The new Nick 13 Outlaw Heart acoustic from Gretsch offers the perfect blend of vintage style and modern playability. Modeled on a vintage Gretsch from Nick’s collection but updated with his own flair, it captures his eclectic influences from midcentury roots music to punk – all the territory he traverses both as frontman of Tiger Army and in his Americana solo career. This guitar features a solid spruce top, mahogany body with a gloss finish, mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard. The grand concert body style provides a balanced and comfortable playing experience. The 25.25" scale length allows for great playability and intonation. The fingerboard features an elegant spade inlay pattern, while the headstock bears Nick’s signature ‘n13’ spade logo (associated with his solo work). The handpicked black and oxblood color scheme with cream notes echoes his previous electric Gretsch models. The materials and specifications make it an incredibly versatile instrument, producing a warm, rounded tone that works for various musical styles. The bone nut and compensated bridge provide precise intonation across the fretboard; open-gear tuning machines keep it in tune through dynamic performances. Equipped with a Fishman PRESYS VT pickup system, this guitar lets you plug in for amplified performances while maintaining the guitar's natural acoustic sound. All of this results in a guitar that sounds as good as it looks!
Solid Spruce Top for Warm, Rounded Tone
The solid spruce top is crucial to the Outlaw Heart's warm, rounded tone. Spruce is a popular tonewood choice for acoustic guitars due to its balanced sonic properties, offering a clear fundamental with rich overtones. The solid top ensures that the guitar's tone will continue to mature and improve over time, becoming richer and more complex as the wood ages and resonates more freely. This carefully selected spruce top provides a foundation for a versatile and expressive instrument. The warmth of the spruce complements Nick 13's diverse musical influences.
Mahogany Body for Enhanced Resonance
The mahogany body (back and sides) complements the spruce top, adding warmth and depth to the Outlaw Heart's overall tonal character. Mahogany is known for its rich, resonant sound with a strong midrange presence. This tonewood pairing creates a balanced instrument that excels in a variety of musical settings, from midcentury roots music to punk and Americana. The mahogany also contributes to the guitar's comfortable weight and feel.
Grand Concert Body Style for Balanced Playability
The grand concert body style provides a balanced and comfortable playing experience. This body shape is smaller than a dreadnought, making it comfortable to hold and play, especially for fingerstyle guitarists. The grand concert shape still provides ample projection and volume, making it suitable for both solo performances and playing with other musicians. This makes the Outlaw Heart a versatile instrument for any playing style.
Fishman PRESYS VT Pickup System for Amplified Performance
The Fishman PRESYS VT pickup system allows you to plug in for amplified performances while maintaining the guitar's natural acoustic sound. Fishman pickups are known for their ability to accurately capture the guitar's acoustic tone and deliver it to an amplifier or PA system with minimal coloration. This allows the natural sound of the guitar to shine through, ensuring a faithful reproduction of its acoustic character when amplified. This makes the Outlaw Heart ready for the stage.
Signature Design Elements and Premium Appointments
The Outlaw Heart features several signature design elements that reflect Nick 13's personal style. The handpicked black and oxblood color scheme with cream notes echoes his previous electric Gretsch models. The fingerboard features an elegant spade inlay pattern, while the headstock bears Nick’s signature ‘n13’ spade logo. The bone nut and compensated bridge provide precise intonation, while the open-gear tuning machines keep it in tune through dynamic performances. These details make this guitar a truly unique and personalized instrument.
A Versatile Instrument for the Modern Musician
The Gretsch Nick 13 Signature Outlaw Heart grand concert acoustic-electric guitar is a versatile instrument that's ideal for a wide range of musical styles. From strumming chords to fingerpicking intricate melodies, this guitar offers exceptional tone and playability. Whether you're a fan of Nick 13's music or simply looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with a distinctive look and sound, the Outlaw Heart is sure to inspire you.