Furch Pioneer MM: African mahogany top, back, and sides. (Furch Mini / Travel Guitar) (Copy) (Copy) (2025 CNR Active Upgrade Model)

This was an unintentional purchase (honestly!) - originally I got it for a mate but he changed his mind when I showed it him online "too small for me" 🙄
Well - unfortunately for my finances! - I loved it from the moment I picked it up, even knowing that I was supposed to be handing it over to my mate. When he said he didn't want it, I then had to justify keeping it as it doesn't fit my business needs - I have a Little Jane LJ11-SR for overseas gigs, a Furch Red Deluxe GC-SR and Yellow OM-CR, and a Blue OM-MM for recording. I just don't NEED this Pioneer - where would I use it?
Well the answer is in the guitar itself - for pleasure; it is such an intimate instrument, having a huge presence and such a direct, focused tone, without being too midrangey like so many all-Mahogany guitars tend to be.
I lined it up against my other Furchs, and a couple of Taylors, and honestly, I prefer sitting on the sofa with the Pioneer.

The soundport really does appear to transmit the guitar's tone to the player, making it sound bigger than its physical size, and the neck width is just right - no silly scrawny typical 'travel guitar' thing here. When put up against my Blue OM-MM (the fairest comparison due to the woods used), it sounded pretty much as loud, and somehow having a pretty equal bass response. The OM is more complex, with more overtones, as one might expect, but in terms of projection, the Pioneer is quite remarkable. Up against the Red, it's just a different tone, but again, probably what I'd choose to pick up if I'm writing a song - and that's exactly what I did the morning after my mate decided he didn't want it. It's definitely fun, and let's face it, that's why most of us play guitar. I have been very business oriented in my choice of instruments, for more than 25 years, and whilst this Pioneer MMa wouldn't be my first choice for a big gig, that's only because I play with 3 guitars in different tunings, and I would find the change in body size between songs a bit weird. I'm playing at a festival in December, and often the venues are cramped and lugging big guitar cases is not very practicable, so I'll probably take the Pioneer along with my Little Jane.

I really should mention you wonderful guys at Richards Guitars! I needed this in a hurry to fit in with my mate's diary, and Chris fitted the LR Baggs Element VTC and set it up in a ridiculously short period of time. If you visit the store then make sure you say hello to Chris - he's a real gentleman, but often not seen as he is so busy. Jon and Jake are stars; this time Jon was in the limelight and he made the entire experience (especially as he knew the odd circumstances around me trying the Pioneer) a whole lot of fun - he had me howling with laughter during our email exchange after my mate rejected the guitar!

I am so impressed with Richards Guitars, with the ethos behind the business, the different instruments I might never have come across, and the people who really do make you feel like a friend, that I have put a link and a recommendation on my website www.markrobinsonmusic.com.

If you're considering a Pioneer, just do it - you won't regret it, and the only place I'd buy it is from Richards Guitars, where everything is about the customer, and providing the best experience and instruments you could possibly wish for.

Thank you, guys!

I am blown away by the sound of this tiny guitar. I have had it for three weeks and not picked up any of my other guitars since (Martin/Faith/Yamaha). It is so easy to play and has a beautiful crisp clear sound. Also sounds amazing played through an acoustic amp. I am a beginner and my wife said that she couldn't believe that it was me playing!

Buying a guitar from Richards was a very positive experience. The staff were very accommodating. I was able to play a number of guitars before buying the Furch Pioneer MM.
The guitar was ready for collection within two or three days and following the set up the guitar felt even better to play..
I would definitely recommend Richards guitars.

Excellent advice re. choice of woods - very difficult to explain in words (and not hearing).
Beatiful set up of guitars so when they arrive at your home (in a well protected box/bag) they sound fantastic. Great guitars - especially promoting lesser known names but better made and sounding!! I am delighted with guitar and service.

hmmm