Baldwin 801CP

[Hendrik]

Hello Chetboarders,

I've visited the board for several years now. Always enjoyed reading the posts, but I thought it would be time to to discuss along with fellow enthusiasts. I'm a big Chet, Jerry, Merle, Lenny (etc..) nut! As a vinyl collector I almost have all there albums. Also some that are pretty scarce.

Like many on the board my dream guitar is a Baldwin 801CP. Of course the chance finding one is like Phil once said "harder than finding gas below $3.00 a gallon". Well I haven't found the gas but I did found the Baldwin! It's really unbelievable and I still can't believe it. I've searched a long time for it and never thought it would happen. And the best thing is that the guitar is in like new condition. Along with the Prismatone and the external battery box. I really consider myself as a lucky ... guy!

I know that Phil and Bill P. (and some others) own one and I always enjoy reading their posts regarding the Baldwin. You guys know allot of the guitar.

If anybody would like to know more, just ask!

All the best,
Hendrik

[RonBloor]

Any chance you could post a couple of pictures??? Yes, most here have probably seen one, but I like to look at guitars Oh, and congratulations.

[bill park]

Congratulations, Hendrik, that is a fortunate find. Although the Baldwin 801CP is not a particularly good guitar, the Prismatone pickup really gave it a unique tone. Jerry recognized that early on and developed his sound from it (Willie, too). It will always be a niche guitar with limited appeal to collectors, but to those of us 'in the know', it's the holy grail. I actually bought mine from a guitar dealer who didn't know what it was!
Have fun,
Bill

[PhilHunt]

I'd love to see a picture of it! I love my 801CP. It's the best guitar I have ever owned. I had my neck shaved down a bit because I just couldn't play that thick, clubby Baldwin neck. I love the wide neck, low action of the 801CP. If you wanna play, sound, feel like Jerry.....this is the guitar! Mel's Clawmaster is nice, but the original Baldwin's didn't have a trustrod and were lightweight. I have to thank Carlton Jones for selling me the Baldwin....I bugged him to death before he caved in. I've owned and sold lots of guitars....but this is one I will never, ever sell.

[Hendrik]

Here are some pictures.






I know it isn't a top-of-the-line guitar, but for the Jerry Reed stuff it's 'THE' thang. And of course the heart of the guitar, the notorious Prismatone pickup is a dream for the Reed fans. I recently bought a ol' ad of the Baldwin 801CP with the C1 amp. The guitar cost $199 back then....

Found a video of Willie Nelson were you can really hear the Prismatone sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZaZqx9v3dU.

Also found a piece about Ovation using the Prismatone pickups: http://books.google.nl/books?id=eYOGdVfWcAkC&pg=PT31&lpg=PT31&dq=Baldwin+nylon+guitar&source=bl&ots=Aze503TXf3&sig=pgwfKf1HthtQ3LDsTCDeYa0WPuE&hl=nl&ei=x7ZSTbXlFIWeOoP9iY8I&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=10&ved=0CHMQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=Baldwin%20nylon%20guitar&f=false

Is the Baldwin on the Harmony Database website yours Phil or Bill? I know the first two pictures are from Bill.

I've collected many stories and facts regarding the guitar/pickup from the Chetboard, I've browsed trough the ol' archive.

Is there something I should know about the guitar? Or do you guys have some tips? Would really like to know!

[smokymtguitar09]

Hi Hendrik,
That's a good lucking Baldwin guitar and Prismatone pickup and preamp. Congratulations!

I enjoyed the Willie Nelson live video in the presence of all those other song writers. His rendition of "Funny How Time Slips Away" really protrays Willie's singing and playing style. The Prismatone sound is very evident. I recorded that song on my "Now and Then" CD; however, before I had a Prismatone II installed in my Gibson Studio. I may record it again just to hear the Prismatone sound, although I will not play it in Willie's style for only he can do that.

As a side note, before I do anymore recording with the Prismatone I am going to experiment with bypassing the Gibson preamp in my Studio and use an outboard Pendulum preamp with volume control that plugs into the endpin jack which has much more gain and fidelity than the Gibson electronics. I currently have to run full-volume on the Studio to get the level up to normal. The Pendulum is powered by a phantom power supply which I am told attests to it's flat response, and cleaner-quieter operation. The Pendulum preamp came with my Buscarino Cabaret which has an embedded pickup under the bridge.

[PhilHunt]

Yep, that's definately a Baldwin 801CP...and a nice one to boot! I've never seen that type of label on the inside before. Hendrik, is there anyway possible you could take a clearer picture of the label without the strings in the way when you get a chance and email me a picture of it?
Phil

[bill park]

Beautiful, Hendrik! Thanks for posting the photos - it looks to be in outstanding condition. Based on the label (large oval) and serial number (11119 - ?), yours appears to be a later one(early-mid 70’s - ?). Jerry’s guitar was serial number 5081 and was from around 1967, I believe. I’ve never seen that original power supply box, you're lucky to have that included (mine didn't). Those 22.5 volt batteries it uses last a long time, but they are hard to find and expensive when you do need them. I use a re-designed power supply box that has three ordinary 9-volt batteries (27v) geared down to 22.5v and it works well. I hope you have many years of enjoyment with it – welcome to the BOC (Baldwin Owners Club… ).

[guitarchuck]

Hendrik,
If you don't mind telling, how and where did you find the guitar? It looks like a really nice one! Congratulations!

[Hendrik]

Thanks allot guys!

Phill, sure, I wil do that when changing strings.

Bill, I've asked the seller what year it's from and he said it was '67. What would it be.. 196. or 197.?
Yeah, I'm really glad the box is included. I'm going to buy a couple 22.5v's in case of!
Could you maybe post some pictures of yours? I'm really curious what it sounds like with the other power supply box.

Proud to be part of the BOC !