CHESSBAZAAR new launch

Hello, 

I was just going through chessbazaar blog and I found they recently posted a teaser for their upcoming chess set. The knight in the poster gives an idea about Cb next chess set, but the launch date is yet to be announced.

Source: http://www.chessbazaar.com/blog/

Thanks!

it just launched today, what do you guys and gals think about it base on pics ?

Hi Robert_Philley, Did you buy the CB Blackburne chess set? Can you review the set for us in case you did. I was planning to buy a luxury chess set for my nephew and thought of getting first hand review from neutral people at froums before investing so much money. From the pictures it looks decent set especially when it comes with a free storage box.

I don't like when the bishops are shaped like that, it throws me off a little. The knights are nice, but their ears are too long and pointy.

You are right BigKingBud. I am also worried about the fragile ears of knights but I assume to address this concern chessbazaar is giving the storage box free. Will look for reviews from other buyers before buying this set.

They would definitely break off easily, but I'm just saying that from many angles the ears look like horns, and from some angles they look like a unciorn(not exactly my style, unicorns).
And from any angle, IMO those ears are just ugly.  The rest of the knight looks awesome, but why the LONG ears?? haha 

The knight looks great IMO(though, it certainly isnt anything 'new'), but just the ears.

I just contacted CB online support and they say that this is the new and unique design of knight and they gurantee that the ears are very sturdy. I was assured that if the knight is damaged in anyway they will replace it for free.

PS: I just saw that the ebony version of the set is soldout on their website. Ebony version was what I planned to buy 

Hello Jack! Well, I have ordered ebony-box wood version and adjudicating from the photos the set looks magnificent to me. Especially the stylish-striking design of the knight! Sharp ears, much taller distinctive sharp edges, hairs are curly and nicely flowing downwards like an ocean waves. Ebony version seems to be out of stock now on their website but bud rose wood version (generally refer as padauk) is still available. I indeed prefer ebony wood for the dark pieces. Ebony is a nice black color & quite striking IMO. So, I certainly hope it plays and holds up well. I will definately post pictures of my ebony version once I get it.

From my point of view, this chess set is as superlative as it can be. Moreover CB is giving a $129 storage case for free, which CB called as a perfect combination.

Thanks :)

Great Robert, I will look forward to your review and pictures. I wish I had ordered the set earlier before it sold out. I will be purchasing the ebony version once new lot is put up on sale and I am sure in the meantime I have your feedback as well. 

Thanks in advance.

Nice photos!  The set really looks smashing. The king's finial is awesome. I must say though, if you are planning on buying a wooden board, you are gonna need a 2.5" board, that set is super crowded on that 2" board.
I recommend(or this is what I did years ago), get one of every size of the vinyl boards(you can usually find em for 2-3$ a pop).  In your case(with this one set) at least get a 2.375", a 2.5" and a 2.75" vinyl board.  Spend a few days, or even weeks going back and forth, until you find the size that 'feels right'.  From experience I can tell you it is most likely the 2.5" for this set, but it is so girthy that a 2.75" board may also feel good.  The basic rule is "when in doubt add more space".  Sometimes when a set has really big, and wide knights(like these), a slightly bigger board(than what the king's height, and base calls for, with this set it is 2.5") is just what is needed to help the set feel like it has proper room.  With those big bulky knights, the set's girthy stance, and the king's 4.6 height, I'd definitely check the set out on a 2.75" board.
I wouldn't have said anything if you had already bought an expensive wooden board, but since it's just vinyl, I thought it wouldn't be too inappropriate if I opened my big mouth, and was a bit of a know it all(haha jk) and tell you your board is too small, before you go and buy a nice 2" wooden board.
House of staunton has been selling off their red boards at a substancial mark down.  There are 3 different ones to chose from, this one below in 2.75" is only 74.50$(that's a STEAL)   http://www.houseofstaunton.com/redwood-and-bird-s-eye-maple-standard-traditional-chessboard-satin-finish.html

Amazing set Robert. I was waiting for your reviews so that I can make the purchase myself. Good job chessbazaar. 

Thanks for your opinion and advice. Though it's a very charming chess board at a very good price but I assume it won't look attractive with my black colored chess pieces & considering my economic aspects I can't buy any new board right now..

A man that can afford a 400$ chess set can afford a board for it(haha jk)
I say go ahead and pay a few extra bucks, and get what you want.  Here below are 2 of a few of HOS's newly released "Luxe" chess boards(there are 5 different ones, in different woods, all worth a serious gander http://www.houseofstaunton.com/search/category/chess-boards/sort-by/relevance/sort-direction/desc?q=Luxe ).  These boards are 'right in line' with the quality of your set, the boards are BEAUTIFUL(though they only come in 2.5", which should be big enough)  I don't work for HOS haha I'm just really passionate about this kinda stuff.

Elm Burl/Maple  229$\/

Bubinga burl/maple  199$\/

IMO Your set would look SPECTACULAR on that board.  It really is sorta one of those boards that almost any set will work with.  It's all about contrast.  Separating the board colors from the set colors.
Your set would stick out on the that board(like the trophy it is), and really look amazing.
And that price!
But, like I said, I understand if red isn't your thing, but for 75?  It would make a great inbetween board, one you can use for now, and you gotta remember, these sorta investments last most people more than one lifetime. 

I gotta agree with BigKingBud. That set is too gorgeous to sit on vinyl. I have a 2.25" board for a set whose kings are at 4.5". It's hard for me to picture a board with 2.75" squares but, for 75 bucks? What a steal.