Introducing... Furch Guitars
When we discovered Furch (pronounced “furk”) guitars, we were immediately impressed with their playability and high-quality construction. Add to that the amazing story of how they started and how they persevered to become the company they are today, and we knew we had to get some!
Who are Furch Guitars?
František Furch started making his own instruments in the 1970s. Living under a socialist regime in Czechoslovakia, high-quality fretted instruments weren’t an option for local purchase, and importing them was too expensive and complicated. Already a skilled craftsman in metalworking, František soon began making instruments of such good quality that he started getting commissions from his fellow local musicians.
Because operating a private business was illegal under communist rule, František was risking real time in prison to build and sell his guitars. Just in time, the Velvet Revolution happened in 1989, the communist regime was deposed, and Furch was free to operate in the open.
Since then, Furch has been creating and refining their instruments and production process, remaining dedicated to quality and superb craftmanship.
Cool, but how do they sound?
The Carlton Music Crew says:
“Furch guitars combine High quality craftsmanship, solid tone woods, and an innovative neck design. The end result is instruments that are not only beautiful, but also offer a delightful playing and listening experience.”
- Joe (Store Manager, Lead guitar tech, Shredder of Strings)
“The tonal sensibilities are traditional, but the modern construction methods give a very rewarding playing experience for the current-day player.”- Franky (Guitar instructor for 20+ years)
“Not quite as boomy as a Martin, and not as shimmeringly bright as a Taylor; they occupy a really sweet spot sonically between the two. It’s about as close to the best of both as you can get.”- Cameron (Expert noodler and YouTube review watcher)
Now, let’s get into the nitty gritty of what makes Furch guitars tick!
Hear the Rainbow
In 2018, Furch launched the Color Series, a new way to categorize their guitar models. This change highlighted the innovative technologies and improvements made by their research and development team to boost instrument quality.
The Color Series includes seven model lines: VIOLET, BLUE, GREEN, YELLOW, RED, and RAINBOW. These guitars not only look great, but they also produce amazing sound. This is thanks to high-quality tonewoods and precise manufacturing techniques. Each guitar is made using advanced technologies, like soundboard voicing, which tunes the top for better sound, an ultra-thin finish for consistency, and robotic polishing for a perfect touch. Plus, all guitars feature the Furch CNR System, which keeps the neck stable and allows for easy adjustments.
Furch also revamped the Vintage Series, now offering models called Vintage 1 to 3. These guitars have a Sitka spruce soundboard and Indian rosewood back and sides, with different features that enhance their warm look.
Furch's updated lineup also includes Grand Nylon guitars, acoustic-electric bass guitars, and the Little Jane travel guitar.
Wood - you believe it!
Furch guitars have a unique sound based on how they're made and the top-notch materials used. They get their raw materials from reliable suppliers worldwide, using about 60 m³ each year, with exotic woods making up two-thirds of that.
To help protect these valuable resources, Furch partners with the Arimae community in Panama, which focuses on forest conservation and growing exotic woods. Furch supports them by managing four hectares of cocobolo trees and two hectares of mahogany, helping them grow an average of 39 m³.
For the best sound, most Furch guitars use soft tonewoods for the soundboards, featuring a specific grain pattern. They grade these tonewoods into categories like master grade, AAA, AA, and A+. The back and sides of the guitars have a similar grading system but vary slightly, with the highest being master grade and going down to A.
Fun fact - all Furch guitars are made with solid tops, backs, and sides—there are no composite wood models!
If I said you had a beautiful body...
Furch offers a variety of body shapes across their different color series. At Carlton Music the models we have on hand are:
- Grand Auditorium with Cutaway
- Dreadnaught
- Orchestra
- Little Jane Travel Guitar
Body Shape | (A) | (B) | (C) | (D) | (E)* | (F)** | (G)** |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dreadnought | 297 | 272 | 405 | 509 | 1 044 | 124 | 94 |
Grand Auditorium | 289 | 239 | 398 | 508 | 1 043 | 116 | 94 |
Orchestra Model | 286 | 232 | 378 | 490 | 1 026 | 102 | 81 |
OOM | 261 | 213 | 358 | 498 | 987 | 102 | 81 |
Baritone | 298 | 240 | 413 | 508 | 1 064 | 124 | 94 |
Grand Nylon | 272 | 228 | 381 | 498 | 999 | 101 | 81 |
Little Jane | 234 | 202 | 304 | 417 | 906 | 102 | 83 |
dimensions (mm)
Bagg some pickups
LR Baggs is one of the most respected makers of pickups for acoustic instruments, so it’s a no-brainer that Furch would partner with them for the pickups in their acoustic-electric models. Both the Violet Deluxe Gc-SM and the Blue Gc-CM SPE Master's Choice models currently carried by Carlton’s are equipped with the LR Baggs Stagepro Element system.
Other LR Baggs pickup systems used by Furch are the LR Baggs Element Active System – Volume Tone Control and the LR Baggs Anthem.
Finish them!
Furch applies full-pore finishes to their guitars, offering both strong protection and attractive aesthetics. They have developed a unique high-resonance coating that uses advanced application techniques.
This full-pore finish features an ultra-thin layer created from up to ten individual sprays. Its UV-based composition makes it very hard and ensures excellent sound transmission. Additionally, it is highly durable and retains its crystal clarity over time, making it a modern acoustic lacquer for the 21st century.
For their necks Furch offers two different finishes - Full-Pore Smooth-Slide and Open-Pore Finish.
The Smooth-Slide Satin Finish is a thin polyurethane finish, the smooth surface of which reduces hand friction on the neck of the guitar, allowing for faster and more accurate playing. The Open-Pore Finish on guitar necks consists of lacquer applied in a thin layer that does not fully fill the pores of the wood, and leaves them exposed to the eye, as well as to the touch.
Both coatings also include a certified antibacterial additive with silver nanoparticles, which reliably destroys all harmful microorganisms that cling to the neck during play.
Protect ya neck!
The neck of a guitar is super important, and getting it just right can be tricky. After a lot of time and research, Furch came up with a solution - the CNR System® (Composite Neck Reinforcement). This design uses advanced materials to make the neck super stable. It’s 90% better at resisting bending from string tension and humidity than regular necks!
The CNR System® has an adjustable truss rod wrapped in carbon, which makes the neck strong and easy to adjust. Because it’s so rigid, it doesn’t need heavy reinforcements, keeping it lighter. This lighter neck allows the soundboard to vibrate more freely, which improves the guitar’s sound. Plus, all the parts of the CNR System are built right into the neck, so you don’t even see them!
- A fully adjustable dual-action truss rod for highly precise adjustment of the neck bow in both the convex and concave directions.
- A highly rigid carbon casing that maintains the neck in the set position over a period much longer than is the case with standard neck joint designs and, at the same time, facilitates a gradual bow in the neck, a factor of essential importance for playability.
- A casting made of special alloy located inside the neck heel that ensures a stable position of the neck and its angle vis-à-vis the body.
Brace yourself
The soundboard design and bracing pattern is another crucial element for a guitar's sound and durability. Furch's research and production teams focus on these aspects to make constant improvements. Over 40 years of research have led to a great balance of volume, dynamics, tonal balance, and strength. This is achieved through careful selection of tonewoods and a unique soundboard voicing process applied to all their instruments.
Juuust in Case
Furch selected Hiscox for their cases due to the impact-resistant ABS outer shell and polyurethane padding, providing lightweight yet strong protection for guitars during transport and storage.
The Furch premium gigbag is a high-quality soft case with reinforced walls, soft padding, and sturdy panels for excellent protection. It offers ergonomic carrying options, including side and front handles and shoulder straps.
Models on tap
By now you might be curious and you want to check out one of the Furch guitars, and we’re happy to oblige! Here’s a quick rundown of the models we currently have in stock at our Lakeland location:
Yellow Series Orchestra Model with Hiscox Case
The Yellow Series guitars feature soundboards of Sitka spruce and Western red cedar. Sitka spruce offers a strong, dynamic tone, while cedar provides a balanced, rich sound. Both use Furch's special voicing process and Full-Pore High-Gloss Finish for improved acoustics.
Stylish details enhance their look, including an abalone rosette, contrasting binding lines, and Eclipse position markers on the fretboard. The Yellow Deluxe models have an ergonomic Bevel Duo feature for better comfort. Each guitar comes in a durable Hiscox case.
A transparent pickguard protects the soundboard while showing off the wood’s beauty. White pearl side dots and Eclipse inlays help with fingerboard orientation and add to the guitar’s appeal.
The Yellow SR model features Gotoh 510 Silver Patina machine heads for excellent tuning stability, with ebony buttons and a precise 1:21 gear ratio.
Violet Deluxe Gc-SM with Premium Gig Bag
The Violet Deluxe Gc-SM offers excellent sound and craftsmanship. Its Sitka spruce soundboard is specially voiced for great acoustics, while the African mahogany back and sides provide a balanced tone with clear highs, warm bass, and lasting sustain. This makes it ideal for both gentle fingerstyle and more aggressive playing.
The guitar’s natural beauty is enhanced by dark appointments and an Open-Pore Finish that shows the wood’s texture. The ergonomic Bevel Duo design on the top and back plates ensures comfort during long playing sessions.
Vintage Pure SM with Premium Gig Bag
This one is for all the classic design lovers out there - the Vintage Pure SM! Made from top-notch Sitka spruce and African mahogany, it delivers a balanced sound with bright highs and warm lows. Its vintage look is highlighted by an Open-Pore Finish that shows off the wood's natural texture. You can choose from several shapes: dreadnought, dreadnought with cutaway, orchestra model, orchestra model with cutaway, and OOM body.
Blue Series Gc-CM SPE Master's Choice with Premium Gig Bag
The Blue Master’s Choice is a top-notch all-solid-woods guitar in a Grand Auditorium shape with a cutaway. It has a Western red cedar soundboard and African mahogany back and sides. It features a walnut double ring rosette and faux tortoise pickguard and binding. This wood combo and the Furch Open-Pore Finish give it a natural look and a warm, balanced sound with slightly boosted lows. Plus, it comes with the LR Baggs Stagepro Element system, which has a side-mounted preamp and tuner.
Little Jane LJ 10-CM Solid Wood Travel Acoustic Guitar
The Little Jane is one of the most unique travel guitars that we’ve ever encountered. With Furch’s special assembly system, you can quickly put it together or take it apart to fit into a travel bag the size of a regular backpack. Did we mention it also sounds like a guitar twice it’s size? Don’t be fooled - though she be little, she be fierce!
In conclusion
Furch is one of the best makers of acoustic guitars today, but don't just take our word for it - come down and experience these high-quality instruments yourself. We think you'll agree, Furch guitars are first rate!