As a massive Furch fan, and owner of several of their instruments, I'm biased. That said, I have been playing for 51 years and have hone through the best part of 100 guitars looking for 'THAT' tone;, and in Furch, I've found it.
This Pioneer ER is a real powerhouse, with genuine depth and clarity in its tone, and the booster soundport really does enhance the experience for the player. I was surprised just how much difference the Englemann top makes; it seems really warm and woody, yet with a soft clarity that shines.
As one would expect, the build quality it superb, though I would always prefer a bone / bone substitute saddle to Tusq; just mh personal preference.
It plays wonderfully, as always a testament to the craftsmanship of guitar tech, Chris. If he had hair and a beard I would call him Gandalf as what he can do with a guitar setup is nothing short of magical.
If you want a go-to /travel guitar that requires no assembly then I'd recommend you try a Furch Pioneer - all solid woods, innovative neck systems and the booster soundport, it leaves other big brand travel guitars for dead.
Furch Pioneer ER: Engelmann spruce top with Indian rosewood back and sides. (Furch Mini / Travel Guitar) (2025 CNR Active Upgrade Model)
Mark Robinson
First Class Furch
This is a really beautifully made guitar; the woods look like much higher quality than one might expect on a Vintage 1 series - some bearclaw in the Sitka top, and the Rosewood back and sides have lovely silking - the sides in particular have really nice figuring.
That said, it's the tone that's paramount, and this little guitar is sweet and articulate, and really projects - it is so LOUD, and not just for its size. It plays really comfortably - a testament to the perfect setup by brilliant guitar tech Chris. The service at Richards is exemplary; it doesn't get any better than these guys, who have grown to feel more like trusted friends.
One last note: this guitar came with Furch's new T-line case, which - being a Hiscox fan - I was somewhat apprehensive about. I needn't have worried - the case fits like a glove and is well padded, with good quality latches. I might not trust airline baggage handlers with it as it's definitely lighter and less crush resistant than the Hiscox Pro II, but for pretty much anything other than flying,the T-Line case is more then good enough - and it looks pretty cool, to be honest.