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Add to Compare2024 Circa OM-40C, Madagascar Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
We love John Slobod’s guitars, and this Circa OM-40C from 2024 meets our high expectations. With Madagascar rosewood and Adirondack spruce, along with ornate abalone appointments throughout, it’s clear that John is in a league of his own when it comes to fit, finish, and sound quality. This guitar is a truly wonderful marriage of tradition and modernity. We can’t imagine what it will sound like in years to come, as it has already hit it out of the park.
Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, bespoke, trad, fingerstyle, ameritage
$17,680 Add to cartScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare2020 Circa OM, Indian Rosewood/Spruce
We’re all fans of John Slobod here at DG. His fit and finish is primo, and his voicing is clear, precise, and powerful. This is a great example of just how good you can get with classic Indian Rosewood and Spruce–already expansive and wide awake from 2020 and in gorgeous condition with herringbone trim on top à la 28-style, and a torch inlaid at the headstock with sparkling Abalone and flanked by nickel Waverly tuners. If you’re looking for a top tier 000 from one of the field’s finest, congrats! You’ve arrived.
Other keywords/misspellings – ir, 28-style, 211, ameritage, fingerstyle
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce, Rosewood - Indian 
Add to Compare2018 Circa OM-42, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
Circa guitars are always a pleasure for us to have in the shop, and equally painful to see them go. This 2018 Om-42 from the workshop of John Slobod is dressed to the nines and sounds just the same. With the ultimate combo of Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce. This guitar leaves one wanting. Listen to the demo, and allow this guitar to do all the talking.
Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, ameritage, evo, traditional,175
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2014 Circa D-28, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
John Slobod of Circa Guitars exhibits his mastery of the traditional form yet again with this powerhouse of a D-28 from 2014. Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce–ingredients that make for the superlative dreadnought. With a neck carve that is oh so comfortable, dressed in Evo frets, what more could a guitarist of any caliber want?
Here’s an additional video with flatpicker extraordinaire David Grier and this Circa D-28!: https://youtu.be/15asCncZNvg
Keywords and misspellings: luthier, lutherie, waverly, bluegrass, calton,
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.688 in String Spacing 2.219 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2017 Circa OM, Madagascar Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
This Circa OM was owned by our very own Al Petteway! A 28 Style, with some incredible tight-grained Adirondack Spruce top, as well as a sweet set Madagascar Rosewood for the back and sides. John Slobod’s guitars always strike the perfect line between tradition and modernity, this instrument is no exception. This guitar is ready for the stage, studio, couch, you name it!
Keywords/misspellings: luthier, luthiere, ameritage, 154, evo, orchestral model, K&K Pure Mini
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare2015 Circa 000 Cutaway, Panamanian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
Many luthiers attempt to combine tradition with modernity, very few succeed in this endeavor. However John Slobod delivers time after time– This 000 Cutaway from 2015 showcases this flawlessly. Here we have a 12-fret small body guitar with the look and feel of a classic fingerstyle guitar but the makeup of something more. Panamanian Rosewood with EVO Frets are not apart of your grandpa’s flattop. This guitar feels right at home with travis picking, flatpicking, you name it. On the other hand it leaves nothing desired for the more modern picker. This instrument does it all, it’s comfortable, dynamic and so enthralling. Hard to put it down.
Other keywords: lutherie, steel string, 135, Al Petteway, Adirondack Spruce, Red Spruce
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Panama 
Add to Compare2013 Circa OM, Palo Escrito/Adirondack Spruce
John Slobod has a nack for building OMs that exemplify the Orchestra Model ambition of “do-it-all” guitars. This 2013 OM with Palo Escrito and Adirondack Spruce is precisely that, at home in a wide range of settings and balanced across the registers for both picks and fingers. Not only is the fit and finish excellent, John’s eye for good wood is on point, too: the Palo Escrito has some lovely swirling figure, and on top he opted for a segmented rosette with what appear to be Rosewood blocks. Gold EVO frets for longevity; Waverly tuners for light weight. This 2013 Circa OM comes wrapped up in an Ameritage case.
Other keywords: fingerstyle, 104, 0m, fingerpicking, rose wood
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.719 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Palo Escrito 
Add to Compare2018 Circa OM, Madagascar Rosewood/German Spruce
Now that’s what we call an OM. This 2018 flattop from John Slobod of Circa Guitars is a delight to both your ears and your hands, with a slightly full neck profile that feels instantly familiar and a responsive, articulate voice plus lots of dynamic range for a host of different attacks and colors. Very tight grain on the Madagascar Rosewood body, plus German Spruce on top; Rosewood bindings and a segmented rosette plus EVO frets offer an understated aesthetic. John lets the quality of the woods speak for themselves; ditto for the classic curves of the OM body. If you can think of it, this Circa OM can do it.
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, orchestra model, ameritage, 164, al petteway
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - German, Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare2007 Circa D-28, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
No one’s challenging John Slobod’s title as one of the masters of the traditional form, and here’s why: this D-28 is the spitting image of its vintage predecessor, with a voice to melt the heart of anyone with ears to hear. Dramatic waves to the Brazilian Rosewood grain and a perfectly toned Adirondack Spruce top, what more could a Bluegrass picker ask for?
The neck profile feels familiar at the first touch. Fit and finish excellent throughout, with a classic, understated traditional aesthetic with herringbone trim and squared off headstock. In fact, we’re hard-pressed to find anything less than amazing with this Dreadnought. It’s got a few years under its belt and has opened up very nicely, but it’s going to sound even better with a few more strums–if you’re in the market for as vintage as you can get without actually travelling back in time (or taking out a second mortgage), this Circa D-28 is one of the best deals you’ll find. Even beyond that, this Circa has the added presence, articulation, and balance of a modern maker at the top of his game, making this dreadnought right at home for even a light attack, fingerpicking, you name it.
Here’s an additional demo for your viewing pleasure: https://youtu.be/JK3z3hBJNb0
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.688 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2023 Circa OM-42 Brazilian Rosewood/Red Spruce
Coming soon to a Dream near you! John Slobod is currently crafting another wonderful Circa OM-42. This one features Brazilian Rosewood plus Red Spruce. As a reminder, we have already spec’d this instrument out, and so is not available for additional customization. If you would like to commission a custom build of your own, please check our site for available build slots, or you can reach out to us through our contact page to discuss a build to your own specs here.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.3125 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2004 Circa Dreadnought, Cocobolo/Adirondack Spruce
John Slobod: one of the most dedicated and skilled builders of vintage-style guitars alive. The Circa we have here today is the happy child of those years of dedication and hard work. The power of this cannon is almost intimidating, and the strong, complex voice sounds like it should come from a guitar seven times as old. The Cocobolo back and sides and the Adirondack Spruce top both exhibit ramrod-straight grain, and give the guitar its bold voice and thick, enveloping low-end. The upper registers have subtle, sweet overtones to balance out that fearsome bottom-end, and the mids have lots of headroom in between. This is a hallmark Dreadnought, with miles of sustain and projection enough to fill any room; and John’s supreme craftsmanship to tie it all together with perfect fit and finish, Grained Ivoroid bindings, and Herringbone trim.
Other keywords: dreadnaught, dread, flatpicking, traditional guitar, Circa Guitars
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare2007 Circa Dreadnought, Madagascar Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
If we had to count our favorite traditional builders on one hand, John Slobod would be one of the first fingers on the list. John’s instruments are built with a lifelong passion that’s honed by his wonderful ear and razor’s edge lutherie skills. It should come as no surprise that we’re head over heels for this 2007 Circa Dreadnought with 28-style appointments, Madagascar Rosewood, and Adirondack Spruce.The setup is responsive and easy: you can dig in with a pick without fighting the action. John’s carved out a sweet spot for the bass response with plenty of articulation and just enough boom to fill out the room. It’s hard to find a more responsive, expertly crafted, and just downright fun to play dread than from John Slobod’s Portland, Maine workshop.
Other keywords: dreadnaught, d-28, d28, d 28, maddie rosewood, adrondack, adriondack, flatpicking, bluegrass, cannon
Here’s a demo with Paul behind the wheel: https://youtu.be/aCpjVE9aaYc
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare2016 Circa 000-28, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
John Slobod does it again. We’ve landed a smooth talker from 2016 that’s wide awake and crooning. This Circa 000-28 is upgraded with the crème de la crème of all tonewoods, gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood, and topped with Adirondack Spruce (sweetly opened up in the past five years for power and push). 12 fret neck (with slotted headstock) adds warmth and roundness to the trebles to match the responsive and present bottom end, plus the setup on this Circa is smooth to the touch and easy as breathing. Ivoroid bindings and tight herringbone trim, combined with a pyramid bridge, make the classic American guitar aesthetic proud.
Other keywords: american guitar, circa guitars, fingerstyle, ooo, 139, brazilain, adriondack, ameritage, 00, 28-style, 28 style
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to CompareBrand New Circa 00-28, Madagascar Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
Are you ready for this? Take a seat before you pick this brand new beauty up, because it’s going to floor you otherwise. John Slobod of Circa Guitars offers up this dynamite 00-28 with his newest hybrid X bracing system, combining the best parts of vintage Martin and Gibson for an articulate, powerful, and compelling new sound. The voice is handsome, chock full of warmth and roundness from the small 00 body, with great note separation between the registers and lovely individual note definition. It plays like grass-fed butter and feels just as smooth. Dark, straight-grained Madagascar Rosewood back and sides are paired with Adirondack Spruce on top, all built with hide glue in the old world style, and outfitted with herringbone trim on top, zigzag backstrip on back, and Ivoroid bindings to tie it all together.
Other keywords: american guitar, circa guitars, fingerstyle, oo, 206, brazilain, adriondack, ameritage
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare2012 Circa OM-42, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
John Slobod brings it home with this one, and we’re so excited to offer it to you now. This 2012 Circa OM-42 epitomizes the OM ideals of versatility, dynamism, playability. The voice is lively and wide open, with a warm and transparent bass that pairs handsomely with the glassy trebles. Great note separation across the registers; really lovely string energy gives a vibrant quality to the voice that’s particularly engrossing. Visually, this is 42-style done right. Perfectly executed Abalone trim borders the top and fretboard extension, pairing with Abalone at the rosette and along the fretboard in the shape of snowflakes, diamonds, and squares—with an MOP “Circa” inlaid at the headstock suggestive of the prewar C.F. Martin block inlay. Gold Waverly tuners (engraved at the knobs), creamy Grained Ivoroid bindings throughout, rectangular pyramid bridge to round it out. On the tonewood front, the classic combination of Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce. Our Circa OM-42 is expressive and elegant in equal measure.
Other keywords: american guitar, circa guitars, fingerstyle, orchestra model, 133, brazilain, adriondack, ameritage
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian
Luthier John Slobod began his career in 1993 at the Timeless Instruments guitar building intensive in Moosejaw, Canada. When John left Timeless, he went to work for Dana Bourgeois at Pantheon Guitars in Lewiston, Maine. At Pantheon, he hand carved many necks, voiced hundreds of tops, and did the binding work and final voicing on almost 4000 guitars. John left Bourgeois to work with Julius Borges and Eric Schoenberg in 1998. He also began his own line of vintage inspired instruments using traditional materials and construction methods under the name Circa Guitars.
Our own Al Petteway got a Circa Guitar from John a while back and we were very impressed with the tone and the craftsmanship. John Slobod has some of the finest skills we've seen and build a precise and clean guitar. But he also has amazing tone and is able to draw from the great guitars of the past to create his modern voice.