With respect to the classic Gibson slope shoulder dreadnought, I designed the Southern Heritage.  Ultra comfortable playability with a classic look and tone for the country blues.  Adirondack top and braces, Sapele back, side sand neck, Pau Ferro fretboard bridge and head plate made with hot hide glue construction.

Scale length:  24.75 “
Nut width: 43 mm
Finish:  Nitro Cellulose Lacquer

testimonials

"Feeling tonally uninspired by readily available slope shoulder dreadnaught designs, I took a chance on a beautiful looking Benavides Southern Heritage and I am so glad I did! This guitar is a easily a level above what is readily available 'Off the rack' in stores and it was on par if not better sounding than my Bougeois which has forever been my tonal benchmark.

The attention to detail and quality of the finish (not to mention the beautiful sunburst) have to be seen to be believed and truly appreciated.

For those of you considering a high-end guitar from any one of the top North American boutique brands, perhaps set your sights closer to home; David Benavides is making them right."

- Rob WM

''I have had many acoustic guitars over the years as a collector of sorts with a particular passion for great vintage sounding Martins, Gibsons etc .  A few years back, I reluctantly sold a J 45 to raise some cash, have regretted it ever since and vowed one day to replace it when I was able.

In 2014, I was ready to add to my collection again and the search for a drop dead sunburst to replace the Gibson commenced.  Visiting Australia, I was able to try many guitars and discovered some absolute stunners, a Collings SJ 35, a Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner and a Gibson True Vintage J 45, all magnificent guitars. During this period, I became aware of Benavides Guitars and made contact with David as his reputation was beginning to grow as a manufacturer of first class quality instruments.  The easy option was to purchase one of the instruments previously mentioned, a recognised brand and the decision to purchase from a little known maker in NZ was one I agonised over for some time. 

It became apparent during my many conversations with David, that he shared my passion and was as excited as I was about creating his version of the afore mentioned cannons.  I am a believer in trusting my gut as it has never let me down and decided to entrust David to create my bucket list guitar, he understood exactly what I wanted.

In early January, I drove from Wellington to Ahipara to collect my guitar and spent two wonderful evenings with Dave and his lovely wife Jen.  I visited his factory where he presented me with the Benavides Heritage Southerner.  The guitar is a masterpiece.  Boom sound bass and pistol shot highs from the Adirondack top and figured Honduras Mahogany back, with exquisite attention to detail from top to bottom.  This is a dream guitar- one I helped create, made by an exceptionally talented artisan and one I will truly treasure. 

Thank you David.

If you are reading this and are considering a custom built instrument , feel free to call me.''

Cheers,

Mike Bain

021 422 437