GB Model

"In 2001 I created a small-bodied archtop guitar for jazz veteren Gary Benson. Since that time I have been getting a steady stream of orders for variations on this design." Doug Harrison

The "GB Model" has a hand graduated carved spruce top, ebony or rosewood fretboard, bridge, carved tailpiece and pickguard, fully hollow mahogany body and mortise & tenon neck joint. A bridge block glued between the mahogany back and carved spruce top gives this instrument excellent gain-before-feedback characteristics. This one features "S" holes similar to Harrison's full sized archtops.

14.25" body width.
25" scale length.
Hand-carved spruce top with or without "S" holes.
Chambered mahogany body.
3 piece mahogany neck with ebony or rosewood fretboard.
Stainless steel frets.
Bridge, pickguard and tailpiece of ebony or rosewood.
Single humbucker pick-up.
Schaller M-6 tuners with ebony buttons.
Hard-shell case.
(Shaded or sunburst add $400)
$4,200

The G.B. model was designed in cooperation with respected jazz guitarist Gary Benson. Gary and Doug both wanted an instrument with archtop qualities, but without the tendency to feedback at higher volume levels. This design satisfies both requirements, as well as being a very comfortable guitar to play.

There are currently two versions of the basic design.

Version 1 has a chambered (mostly hollow) body, with a solid section under the bridge.	This offers best feedback rejection and increased sustain.

Version 2 has an "X" braced top with a more open body.	This gives more acoustic output and more closely matches the archtop sustain characteristics.

Version 1 is available with or without "S" holes. Version 2 comes with "S" holes as a standard feature.

GB Model Plain Top
This guitar has a solid carved spruce top with no soundholes for better feedback rejection, a Seymour Duncan pickup mounted directly on the top, floating ebony bridge with matching ebony tailpiece and pickguard and scooped rib contour on the mahogany back.

GB Model 7 String
This particular instrument was a custom ordered 7-string that features Brazilian rosewood tailpiece, bridge, pickguard & peghead veneer, hollow mahogany body with back contour, fully carved & graduated X-braced spruce top, and full contact ported floating bridge.

Gary Benson with a GB Model ready for finishing.

Jazz Guitarist Gary Benson

Respected by his peers as "one of the hardest swinging players on the jazz scene", guitarist Gary Benson has been playing in and around the Toronto area for 27 years backing a lengthy list of vocalists including luminaries such as Jack Jones, Peggy Lee, and Natalie Cole. He's worked with nearly all of the best-known jazz musicians: Ed Bickert, Peter Appleyard, Don Thompson, Phil Nimmons, Dave Young, Jim Galloway, Jerry Fuller, Sam Noto, Norm Amadio and Bernie Senensky.

He studied composition in Toronto with the late Gordon Delamont and in the 70's, studied with the great Jim Hall in New York. Frequent television appearances included an hour-long special with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra showcasing Stephane Grappelli and Yehudi Menuhin.

In 1989, he formed Canadian Jazz Quartet, of which he and Don Vickery are the original members. He has worked with both The Frank Wright Trio and The Frank Wright Quartet for a number of years, and also with Wright on C.J.Q.'s first recording. The CD features several of Gary's original compositions.

Canadian Jazz Quartet

I have been meaning to send you a note, to let you know how pleased I am with the hybrid GB. In my view it is an absolute work of art, every detail far exceeded my expectations, and it really is a perfect match to my larger 'Harrison', which continues to get better with time and increased playing. As far as sound and playability is concerned, re the GB, it sounds incredible (wide range of tones), and effortless to play. I have tried out many guitars, and found none to compare. The same comments go for the big 17" archtop as well. I have literally abandonned all my other guitars,my quest for the best is over,and will be selling them soon. It is clear that I will not ever use them again.
Howard J Carter

It won't surprise you to learn that I bought a second Harrison guitar, a smaller semi-hollow masterpiece. On any given day I agonize over which one to play -- such a problem.
Rudi Engel

As a discerning collector of vintage guitars, I can only say that Doug's workmanship is of the highest standard. His guitars are a pleasure to play and have outstanding acoustic quality. Overall, he is a master guitar builder.
Anthony Melman

I have to say this is one of the most comfortable feeling instruments I have ever played. The balance, waist placement and neck shape are near perfect. This is a workhorse of a guitar for the working jazz musician!

Every Harrison 'GB' that I have played has been a study in ergonomics. These guitars are simply the most comfortable jazz guitars that I have ever played. As with all work by this talented luthier, the craftsmanship is impeccable and the materials of the highest caliber!
Dave Wren

Harrison Guitars
www.harrisonguitars.com