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A well-oiled machine. The R model of Lars Rasmussen is small bodied with a 14 1/4” lower bout and sub-four pounds’ build weight, making this guitar exceptionally comfortable in hand. The 25” scale, 16-20” compound radius fretboard, and soft V neck profile make it even moreso. The back and sides are Brazilian Rosewood imported all the way back in 1952, part of Lars’ personal stash, and are here paired with Italian Spruce on top for a great mixture of glassy trebles and a solid, earthy midrange. Gold EVO frets guarantee you won’t need a fret dress for a long time to come, and gold Alessi tuners at the headstock seal the deal with elegance. Built in 2019, this beauty is in excellent condition and setup for effortless playability.

Other keywords: fingerstyle, brw, 85, honduran, 14-fret, hiscox

The Vintage Series embodies understated elegance. The traditional aesthetics of a spruce top fused with a robust unidirectional carbon soundboard is finished with an amber tint and supplemented with simple appointments.

The Dreadnought is the traditional workhorse of acoustic guitar music. With a large, deep body and wide waist, RainSong’s DR has the powerful bass and ringing treble of a great rhythmic guitar, but still maintains a wonderfully balanced sound, with clear distinction among individual notes. From rhythm to lead, the DR makes its presence known. Capable of cutting through admirably in any acoustic setting, the DR is loud enough to compete with banjoes, mandolins and other traditional volume hogs.

Note, these photos represent this model from Rainsong, not the specific guitar we have in stock.

The Santa Cruz 1934D: modern playability, prewar power and presence. This premium model mirrors the original herringbone dreadnought with Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce, hide glue construction throughout, and Ivoroid bindings and Waverly tuners. Herringbone trim pairs up with a dalmatian pickguard plus enlarged soundhole.
The voice is rich, rich, rich—with great clarity and definition to make that richness ring out in full technicolor glory.

Check out this additional demo with three-time National Flatpicking Champion Allen Shadd!: https://youtu.be/ORrBlz4-QHM

Here’s an additional demo with local flatpick powerhouse Will Saylor: https://youtu.be/ERkDnB9zP3I.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, 6520, bluegrass, dreadnought, brazilain, allen shadd, flatpicking

McPherson’s third ever Camrielle model—and this beauty sings. The slimmer proportions of this 2011 CMG 4.0 makes for added punch and clarity; bundle that into the richness and colorful response of Engelmann Spruce over Madagascar Rosewood—the result is smooth, rich definition from bottom to top. Curly Maple bindings set off the Rosewood-Spruce, and also ring in the offset McPherson soundhole for flair. The Rosewood bridge lines up perfectly with the Rosewood fingerboard and headplate veneer, itself capped with the McPherson logo and gold Waverly tuners. The V neck, with a 25.5” scale and 1 3/4” nut, plays very easily—and we had a blast tuning this one down to DADGAD. It even held up well in C#. Plug in with the L.R. Baggs Element pickup system for all of that in an amplified setting.
Hands down, this 2011 McPherson Camrielle is an exquisite example of McPherson’s contributions to modern lutherie: articulate, responsive, eminently playable.

Other keywords: 1941, fingerstyle, maddie, ameritage, cmg-4.0, cmg4.0

Built in 1992, this Olson SJ has seen lots of music in its almost 30 years, previously owned by Christian powerhouse Israel Houghton, and still plays great today. Indian Rosewood back and sides with Cedar on top, Jim’s classic five-ply Mahogany/Cedar/Rosewood neck, MOP dot inlays in lieu of the more common doves, and a Fishman Matrix Infinity dual source pickup system has been installed to carry you faithfully onto the stage. Our repair staff has recently reglued the bridge and dressed the frets, giving this Olson an effortless setup to keep the good music flowing.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, james olson, james taylor, tkl, 362

The modern player needs a modern instrument to keep up with. Enter: the Bortolozzo Nylon Crossover. This featherweight crossover has the easy string feel and warmth of a classical guitar, but in a contemporary crossover package that offers ergonomic features for an even easier playing experience, as well as a modern aesthetic that sets it apart from the crowd. Marco offers us a very cool bevel cutaway here, flawlessly executed, plus radiused fretboard and a 1 3/4” nut that will feel very familiar for steel string players. Ditto for the slender C profile neck. Finish throughout is a matte oil finish that truly feels like velvet in hand, and no doubt contributes to the overall light build weight—this Bortolozzo Crossover weighs in around 2.5lbs! Flamed Maple back and sides plus a Torrefied Alpine Spruce top, here making for a quick and lively string energy paired with a smooth and colorful bass response.
Ready to strap into a powerhouse nylon crossover that’s only going to get better with age? Sign on with this Bortolozzo and you won’t regret it.

Here’s an additional performance video with the amazing Muriel Anderson playing this Bortolozzo Crossover: https://youtu.be/ErJUhIyQSRY

Other keywords: nylon-string, fingerstyle, andy jurik, 101, flame maple, classical crossover

There’s magic, and then there’s magic. This 1994 Olson SJ Cutaway gets it on both ends: first, it’s got Jim Olson’s masterwork hands voicing every element to perfection, and second, it’s got the ineffable qualities of time and music. This Olson has been played extensively for nearly 30 years, and has blossomed oh so sweetly. The voice is immediately lyrical, rich and balanced. There are so many melodies under the strings and along the fretboard. Indian Rosewood body with Cedar on top, florentine cutaway, and Jim’s trademark MOP dove fingerboard inlays. Additionally, this one has been outfitted with a dual pickup system, combining a Fishman rig with a Sunrise soundhole pickup and two output jacks at the tail. Running both at once gives you a faithful sound, and the Sunrise pickup especially helps bring out tap style play.
Hands down, this Olson has handled a ton of good music, and it’s got room for so much more. Our repair staff has recently drop filled and buffed the top so it’s looking great, and they refretted it for effortless playability. Plus, this comes in an older, bombproof Calton case to keep it safe.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, james olson, james taylor, 511, fingerpicking, strap lock

Martin’s Custom Shop team does it right. Here’s a great example from 2008 that’s outfitted with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides, Italian Spruce top, and 42-style Abalone appointments for flair, plus a Flamed Spanish Cedar neck and Modified V profile. Through a venetian cutaway into the mix? Why not! Then cap off this Custom Shop OM-28V with Waverly tuners and an Abalone torch inlaid at the headstock.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, 1237157, tkl, ooo, 14-fret, orchestra model, mod v, maple

For the 2011 Woodstock Luthier Showcase, John Osthoff decided to pull out all the stops, or carbs in the case of this cannabis inlaid OM. Suited up to impress with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and a Sinker Redwood top, and this dark, moody visual matches perfectly the warmth and richness of the voice. Evo frets for longevity, an easy setup for fingerstyle, and a curvy C profile neck that feels great in hand. Snakewood bindings and a Spalted Maple rosette set off the cannabis inlay package at the bridge and fretboard, and Cosmo Black Gotoh 510 Delta tuners do the same at the headstock.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier invitational, fingerstyle, brazilain, salvage, 420, evo, ameritage

Quick, crisp, expressive, and energetic. These are the first words that come to mind the moment after the first notes fade away, which admittingly is a loooong moment. This 2019 GF model from Michael Greenfield is outfitted with Wenge back and sides and Moonspruce on top, plus his glassy setup and play feel and a florentine cutaway. Fit and finish is flawless throughout, and gold Gotoh tuners at the headstock pair up with a spalted rosette and Ebony bindings for a gorgeous look. To our ears, the Wenge body lends an evenness and clarity to the voice that the Moonspruce amplifies, giving the guitar smooth depth and lively dynamic range. Well cared for, this 2019 GF is in great playing shape; oh so ready for more action.

Other keywords: 309, mainstage, fingerstyle, pinless, flight case, moon spruce

And now for something completely different. Al Beardsell may have never built the same guitar twice; each time we get one in the shop there’s something different and exciting going on under the hood or visually. This 2012 3D-V is a great example. Arm bevel, oval soundhole, soundport, asymmetrical neck carve, art deco rosette, flattened cutaway. Then there’s the voice. A fascinating mixture of pop and power, plus a smoothness and depth that’s quite its own thing. Beardsell’s built a fantastic fingerstyle guitar here, one which soaks up DADGAD like it was born in the tuning. Dramatically figured Macassar Ebony back and sides pair with Lutz Spruce on top, Ebony bindings throughout.

Other keywords: lutherie, 3dv, 146, ameritage, fingerpicking, modern guitar, flattop

The fine team at Huss & Dalton Guitars brings us this 2015 TD-R Custom rigged out with dramatically figured Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, torrefied Adirondack Spruce top, and herringbone trim for a classic traditional aesthetic. The voice is wide open, very clear and articulate, and sensitive enough for fingerstyle play in addition to the flatpicking approach we’d more commonly associate with a dreadnought.

Other keywords: lutherie, guitarbuilding, huss & dalton, 4415, bluegrass, dreadnaught, allen shadd

Martin’s D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged may be a mouthful, but it’s worth it. The torrefied tonewoods make for added power, articulation, and balance, and Martin’s relic job to make it look the part. This beauty comes to us from 2018 and is wide awake and ready for action as a result of Martin’s vintage-ification aging process. Full neck profile feels familiar as family, with a 1 23/32” nut that’s very easy in hand. Madagascar Rosewood with Adirondack Spruce on top, you just can’t go wrong.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 45 style, adriondack, pre-war, maddie, tkl, 2187644

Martin did it right with this one! A 2017 Martin D14F Custom Shop upgraded with Wild Indian Rosewood back and sides plus Sitka Spruce top, diamonds & squares position markers, and half satin neck. This was one of their special offerings for the 2017 NAMM show, where we have to assume it was loved—how could you not, with such a lively and energetic dread in your hands?

Check out this additional demo with a local flatpick maestro, Mr. Will Saylor: https://youtu.be/ELJZ_KlnZPs.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 45 style, pre-war, 2092860

The Custom Shop folx nailed it with this 2015 D14F Martin—fantastically balanced and responsive, lively and energetic, effortless playability. Guatemalan Rosewood back and sides pair with Adirondack Spruce on top and 28-style fretboard position markers, plus open back tuners. We love the shimmer and warmth in the midrange, and the note separation and easy playability. It’s sensitive for a fingerpicking approach just as much as it’s stiff enough for a flatpick.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 28 style, pre-war, 1887268, d-14f, bluegrass

The Kohno Professional J is a finely honed machine. This beauty is from 2021, nearly new, and already wide awake. Gorgeous Jacaranda Rosewood back and sides and a Spruce top, plus 650mm scale and 51mm nut, and a glassy finish throughout. Weighs in under four pounds, so light and resonant—and the neck-body weight is perfectly balanced. Enjoy our demo with Andy Jurik, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out. Talk soon!

Other keywords: fingerstyle, cashew, jaracanda, gotoh, mosaic, K1105A

Bill Wise of Charis Acoustics offers up an exquisitely articulate voice, lifetime adjustable neck design, and playing ergonomics on this Signature Series SJ from 2012. Complete with highly figured Myrtlewood back and sides, Engelmann Spruce on top, plus Wenge bindings and a Ryan-style arm bevel. Soundport at the upper bout to offer the player a little more “me in the monitor,” opposite a soft venetian cutaway and multi-laminated neck. The rosette is executed in an intricate double helix of Makore and Mahogany over Wenge. This Charis SJ Signature has been very well cared for since its birth ten years ago, and is here with us today bearing a gorgeous expressive and organic voice.

Other keywords: fingerstyle, cedar creek, myrtle, 346, tonewood

The Black Ice Series embodies Artistry.  Each instrument is unique.  The soundboard on each guitar is meticulously crafted to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance without overbuilding it.  Each soundboard is individually conceived so every guitar is unique.  Unique in design and unique in tone.  The 25YR further enhances the Black Ice visual with a stunning “Blue Hawaii” tint over the entire body and neck.

The RainSong 25YR features the Orchestra Model body, which is the most refined of all RainSong shapes. It is our most comfortable and intimate guitar, with an immediacy of presence that makes it a favorite with the coffee house crowd. The treble, already a breathtaking attribute of RainSongs, and the carbon sound are simply sublime in this little guitar. A crystal bell clarity, balance, superb separation of individual notes, and an expansive dynamic range make the 25YR one of our most individually expressive guitars.  Because of Projection Tuned Layering™, the 25YR is capable of strong projection. It won’t rattle windows like the Jumbo or the Dreadnought, but the 25YR, when driven, packs a lot of power and punch for a small bodied guitar.

The neck of the 25YR joins the body at the 12th fret rather than the 14th fret. This moves the bridge back on the soundboard towards the center of the lower bout resulting in improved sonic energy transmission from the strings to the soundboard and enhanced bass response.

The sound-hole of the 25YR is located on the player’s side of the upper bout.  The proximity to the player’s ear produces a sense of increased volume.  The reduced size of the sound-hole combined with the uninterrupted larger vibrating surface of the soundboard accentuates the highs and the lows relative to the mids.

Top-of-the-line LR Baggs Stage Pro Anthem electronics with dual-source pickups and a built-in tuner makes the 25YR a stage-ready instrument.

The Martin Custom Shop team knocks it out the park with this powerhouse D-28 VTS from 2017. Indian Rosewood back and sides plus their Vintage Tone System torrefied Adirondack Spruce top, Koa bindings, and Performing Artist Taper neck profile for a quick feel and vibrant tone. 28-style appointments throughout, plus nickel Grover open back tuners, Ebony bridge with drop in saddle, and a tortoise style pickguard for classic vibes.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 28 style, pre-war, 2213256, bluegrass, d28, d 28, stika, eir

Martin’s Modern Deluxe line is appropriately named—bringing together classic aesthetics and build methods with modern materials and playability. This 2018 D-28 Modern Deluxe has Indian Rosewood for the back and sides, Sitka Spruce on top featuring their VTS (Vintage Tone System) torrefication, bound in Maple and trimmed with herringbone. Under the hood you’ll find a carbon fiber bridge plate, implemented to increase power and projection, plus a forward shifted X brace. Martin’s High Performance Taper neck profile makes for effortless playability (plus a satin neck finish for squeak-free lefthand work); EVO frets assure longevity and set off the gold Waverly open back tuners.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, dreadnaught, allen shadd, 28 style, pre-war, 2253546, bluegrass, d28, d 28, stika, eir

Built in 2016, and it’s woken up handsomely in the intervening years—this Santa Cruz D/PW Prewar is a great example of Richard Hoover’s team’s prowess at bringing prewar dreadnought details to a modern build. Indian Rosewood back and sides pair up with German Spruce on top for a bit more smoothness and warmth in the voice (especially in the trebles, sweet and round). Grained Ivoroid bindings, Santa Cruz’s open back tuners in nickel, and herringbone top trim for a classic reimagining of the D-28s of years gone by.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, 7076, bluegrass, ameritage, scgc, dreadnaught, allen shadd, eir

Clean energy under the hood with this gorgeous 2011 Santa Cruz D. Quick and powerful voice with a balanced response sensitive enough for fingerpicking and also packing plenty of headroom for more aggressive flatpicking attacks. Straight lace Indian Rosewood back and sides plus Carpathian Spruce top, Ivoroid bindings, and a half satin neck plus 1 11/16” nut for a fast experience for the left hand.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, 6363, bluegrass, ameritage, scgc, dreadnaught, allen shadd, eir

Such a sweet voice! This 2016 Brondel A-2 has it all: silky setup, smooth response and crisp projection, and an accurate, defined voice that remains so even when we tested it in C9 waters. Upgraded with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides plus German Spruce on top and burl appointments at the headstock, rosette, and heelcap. Laurent lets the quality of the woods speak for themselves with an overall understated appointment aesthetic, crowned by delicate crow’s feet trim along the top and Waverly tuners with black pearl knobs. We found this A-2 was equally at home with fingerstyle play as with flatpicking, offering up clarity and consistency across all the registers. With a 25” scale and 1 3/4” nut plus C-shaped neck, this Brondel plays very easily, indeed. All wrapped up in a custom Hoffee case!

Other keywords: 160728, fingerpicking, buckeye, a2, flight case, al petteway

The cream of the crop comes dressed to the nines (and 36 more) with this rare 1969 Martin D-45. The last year for Brazilian Rosewood increases the collectability—and of course the tone—and with a recent neck reset and setup by our repair staff this 60-year-old Martin plays like so much grass fed butter. Sitka Spruce on top with light play wear; MOP hexagonal position markers; original gold Grover tuners. This beauty has aged handsomely and overall has been well cared for, and will be the centerpiece of your collection. Brazilian Rosewood, intricate 45-style appointments, and the sweets that come with time—this 1969 D-45 is our kind of vintage dream.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, c.f. martin, martin guitars, 45 style, dreadnaught, 252243, fingerstyle