordability. It beautifully blends retro aesthetics with modern playability and pickups,appealing to a diverse range of guitarists.
The EU and UK should especially sit up and take note, because it’s fantastic value there.
My specific model was well-constructed, though it required a few setup adjustments to achieve optimal playability.Baum mentioned that this test model had been showcased at several expos prior to reaching me. While I have mixed feelings about the absence of a panel for accessing the pots at the back, it may be a minor concern. After all, how often do we really check that unless there’s a significant issue or modification needed? My only other critique is the toggle switch’s placement, which can be inadvertently bumped during live performances.
Baum’s proprietary Goldsound pickups excel in this guitar,especially if you prefer a hotter,contemporary P-90 sound. They adapt well to various styles and handle effects experimentation with ease. However, they might be too aggressive for those seeking lower-output tones. I believe they are well-suited for the modern player, and I thoroughly enjoyed how they pushed my guitar amp while maintaining clarity.
Guitar World Verdict: I am genuinely impressed with the Baum Guitars Carve. Its distinctive appearance is appealing without alienating traditionalists, and it is exceptionally well-built, offering remarkable value for money-especially with the inclusion of a high-quality gig bag. The pickups provide the classic P-90 experience,delivering aggression under gain and a lovely clean tone,all while maintaining clarity. It’s clear why Baum has made such a strong entrance into the market with guitars of this caliber.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
A well-constructed guitar that required some setup adjustments. |
★★★★ |
|
Playability |
Exceptional neck profile that is well-balanced. |
★★★★ |
|
sound Quality |
P-90s excel, providing ample articulation. |
★★★★ |
|
Overall |
A fantastic value guitar that stands out in a crowded market. |
★★★★ |
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Overview of Baum Guitars
Founded in 2015 by Morten Bau, Baum Guitars has quickly established itself as a prominent name in the world of high-end electric guitars. With a focus on craftsmanship and innovative design,baum Guitars aims to provide musicians with instruments that not only sound great but also inspire creativity. The Carve Series is a testament to this vision, combining modern aesthetics with exceptional playability.
Key Features of the Carve Series
- Body Design: The Carve features a sleek, ergonomic body shape that enhances comfort during long playing sessions.
- Premium Materials: Constructed from high-quality mahogany and roasted maple, these guitars offer a rich tonal palette.
- Custom Pickups: Equipped with Baum’s proprietary Goldsound Ember P-90 pickups,the Carve Series delivers a warm,articulate sound.
- Versatile Controls: The intuitive control layout includes a master volume, tone controls, and a 3-way toggle switch for easy sound customization.
Specifications of the Baum Carve Series
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| neck Material | Roasted Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 25.5 inches |
| Pickups | 2x Goldsound Ember P-90 |
| Weight | 3.2 kg / 7.05 lbs |
| Price | $999 | £669 | €699 |
Benefits of the Baum Carve Series
The Baum Carve Series offers numerous advantages for musicians looking to enhance their creativity:
- Enhanced Playability: The slim neck profile and lightweight design make it easy to play for extended periods, allowing for greater exploration of musical ideas.
- Rich Tonal Variety: The combination of mahogany and P-90 pickups provides a wide range of tones, from warm and mellow to bright and cutting.
- Inspiration for songwriting: The unique aesthetics and feel of the Carve can spark new ideas and encourage experimentation in songwriting.
First-Hand Experiance with the baum Carve
As a musician who has had the chance to play the Baum Carve, I can attest to its impressive performance. The moment I picked it up, I was struck by its comfortable neck and balanced weight. The P-90 pickups delivered a punchy sound that cut through the mix beautifully, whether I was playing clean arpeggios or driving power chords.
During a recent rehearsal, I paired the Carve with my pedalboard and tube amp. the bridge pickup’s output was surprisingly high, allowing me to achieve overdrive with minimal effort. I found myself adjusting my pedal settings to accommodate the Carve’s unique tonal characteristics, which was a refreshing change.
Practical Tips for Using the Baum Carve
To get the most out of your Baum carve, consider the following tips:
- Experiment with Pickup Settings: The Carve’s dual pickups offer a range of tonal options. Try switching between the neck and bridge pickups to find the perfect sound for your style.
- Utilize Effects Pedals: The Carve responds well to various effects. experiment with overdrive, delay, and reverb to discover new sonic possibilities.
- Regular Maintainance: Keep your guitar in top shape by regularly checking the setup and making necessary adjustments to the truss rod and action.
Case Studies: Artists Using the Baum Carve
Several artists have embraced the baum carve Series, showcasing its versatility across different genres:
- Indie Rock: Many indie rock guitarists appreciate the Carve’s unique sound and aesthetic, using it to create atmospheric soundscapes.
- Blues Musicians: The warm tones of the P-90 pickups make the Carve a favorite among blues players, who rely on its expressive capabilities for solos.
- pop Artists: The Carve’s modern design and tonal versatility have attracted pop musicians looking for a guitar that stands out on stage.
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