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New Ramirez 4NE Indian/Cedar

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Here we have a Brand New Ramirez 4NE in East Indian Rosewood and Cedar. There is a good reason why a company like Ramirez has been around as long as they have: they make exceptional guitars. Many well known players have chosen Ramirez Guitars as their primary instrument; Andres Segovia and Christopher Parkening might ring some bells. The recommendation of those two great players alone is enough to know the caliber of the instrument. 133 years later, Ramirez and Co. are still making praise-worthy guitars. This 4NE has a rich and complex voice, with a full compliment of beautiful overtones. From the bass to the trebles the Ramirez tone will not let you down.

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2005 Gerundino Cypress/Spruce

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This is a fantastic Gerundino Flamenca Blanca built and co-labeled by Juan Miguel Gonzalez, one of the elite contemporary makers of Flamenco guitars in Spain–and we believe the very last Gerundino guitar ever built! Juan Miguel Gonzalez‘ father was a well known Flamenco guitar maker in Almeria and was responsible for teaching both the late Gerundino and Gonzalez the art of Flamenco guitar luthiership.

Gonzalez had secretly been making a few guitars for Gerundino under his label, but when his own guitars became highly acclaimed, he focused on his own line. Paco Pena requested a set of two guitars from Gerundino (a Spruce and Cedar top) around 2005, knowing that Gerundino’s health was failing and it might be his last chance. Gonzalez was commissioned to make them. A dealer from Los Angeles was visiting at the time, and asked Gonzalez if he would make a duplicate set. For those two guitars–a Spruce top No.1 and a Cedar top No.2–Gonzalez added his label to Gerundino’s. To build them, Gonzalez used an amazing set of “Violeta” Spanish Cypress from his father’s original collection. The harmonics of this Flamenco Blanca are unbelievable–muy flamenco.

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2000 Laskin DIY Brazilian/Sitka

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We believe Grit Laskin can do anything when it comes to inlay. He has made true works of art out of nothing more than a few pieces of abalone and mother pearl, depicting scenes of life and history. This little gem is called the “DIY (Do It Yourself) Vine”. It is in Sitka Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood and shows the all too familiar “Vine” inlay being assembled and destroyed by various craftspeople. As always Grit has executed this inlay flawlessly and with great taste, we love it. This instrument was featured as the demonstration of the inlay work in Grit’s book “The Guitar Makers Canvas: the Inlay Work of Grit Laskin.”

Not only is Mr. Laskin an inlay artist, he builds one of the finest guitars you are ever likely to come across. Every single motif in the construction has been executed with the utmost precision. The matching pair of Grit’s famed “Laskin Bevels” for the rib and arm rests make this one delightfully comfortable to play and hold and his refined florentine cutaway ensures both a classic look and ideal playability all the way up the fingerboard. As icing on the cake, Laskin guitars also sound incredible – you will find a full and even voice here with great warmth, perfect for fingerstyle playing. This is a true masterpiece, one that is equally suited to being played or displayed. An extremely collectible guitar, we just can’t give this one enough praise.

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2007 Greenfield G1 Madagascar/Adirondack (Red)

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Few builders on earth are as well known or sought after as Michael Greenfield. His instruments are of such calibre as to inspire some of the greatest acoustic guitar players of our era like Andy McKee, Pierre Bensusan, Tony McManus among a long list of incredible musicians. Michael’s remarkable instruments are known for their physical and tonal beauty as well as their roadworthiness and have been seen in the hands of performers the whole world round. This G1 has these qualities in spades and the pairing of gorgeous Madagascar Rosewood and Adirondack (Red) Spruce make for a guitar that not only responds strongly to a light touch, it sounds better and better the harder you drive it. With a brilliant, shimmering and versatile voice, this guitar is capable of handling any kind of fingerstyle playing you feel like throwing its way. The eye-catching Florentine Cutaway ensures facile reach to the upper register just as the extra wide saddle allows improved intonation and curvaceous Laskin Bevel ensures a snug, comfortable fit under the arm for the very best in playability. This is the kind of instrument that legends are made of.

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2011 Petros Tunnel 13 Claro Walnut/Redwood

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The Tunnel 13 Redwood guitars by Bruce Petros have been some of our consistent favorites here at the shop. This particular instrument is one that has a strong, yet supple voice, one that takes effortlessly to intricate and sustaining fingerstyle pieces and retains excellent note separation between the strings. This pianistic voice is the result of Bruce’s masterful building style using some of the finest Salvaged Redwood available on the planet in combination with its soulmate of a tonewood – Claro Walnut – back and sides. These two woods really do seem to make consistently rich, full sounding instruments, but it is Bruce’s abilities, honed by decades of practice, that give this one its refined, bell-like clarity. This is the only 12 fret cutaway version of the Tunnel 13 that we have ever heard of and it honestly is the best sounding one we’ve encountered to date. Gorgeous appointments like the carved Pearwood buttons and inlay and upgraded Abalone top trim make this a rare guitar that will have heads turning no matter where you take it. A five-star look, feel, play, history and sound.

Here is the full story from the Petros Website: Southern Pacific Railroad’s Siskiyou Summit Tunnel #13 was built in the 1880’s using virgin Redwood timbers harvested in Southwestern Oregon. These timbers witnessed the October 11, 1923 hold up of the SP Train 13 Gold Special, pulling 13 cars, by the DeAutremont brothers. Four men were killed in the robbery attempt. When these magnificent Redwood timbers were salvaged from this historic tunnel after a fire in 2004, Petros Guitars managed to acquire some of the nicer sections. When these diamonds in the rough were opened up, it was discovered to be exceptional, master-grade tone wood, air dried in this tunnel for more than 120 years. Paired with light weight, figured Claro Walnut from Oregon and a light weight Butternut neck from Wisconsin, this guitar is light as a feather (3 pounds, 14 ounces) with the resonance of a 120 year old guitar. After a century of silence, Petros Tunnel 13 Redwood guitars are giving voice to the remarkable Redwood of Tunnel 13.

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2004 Ryan Cathedral Brazilian/European

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Kevin Ryan makes some of the biggest, baddest fingerstyle guitars on the planet. With his engineering background and his artist’s eye and ear, Kevin achieves instruments that have remarkable precision and sustain with an absolutely gorgeous aesthetic and sound. This guitar, the Cathedral Grand Fingerstyle, is the largest ship in his armada. It has an enormous presence and fulness about the voice, requiring little energy from the player to put out large amounts of volume owing to the time tested pairing of Brazilian Rosewood and European Spruce. With its breadth and depth of tone and body, it takes especially well to lower and alternate tunings. Add to that a Florentine cutaway for extra reach and the smooth, legendary “Ryan” arm bevel, this one is surprisingly comfortable to play – that is, assuming you’ll take the time to pry your eyes off of the gorgeous green abalone border and physics-defying figured back. Give it a strum and you’ll be tempted, but play a whole tune and you’ll be hooked for a lifetime. This here is what the high end guitar world is all about.

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2002 Wingert EVC Cocobolo/Adirondack (Red)

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Here we have a 2002 Wingert EVC in Adirondack (Red) Spruce and Cocobolo Rosewood. This is a strong and gutsy guitar that will just knock your socks off! The combination of Red Spruce and Cocobolo make for great projection and sustain with wondeful overtone content. Whether you are driving it hard are dialing it back to something softer, this instrument can handle it. Kathy is a master builder, her fit finish and tone are enviable, it is no wonder she is so well regarded in the Luthier world. This is an easy one to fall for.

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New Scheerhorn L-Body Figured Maple/Flamed Maple

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We are proud to have several dobros in the shop from the folks at National Reso-Phonic. Tim Scheerhorn semi-retired in 2010 to focus on only building custom dobros, and parent company National Reso-Phonic took over the construction of his production models–but that doesn’t mean that these Scheerhorns aren’t a force to be reckoned with! Scheerhorn’s innovations to the reso-phonic world, from the mod D “L Model” bodies which create a more dynamic tone with enhanced low-end to his handspun resonator cones and parabolic baffle which helps project the rich tone, are found here in this 2015 Maple Scheerhorn. For a resonator, the tonal palette is huge with this guitar, and has enough sustain for you to leave, pour a cup of coffee, come back, and catch the tailend of the resonator’s overtones. This guitar also comes with an original hardshell case.

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New Ramirez Conservatorio Indian/Red Cedar

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This New Ramirez Conservatorio in East Indian Rosewood and Cedar is a concept in minimizing appointments and streamlining the build with zero reduction in quality or construction. This guitar is all about beautiful tone, it is loaded with it. Every note is lush, maintaining an evenness up and down the board that is truly pleasing to the ear. Dynamically, this Conservatorio also outshines most, if you are in need of a loud voice for a dramatic passage you will be well taken care of with this guitar, oppositely if you need a sweet voice this guitar is well prepared for that as well.

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2002 Somogyi OM Brazilian/Adirondack (Red)

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Here we have a 2002 Somogyi OM in Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack (Red) Spruce. This is one of the stronget Somogyi guitars we have played, the voice is full on open and powerful! The trademark Somogyi bass is well represented here and it is loud, the mids through the trebles are as usual warm and fat, perfectly complimenting the divine bass. Ervins aesthetic is as good as it gets, with his sculpted bridge, segmented rosette and delicate headstock design, there is as much to love about the looks as there is the sound. This guitar is blissful.

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New Scheerhorn L-Body Rob Ickes East Indian/Adirondack (Red)

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We are proud to have several dobros in the shop from the folks at National Reso-Phonic. Tim Scheerhorn semi-retired in 2010 to focus on only building custom dobros, and parent company National Reso-Phonic took over the construction of his production models–but that doesn’t mean that these Scheerhorns aren’t a force to be reckoned with! Here you’ll find many of Scheerhorn’s innovations to the reso-phonic world, from the mod D “L Model” bodies which create a more dynamic tone with enhanced low-end to his handspun resonator cones and parabolic baffle which helps project the rich tone. This is National’s Rob Ickes signature model, designed to the specifications of the famed dobro player and founding member of Blue Highway. As per his needs, this resonator has East Indian Rosewood back and sides and an Adirondack Spruce top, to bring a much woodier and warmer tone to the world of resonator guitars. The result is a lap steel that sounds more like its cousin, the upright resonator guitar, but retains the warbling sustain of a fine dobro.

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2012 Bourgeois AT OM Madagascar Madagascar/Adirondack (Red)

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Here we have a Bourgeois AT OM in Adirondack (Red) Spruce and Madagascar Rosewood. Dana Bourgeois is known for building superb pre war style guitars, and this OM is as good as it gets. Outfitted like a pre war Martin, and equiped with an aged tone Red Spruce top, this Bourgeois has the look, feel, and tone to make you think it came right out of the 1930’s. With its full bass and tight treble response, this guitar is as well suited to flatpicking as it is fingerpicking.

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2005 Burguet ABF Mixta Cutaway Madagascar/Spruce

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Here we a fantastically versatile 2005 Burguet ABF Mixta Cutaway in Madagascar Rosewood and Spruce. If you are in need of an instrument to play Flamenco or Classical music, we think this Burguet will take care of your needs handsomely. With slightly more sustain and complexity of tone than the standard Flamenco guitar and the comfortable cutaway we find this to be an excellent all around guitar. As a matter of fact every style of music we played on it, from Bossa Nova to Flamenco, sounded great.

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New Echizen R2 Madagascar/Bearclaw European

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Playing one of Ryohei Echizen’s guitars is like picking up your favorite book: each time, you feel the same rush of excitement you felt when you first opened the cover. These guitars sing with an almost elemental force, all lightning-strike response with a muscular fundamental and a silk-smooth setup. Here we have a new R2 with Madagascar Rosewood and Bearclaw European Spruce, and folks, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a finer example of either tonewood. Bent into the elegant and timeless curves of his R2, their song is precision-balanced and ferociously articulate; a fingerstylist’s dream.

Further, Echizen’s craftsmanship is almost as astounding as the quality of his voicing: French Polished body, understated Madasgascar Rosewood rosette, Boblen tuners Jescar EVO frets, hide glue, you name it, he’s done it. Despite the fact that he’s only been building by himself for a short period of time after his apprenticeship with Sergei de Jonge in Chelsea, Canada, Echizen’s guitars already possess the presence and confidence of our contemporary masters’ instruments.

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New National Resophonic ResoRocket N Nickel Plated Brass

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Some of the finest old resonator guitars back in the first half of the 20th Century were Brass bodies that they coated in Nickel. The Brass gave the guitars significant heft, but that weight provided unparalleled sustain and tone. Then nickel provided the looks.

When the good people at National Resophonic began remaking these legends of old, they made it their goal to live up to and even surpass the heritage of their National name. And boy do these guitars do just that! They are doing such a good job that these days it’s nearly impossible to get your hands on one. This ResoRocket N is a mirror-surfaced cannon, a slightly more modern design that’s just begging to be let loose on an old Ragtime piece or some soulful Delta Blues. With a cutaway for improved access to the upper register, this guitar is ready for anything you throw it’s way. Try it for Fingerstyle, Slide, or anything else you feel – it never disappoints.

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2008 Maingard OM Left Handed Brazilian/Alpine

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We have a rare gem here for our left-handed players: a Maingard OM in Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and Alpine Spruce top. Marc Maingard is one of the finest builders you can find today, with his unparalleled construction and tone. Every guitar we have had of his has pleased us to no end. Marc’s signature tone is full here, with bright trebles, complex mids, and controlled bass. This is a fingerpicker’s dream come true. It isn’t often that we get a left handed guitar of this caliber in the shop, so if you play left-handed and want the best of the best, look no further.

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1946 Gibson J-45 Mahogany/Sitka

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There really is nothing quite like that vintage Gibson tone and this 1946 J-45 is a prime representation of what all the commotion is about. Strong, woody basses and crisp, cutting trebles combine with bold, bawdy mids for that quintessential Gibson sound. It is impossible not to have your heart melted by this one. Something about the classic combination of Mahogany and Spruce just feels warm and invigorating as you sit down and play. Blues and bluegrass tunes are equally at home with this one and it has plenty of projection and volume to ensure that everyone in the crowd hears you. These are fewer and farther between these days, so be sure and try it out before it’s too late!

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2002 Olson SJ Indian/Cedar

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Jim Olson is one of the most successful luthiers the industry has ever seen, and for some very good reasons. Olson guitars are laser precise, from one guitar to the next you know exactly what you are going to get, flawless craftsmanship and superb tone. This is a 2002 SJ in East Indian Rosewood and Cedar. As expected this SJ is beautifully built and finished, but the tone is the real star. Top end shimmer and controlled bass and mid sections make this a perfect fingerstyle instrument, every note is captivating and draws you in further and further. You won’t ever want to put this thing down.

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2009 Blazer & Henkes Milwaukee 000-44 Brazilian/Alpine

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We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have two guitars in from German builders Blazer & Henkes. This fantastic little gem is the Milwaukee 000-44 model in Alpine Spruce and Brazilian Rosewood. Not surprisingly, the tone of this guitar is jaw dropping, deceptively full and loud. From bass to treble you will find this instrument has enough power and punch to compete with its larger-bodied brethren. The appointments are tastefully done, Split Herringbone and Abalone and engraved inlays combinined to give an elegant but not too flashy look. We have been blown away by the quality and tone of these Blazer & Henkes guitars, but they are rare in the United States, so don’t miss the chance to own one of them!

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2008 Goodall Baritone East Indian/Sitka

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Straight from the James Goodall workshop, we have a tremendous and unique addition to your guitar arsenal: a 2008 Baritone Jumbo in Sitka Spruce and East Indian Rosewood. This guitar is a beast–but in a more manageable package than one would expect from a Baritone guitar. The neck profile is deceptively slim and comfortable for the left hand, and the 28″ scale length gives the strings perfect tension for easy fretting. The upper register is fat and juicy–in a word, delicious. Goodall has bound this beauty in Koa, and this guitar comes with two saddles, one each for winter and summer, to compensate for the associated changes in temperature in humidity. So don’t worry! You can bust out sweet, funky riffs all year round. The fit and finish is clean and tight, and there are virtually no play marks or wear and tear anywhere. This guitar comes with an Ameritage hard case.

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2008 Fan Fret Bashkin Placencia African Blackwood/German

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Here we have a fantastic Multiscale Bashkin Placencia in African Blackwood back and sides and a perfectly straight-grained European Spruce top. Micheal Bashkin is one of the heavy hitters when it comes to perfectly balanced, sweetly voiced Fingerstyle guitars. This Placencia is everything we have come to expect from Michael, with its pure, beautiful voice, fantastic build and superb woods–we love this one. As per usual with a Bashkin, the playability and comfort level are perfect, the arm bevel makes extended playing a breeze, and there isn’t a moment in the day that you will not be wishing to play this baby.

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2007 Somogyi Modified Dreadnought, Brazilian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

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Ervin Somogyi perhaps more than any other luthier from the past several decades has helped define the contemporary fingerstyle guitar. When solo artists began recording unaccompanied steel string guitar, they came to Ervin for a more responsive guitar. From this need Somogyi created the Modified Dreadnought, or Mod D, that has now become ubiquitious in the modern fingerstyle world.

Here the dimensions of a regular Dreadnought are tightened up just a bit, and the top is voiced for maximum response at even the lightest touch. While at first glance it may appear to be just another Dread, Somogyi’s Mod D is a creature far removed from the tonal parameters of its traditional predecessor. You’ve got an enormous, enveloping bass response, sure, but the other registers don’t suffer like you find with a traditional dread. Instead, the voice is consistently responsive across the fretboard, so complex chord voicings and tunings ring out with the added clarity you’d normally only find in a smaller, quieter guitar.

Mod D #400 is a powerhouse. Juicy trebles and a profound sonority. Great strummed, but absolutely shines under fingertips. Brazilian Rosewood and super tight Sitka Spruce, a combination Ervin is known for championing. It’s had a few years to open up since we first saw it, and we’re happy to report the voice has only improved with age! This is a unique chance to own one of the best guitar designs ever created, from one of modern lutherie’s most revered makers.

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2011 Matsuda Drop D Brazilian/European

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As always, Michi Matsuda’s guitars are astounding. The “Drop D” featured here was only in our store for a matter of minutes before it was purchased, but we were able to at least photograph Michi’s artistry before it went right back out the door. Upon observing the guitar, the first thing you notice the forked Brazilian Rosewood headstock, extended Ebony fretboard for the low E, and the built-in Wenge capo. And if that wasn’t enough to take your breath away, there’s the intricate, elegant heel of Mahogany and Wenge. After features such as these, the fact that the Brazilian Rosewood back and sides are sumptuously figured is almost (almost) mundane–but that crisp sunburst Spruce top is definitely unforgettable. Combined, they lend the guitar a sublime, full tone with rich bass and musical treble that are clear and present. Thanks to Michi’s “Drop D” innovation, this guitar can be played in a variety of tunings with minimal effort. Here, Michi’s outdone himself, building an incredible guitar that can change tunings with the flick of a wrist.

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1995 Contreras II 1 Especial – India Indian/European

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Here we have a 1995 Contreras II 1 Especial – India in European Spruce and East Indian Rosewood. This is a fine representation of the skill the Contreras family wields as guitar builders: everything from the tone, fit, and finish is wonderfully executed on this classical. The tone is the true star here, exactly as a great classical should sound, pure and warm, with great balance from the bass to treble. The East Indian Rosewood back and sides are finished with a perfectly smooth gloss and the guitar’s light weight sits comfortably in your lap. The elegant Rosewood bindings and Brazilian Rosewood headstock plate are definite eye candy, but they pale in comparison to the dark, moody lines of the East Indian Rosewood back and sides. This Contreras is at once a guitar to play for hours, and then to ogle when you’re not.

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CONNECT WITH US

Showroom (by appointment only):

108 Monticello Road, Suite 400,
Weaverville NC, 28787

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm EST

Contact Us
Make an Appointment

ABOUT

COMMUNITY

POLICIES

EDUCATION