Dorchester vs. PRS Mira

[John_L]

I thought this would be a neat comparison between two guitars pitched at the same market. I tried both on Friday. Both were up for the same price £959uk and have a lot in common.
Build Quality: The PRS was as you would expect very well built, it felt solid but the fit of the pick guard around the back pick up was gappy. However at least PRS had attempted to make it tight, Godin lose points for big deliberate gap between the front pick up and pick guard (a personal view) overall appearance is even the wrap-over on PRS looks better but the Lace pickups have style. Both had good fret jobs but the Martin style dressing on the Richmond was better. (both guitars had frets to wide for my taste).
Playability: Neither guitar was good to sit with the Dorchester balanced better than the PRS (I sit classical style). The neck on the Dorchester doesn't say Godin but it feels like one. It's a nice feel and smooth, the width is nice. The PRS neck is more like a vintage Gibson a nice feel nut slightly narrow. There are two big elements which divide the two guitars sound wise. The bridge and the electronics. I played both through a H&K amp which has been worn out in the store.
PRS: It has a wrap over bridge with no real adjustment, there were intonation problems and I had to bend notes into tune. It also bleeds the sustain which makes chords get a bit mulchy. I like the 'generic' tone PRS' it does mean you have to put more in but suits finger style playing. The sound of the Mira is raw but not too raw and it is versatile. Overall it's got a nice bluesy sound which would work for a lot of people.
Richmond: The reason I wanted to try the Dorchester was the Lace pickups. I'm thinking of using these in a project. The bridge on the Dorchester is a work of art. It helps the notes stand out and it had good intonation (not perfect but it was a factory set up) The pick ups are something else. The are brighter than the PRS and harder to control. I'm used to playing a Nocaster so know how to tame a guitar like this. The cloesest thing to these pick ups are the twin coils Fender used in the 70's (manufactured by Lace) these are everything that the Fender reissues are not and more. It isn't an easy guitar to get a good sound from but it is rewarding.
Conclusion. I found both of them enjoyable and fun but personally wouldn't buy either. If I was to advise someone else I would recommend the Richmond. It has the edge due to the pick ups the Mira would hold more value but the Richmond would inspire more. The only things I dislike about the Richmond are cosmetic. The Mira's problem is the bridge. It is what gives it that PRS fuzz and intonation problems.

[Antonio Salieri]

Unless the Mira is a PRS imported model, I can't see it selling at the same price point as the Richmond Dorchester. USA PRS' tend to be very pricey.

OK, I quit being lazy and did a quick internet search...here in the states the Mira sells for around $1,500.00 while the Dorchester can be found for around $900.00.

[John_L]

PRS seem to be discounting at the moment because of there 25th anniversary (there was £125 off the RRP) while I think there was some mark up on the Dorchester (Rose Morris have one for £800, unless black ones cost more).
Godin instruments cost more in the UK than Germany which can be annoying.

[John_L]

I should have waited to post that, Got my weekly e-mail from Rose Morris and they have on offer on so both the Dorchester and the Belmont are £545. For that price I'd say the Dorchester is a bargain. (I'd have been very sick if I'd bought the one I tried down the road from them on Friday!)

[bluesidae]

Great review. Thanks for posting. I agree, the Dorchester, as are most Godins, is awesome value for the $$$. I really enjoy my Dorchester. The fit/finish/tone never fail to amaze me. My Kingpin II falls in the same territory.

[Antonio Salieri]

I forgot my manners...John, thanks for taking the time to post the detailed review!

545 pounds sounds like a really good deal, especially given some of the guitar prices in the UK (I have relatives in Sunderland, Falkirk, & Helensburg).

[John_L]

Interesting to see that PRS have launched the Starla Special which has a tune-o-matic bridge and stop tail which should make it intone better I wonder if they will add this option to the Mira. It's the first PRS to have a Tune-o-matic since the Artist edition in 1991 which is widely regarded as the best guitar PRS ever made, while the Starla is considered to be one of the worst.

[Huntermb]

Fantastic review of the two axes John. It is always great to hear people's thoughts on gear and I really appreciate the fact that you pointed out some of the things you didn't like were merely from your own perspective. Out here in the boonies our local shop hasn't gotten any of the Dorchesters etc in yet.

[retroden]

Great review. Thanks for posting. I agree, the Dorchester, as are most Godins, is awesome value for the $$$. I really enjoy my Dorchester. The fit/finish/tone never fail to amaze me. My Kingpin II falls in the same territory.

+1.

That sums it up well for me regarding my Dorchester Bigsby and Kingpin II.

[John_L]

Any chance of a Kingpin 2 review I'm very tempted by one.