Hi Michael, absolutely love your new Casimi guitar… the only word I can think of to sum it up is… transcendental, and of course it really does fit like a glove… From your own comments, I can see this is a new journey and perhaps a new chapter in creative expression and indulgence. Enjoy… it’s truly deserved my friend😊🎶
I listened to several of your videos tonight, and came to the (premature) conclusion, that every guitar you play sounds as superb as the next in your hands .... and then this . wow ... I noticed the ethereal quality of this instrument on your short rendition of Samba parti - so many fine nuances of sound, layered and blended to a tapestry of ... oh stop words don't quite conjure it up ...
The immediacy, as you mention - an almost complete lack of inertia.... The incredible evenness of response across the strings and up and down the fingerboard - almost a 'wall of sound' effect.... The bloom of harmonics / overtones after that initial attack... the sustain for days... truly a beautiful instrument that a man could spend many, happy years growing with. Magical stuff from you and the team there in ZA, thanks for this!
My favorite luthier-made guitars are currently Somogyis and Walkers. Having acquired two Somogyis, I got my first Kim Walker OM (Adi./Braz.) six months ago. Six months later now, this dream guitar roars louder than a lion.
I make no secret of my love for Ervin and his work - Kim is a recent friend and his guitars are nothing short of divine. I look forward to playing more of them!
I think it's important to talk about how a handmade guitar will "open" up with time. I think that another video at one year would be a fantastic update. Also, great descriptions about the qualities of an exceptional instrument, thank you. Fantastic video. (glad to see there's no pick guard on that beauty!)
Such a lifetime investment in both your craft and yourself, worth every bit its price. So beautiful and alive, and much improved after only 6 months of being played in. Thank You for the update, so glad you're bonding with this instrument (its not always guaranteed to happen). ❤
@@hkguitar1984 thank you so much! You’re right, bonding with an instrument is never guaranteed but I’ve been so fortunate to work with Jason Kostal and Casimi Guitars over the years and their guitars are very special indeed
Beautiful tone and range, the sustain is immense as the years pass it will only get even better .I think you may have a guitar for life that you will always cherish. 🤩👍
It's a beautiful guitar Michael. I don't know if you're into naming your instruments, but I kind of feel it needs a name. Like a legendary warriors sword. As an acoustic guitar maker I aspire to one day making such a glorious instrument and having it played by someone as talented as you.
@@frontphil8335 ha thank you! I don’t go for naming my guitars other than serial numbers and especially giving guitars women’s names makes me queasy - unless you’re BB King! That said, I call this one THE CASIMI and it answers to that.
It's undoubtedly a superlative union of engineering and art. Oddly, knowing it inspires you makes me happy. I wish you many years of continued happiness and growth with that beautiful instrument.
Mr. Watts, I’ve really enjoyed following you on your journey with your Casimi. Ypur playing and sound with that instrument is truly incredible. Thank you for sharing. 😊
Ah, the subjunctive. The gerund and gerundive probably lurk in the deep recesses of your grammatical understanding too, but maybe the key to unlocking the mystery of the breadth and depth of this creation is to embrace the impossibility of defining that which is so visceral, yet ineffable…Pseuds’ Corner here I come!
Curious, this is probably an unfair question… How would you describe the voice of this instrument compared to your Kostals? It would be interesting to hear you play different passages side-by-side with the different instruments you have and your gut impressions of what you’re hearing. I don’t mean to try to make a comparison in terms of better or worse just the difference you hear. I know they are all exceptional instruments and you are exceptionally gifted musician!
We would so love to hear this guitar live. I am sad I missed it before you took it away with you. Thanks for this video Michael, so nice that the Guys not only made a beautiful instrument but they made an exceptional musical tool. To be inspired by an instrument is truly wonderful and extraordinary. 🙂
Olson Sj cutaway in mahogany and sitka. Hopefully though my favorite luthier built instrument has yet to have been in my hands. The Casimi sounds massive and beautiful!
😁"Clonk", I guess your timing was off a couple of seconds before, Michael. It doesn`t always goes as perfect as you want it to be ... The guitar sounds great.
I think I watched this video before and you have a wonderful guitar!!!...This is a good recording compared to the original guitar recording...I have played many new guitars and only got to play them some time later...years later...I have found all guitars at some level...loose their sparkling mid and high tones...and mellow out...which is good for stell string guitars...not good for nylon string guitars...unless you like the mellow sound...I have found, the more a guitar is played will determine softening and more well roundedness the sound can become if it is made with quality wood and not cracked or smashed in any way...
That is an amazing sounding guitar! Notes ring forever. Clean and clear as well. I'd like to know what strings you have on it and the scale length, please. Also, is the recording unedited? I have a couple of guitars made for me by excellent luthiers and while I really enjoy them, and paid a LOT less than Casimi go for, this one sounds inspiring. Thanks for posting.
@@MichaelWatts Thanks for the response, Michael, and the info. Would not have had time in South Africa when we were there in May but it must be a wonderful experience to be in the Casimi shop. Again, thanks for your posts.
I can guarantee you that daddario Strings Medium Guage 13-56 XS will improve your sound. I changed my Lowden from Elixers to daddario and WOW! Noticed a difference immediately.
Incredible end-game instrument. Not to disparage it in any way, it’s a work of art, but it sounds similar to my Doerr. What mic and preamp are you going through? Sounds amazing
I recently got into the world of luthier-made guitars and I was so incredibly sad to find out that he passed. He was so young too. His guitars are legendary
How much did u pay for it? I see that l could place an order for a new one with cutaway…- which l’d prefer…- anyway…- l really like it’s tone & sustain…
I'm sure there are some sick kids in a hospital near you which would enjoy hearing that guitar. Sure, us guitar heads love it, but kids with not much time left to live would appreciate it even more I bet, in person.
@@EnigmaOnStrings very different voices, I love Jim’s work for supporting vocals but until the day that he makes a 12-fret SJ I’ll stick to my Casimi for solo fingerstyle
"The player I'd like to become"
boy, that's worth a video discussion right there.
@@paulboden7850 ha! Glad you like it Paul
Hi Michael, absolutely love your new Casimi guitar… the only word I can think of to sum it up is… transcendental, and of course it really does fit like a glove… From your own comments, I can see this is a new journey and perhaps a new chapter in creative expression and indulgence. Enjoy… it’s truly deserved my friend😊🎶
You appeared yesterday on my screen and I am flabbergasted ... this is really breathtaking
@@LuCoMil thank you! Glad you found my video!!
I listened to several of your videos tonight, and came to the (premature) conclusion, that every guitar you play sounds as superb as the next in your hands .... and then this . wow ... I noticed the ethereal quality of this instrument on your short rendition of Samba parti - so many fine nuances of sound, layered and blended to a tapestry of ... oh stop words don't quite conjure it up ...
@@paulstevenson3086 thank you Paul, that really means a lot to me!
I certainly has one of the most pleasing tones I have heard.
@@UncleDanBand64 thank you kindly! Glad you enjoyed it
The auditory response of that guitar is astounding.
@@stickman55100 that is true!
It is the satisfying sound of satisfaction.
Thank you for sharing the joy of music with us.
Casimi = sonic boom. 😎
Glad you enjoy it! Thanks for watching
Kindred spirit! I LOVE boutique guitars.
That guitar is incredible.
@@lynntunes glad you like it!
The immediacy, as you mention - an almost complete lack of inertia.... The incredible evenness of response across the strings and up and down the fingerboard - almost a 'wall of sound' effect.... The bloom of harmonics / overtones after that initial attack... the sustain for days... truly a beautiful instrument that a man could spend many, happy years growing with. Magical stuff from you and the team there in ZA, thanks for this!
@@douglasnelson3569 that’s it exactly Douglas!
My favorite luthier-made guitars are currently Somogyis and Walkers. Having acquired two Somogyis, I got my first Kim Walker OM (Adi./Braz.) six months ago. Six months later now, this dream guitar roars louder than a lion.
I make no secret of my love for Ervin and his work - Kim is a recent friend and his guitars are nothing short of divine. I look forward to playing more of them!
I think it's important to talk about how a handmade guitar will "open" up with time. I think that another video at one year would be a fantastic update. Also, great descriptions about the qualities of an exceptional instrument, thank you. Fantastic video. (glad to see there's no pick guard on that beauty!)
Thank you so much for watching - the pickguard is on the inside
Just kidding
What a nice Christmas present that you gave yourself!!!
@@JimB802 the irony is that I had been almost impossibly naughty
Such a lifetime investment in both your craft and yourself, worth every bit its price.
So beautiful and alive, and much improved after only 6 months of being played in.
Thank You for the update, so glad you're bonding with this instrument (its not always guaranteed to happen). ❤
@@hkguitar1984 thank you so much! You’re right, bonding with an instrument is never guaranteed but I’ve been so fortunate to work with Jason Kostal and Casimi Guitars over the years and their guitars are very special indeed
@@MichaelWatts So many Blessings 🙏
Speechless.
I know the feeling
Beautiful tone and range, the sustain is immense as the years pass it will only get even better .I think you may have a guitar for life that you will always cherish. 🤩👍
@@alastair6356 thank you Alastair!
It's a beautiful guitar Michael. I don't know if you're into naming your instruments, but I kind of feel it needs a name. Like a legendary warriors sword. As an acoustic guitar maker I aspire to one day making such a glorious instrument and having it played by someone as talented as you.
@@frontphil8335 ha thank you! I don’t go for naming my guitars other than serial numbers and especially giving guitars women’s names makes me queasy - unless you’re BB King! That said, I call this one THE CASIMI and it answers to that.
It's undoubtedly a superlative union of engineering and art. Oddly, knowing it inspires you makes me happy. I wish you many years of continued happiness and growth with that beautiful instrument.
@@Supe-for-the-soul thank you very much, I really do appreciate your kind words
Lovely my friend. There's nothing like bonding with an instrument that moves you to expand the way you hear and experience the guitar.
@@kenbonfield thank you Ken, great to hear from you!
A wonderful guitar as well as great playing, what a combination for success.
@@ellenrik thank you so much
The classical folks call the tonal and timbre variations/ availability as “colors”, which I really like. “Listen to all the colors!!”
@@lynntunes exactly!
I love the passion with which you describe this guitar, Michael.
@@hughmcevoy4119 thank you Hugh!
Beautiful hearing your melodies on different instruments, particularly this one. Bravo!
@@Calatriste54 thank you so much!
Speechless! Your playing combined with this instrument is other worldly. Congrats all round. 😇🐚
@@jamesstapleton-cotton5374 thank you so much James, that’s very kind
I really like this guitar, like alot 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Me too Jim, me too
Mr. Watts, I’ve really enjoyed following you on your journey with your Casimi. Ypur playing and sound with that instrument is truly incredible. Thank you for sharing. 😊
@@cris1186 thank you so much Cris, that really means a lot
Ah, the subjunctive. The gerund and gerundive probably lurk in the deep recesses of your grammatical understanding too, but maybe the key to unlocking the mystery of the breadth and depth of this creation is to embrace the impossibility of defining that which is so visceral, yet ineffable…Pseuds’ Corner here I come!
@@terrywright7893 get straight in the corner Terry!
Sounds absolutely magnificent! Truly special. Your intuition was incredible to request a first ever non-cutaway version
@@RickyPLopezMusic thank you Ricky!
Yes that was a stroke of genius!
@@casimi-guitars And your execution was flawless! The craftsmanship on this was so inspirational
Curious, this is probably an unfair question…
How would you describe the voice of this instrument compared to your Kostals?
It would be interesting to hear you play different passages side-by-side with the different instruments you have and your gut impressions of what you’re hearing.
I don’t mean to try to make a comparison in terms of better or worse just the difference you hear.
I know they are all exceptional instruments and you are exceptionally gifted musician!
@@scottfishkind5335 once this one has opened up a little more then sure!
We would so love to hear this guitar live. I am sad I missed it before you took it away with you. Thanks for this video Michael, so nice that the Guys not only made a beautiful instrument but they made an exceptional musical tool. To be inspired by an instrument is truly wonderful and extraordinary. 🙂
@@auntyflo-fv1oc ah next time! Will let you know
Excellent!! Can't wait! 🙂
Glorious playing Michael of a beautiful instrument 👌
@@Nostreborlatsyrhc thank you for listening Rob!
The tone is absolute magical!
@@Ronas577 thank you Ronaldo! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@MichaelWatts Thank you, Michael. I really like your playing too. It's clear, tight and enhances the compositions. Congrats!
Really enjoying the piece you've been playing lately at 2:49
@@roscoe2311 thank you! I’m still seeing where that one wants to go!
Great stuff! There's a mellowness to it now that I didn't hear in your first takes. Wonderful guitar and playing!
@@kinnjohn thank you so much John!
Samba Pa Ti. Nice choice!
@@maxwirt921 ha! Well spotted Max and thank you for listening!
One of the best sounding instruments I’ve heard ..and I own many. Thanks for your update. Looking forward to more.!
@@ukestudio3002 thank you so much for listening!
Raindrops in canyon
Old wet rocks echo quietly
But the drops are pure
@@bhandarischmandari first ever haiku,
Comment I have received here, and I am grateful
Olson Sj cutaway in mahogany and sitka. Hopefully though my favorite luthier built instrument has yet to have been in my hands. The Casimi sounds massive and beautiful!
@@jamesturtle ah… there’s something wonderful about a mahogany Olson… but I know what’s coming and that’s very very cool too!
😁"Clonk", I guess your timing was off a couple of seconds before, Michael. It doesn`t always goes as perfect as you want it to be ... The guitar sounds great.
@@chrisosseweijer2798 I think I just dragged a fingertip - these things happen!
Gorgeous.
Some lovely playing there bruv. Some sweet chromatics. Nothing more needs be said about the guitar. SY
@@ambientpeace4586 thank you mate!
10:15 Clonk.
Ha, love it!
It can happen!
Thanks for sharing this update, Michael. It sound great and it sounds like it's been a great experience with much more to come!
@@ChuckNicholsonTRM thank you Chuck!
1. These are truly the best guitars, that just push you along the journey, 2. I'm curious where you are headed with your style.
@@szabolcsmezei4088 we shall see!
I think that is a keeper Michael. What will it sound like in 3 years? 15-20 years?? ❤
@@smandez2023 well exactly!
I think I watched this video before and you have a wonderful guitar!!!...This is a good recording compared to the original guitar recording...I have played many new guitars and only got to play them some time later...years later...I have found all guitars at some level...loose their sparkling mid and high tones...and mellow out...which is good for stell string guitars...not good for nylon string guitars...unless you like the mellow sound...I have found, the more a guitar is played will determine softening and more well roundedness the sound can become if it is made with quality wood and not cracked or smashed in any way...
Bad Ass Guitar!
@@cugir321 that it is!
Terrific. Do you always use a plectrum?
@@murraykuun6009 thanks Murray! I use a plectrum very rarely indeed
Brillante profundidad, una maravilla de sonido
I'm working with Guillaume Rancourt on a special archtop right now. It will be a while yet until it comes to fruition.
@@ChuckNicholsonTRM oh how wonderful! I may have some archtop news to share soon too!
That is an amazing sounding guitar! Notes ring forever. Clean and clear as well. I'd like to know what strings you have on it and the scale length, please. Also, is the recording unedited? I have a couple of guitars made for me by excellent luthiers and while I really enjoy them, and paid a LOT less than Casimi go for, this one sounds inspiring. Thanks for posting.
@@45northband29 thank you! There is no EQ, reverb or effects on these or any of my acoustic recordings. I use Elixir strings and a 25” scale length
@@MichaelWatts Thanks for the response, Michael, and the info. Would not have had time in South Africa when we were there in May but it must be a wonderful experience to be in the Casimi shop. Again, thanks for your posts.
I can guarantee you that daddario Strings Medium Guage 13-56 XS will improve your sound. I changed my Lowden from Elixers to daddario and WOW! Noticed a difference immediately.
I got a base price quote of $40,000 for a slot at the end of 2026. Been having trouble breathing ever since. Tachycardia too I think.
@@williamwinecoff1779 that’s about an eighth of the price of a prewar D45 and I know what I’d rather make music with
@@MichaelWatts had trouble convincing the wife to get a 7k Boucher! 40k is a luxury vehicle
Hi Michael. Loverly video. What's the nut width measurement, please?
@@ghof3016 thank you Greg! I like 1.75” on all my guitars
Incredible end-game instrument. Not to disparage it in any way, it’s a work of art, but it sounds similar to my Doerr. What mic and preamp are you going through? Sounds amazing
Hey, would that be John Doerr from Ontario?
@@ellenrik Most likely the late Tom Doerr. He was an amazing builder
I recently got into the world of luthier-made guitars and I was so incredibly sad to find out that he passed. He was so young too. His guitars are legendary
@@roscoe2311 So sad, but we're talking about a different person. I am happy that you found a gem, wishing you many years of playing.
@@gabrielr4329 thanks Gabriel - I like Tom’s work a great deal, he was a real talent. I use Gefell mics and UA interfaces
How much did u pay for it? I see that l could place an order for a new one with cutaway…- which l’d prefer…- anyway…- l really like it’s tone & sustain…
@@viociarnau1670 get in touch with Casimi Guitars directly for a quote - tell them I sent you!
What is the scale, nut width, fret radius, etc??
@@JimB802 I go into detail in other videos on my channel Bob - check them out - there’s a whole play list
I'm sure there are some sick kids in a hospital near you which would enjoy hearing that guitar. Sure, us guitar heads love it, but kids with not much time left to live would appreciate it even more I bet, in person.
What's the scale length of this one ?
@@Jason_Music 25 is the sweet spot for a 12 in my opinion
What's the opening tune?
@@andybaldman ah that’s a new one I’m working on!
8:00 whats the tune?
@@angelg8445 samba pa ti by Carlos Santana
@@MichaelWatts OMG I knew it and love that tune! Great playing!
No guitar for singers/songwriters
@@lebe220 massively disagree, and I know several singer songwriters that play Casimi
@@MichaelWatts They would need a dry guitar, with not too great a sustain. It could be a guitar for Sade or Kate Bush
@@MichaelWatts PS: Or Brasilian style music. But "Rich Men North of Richmond" should not be distracted by a bell in a cathedral
Olson > casimi
@@EnigmaOnStrings very different voices, I love Jim’s work for supporting vocals but until the day that he makes a 12-fret SJ I’ll stick to my Casimi for solo fingerstyle