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2012 Traphagen D’Aquisto Nylon Jazz, European Maple/German Spruce

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In 2012 Dake Traphagen took on the task of replicating a nylon jazz crossover of famed luthier Jimmy D’Aquisto—and the results are fantastic. This beauty, dubbed the D’Aquisto Nylon Jazz, is quick and energetic, easy on the hands, and rigged with an L.R. Baggs Anthem SL microphone/UST dual pickup for easy, authentic amplification. European Maple back and sides pair up with German Spruce on top, 25.6” scale, and a slim 1 11/16” nut for quick lefthand work. This Traphagen has been lovingly played across the past ten years and has the marks to prove it, but it’s in great functional shape and ready for more action.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitar building, traphagen guitar, nylon string, fingerstyle, james d’aquisto, daquisto, xover, cross over, nylon string, andy jurik

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2019 Froggy Bottom M Deluxe, Fiddleback Maple/Sitka Spruce

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A guitar for every occasion is this 2019 M Deluxe from Froggy Bottom. As gorgeous to the eyes as it is to the ears! And hands, with a silky setup and short, 25 1/8” scale for easy playability. The frog team upgraded this M Deluxe with 5A grade Tiger Fiddleback Rock Maple—truly beautiful stuff—and Sitka Spruce on top, plus their #5 diamond position markers in Abalone to match up with the Froggy logo at the headstock. Classic nickel Waverly tuners tie it all together. The Maple body lends an immediacy and sturdy fundamental, while that Sitka Spruce top adds projection and brightness. All of which is to say, this Froggy Bottom is energetic and responsive for a wide range of settings, be it fingerpicked blues or strummed accompaniment. Looking for one axe to chop all your different trees? This M Deluxe is a keen blade indeed.

Check out a second demo with Mr. Petteway here: https://youtu.be/80ztwP3hf-c

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, michael millard, fingerstyle, tkl, M2126

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2020 Lichty Long Neck Tenor, Koa/Sitka

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Tryon’s Jay Lichty has been building guitars, violins, and of course ukuleles for a number of years now, and we’re excited to have a recent example of his work in the shop today. Try on this 2020 Long Neck Tenor for size—19” scale for extra string tension and pop, plus a more spacious fretting experience for anyone with big hands, or someone simply more accustomed to guitar proportions. Figured Koa back and sides pair with Sitka Spruce on top, a K&K pickup inside, and capped off with a soundport flanking the body with a florentine cutaway. Weighs 1.5lbs, and is raring to go. There’s even a subtle arm bevel in the Koa bindings!

Other keywords: uke, 149, cross rock, fingerstyle, wound C, gotoh

 

Additional demo: https://youtu.be/cgXwhX2SlWE

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2019 Morrissey Grand Auditorium, Koa/German Spruce

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Here’s Koa to write home to the folx about. Tightly flamed at the tuners, back, sides, and rosette, and paired with German Spruce on top and dark Ebony bindings, this 2019 Morrissey Grand Auditorium is a sight to behold. With the additional upgrades of a soundport, florentine cutaway, and L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system, plus EVO frets and an ultra lightweight BAM flight case, you’re looking at a powerhouse for the price.


Other keywords: morissey, morrisey, fingerstyle, fingerpicking, ga0022e19

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2017 Greenfield G1 7 String, Ziricote/Adirondack Spruce

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Why limit yourself to a measly six strings? When a 7-string Greenfield G1 sounds oh so good. a multiscale setup of 27 inches to 25 gives you an immense range to cook up new musical ideas, and Mike’s effortless playability makes this ‘hoss oh so easy to navigate. Florentine cutaway for upper fret access, a subtle heel swoosh carve to make those top frets even easier to reach, and an arm bevel for creature comfort. Reserve Grade Figured Ziricote back and sides offer a smooth, balanced flavor to the extended range of this 2017 G1, while stiff Adirondack Spruce on top keeps projection crisp and articulate, all the way from the high e to that fierce low B.
A new definition for the term “powerhouse.”

Other keywords: Michael Greenfield, 278, spanish cedar, gotoh, accord, adriondack, tone halo

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Brand New Caton Tunnel 13 Special Edition, Brazilian Rosewood/Tunnel 13 Redwood

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Kevin Caton pulls out all the stops for this brand new Sullivan model Tunnel 13 Special Edition. When a potent Tunnel 13 Redwood top is paired with Brazilian Rosewood, the result is a lushness and velvety quality that’s immediately draws you in. Excellent balance across the registers, and a smooth, bell-like treble response, make for a top shelf fingerstyle, modern playing experience. Adding to that, Kevin’s design innovations and ergonomic features further establish that contemporaneity with a Ryan-style arm bevel paired with his Bevel Port soundport/back bevel, florentine cutaway, and seven-laminated neck for added stability.
This Tunnel 13 Special Edition from Kevin Caton is phenomenal, hands down. A guitar you lose track of time in again and again, and what higher praise can we offer than that?

Other keywords: fingerpicking, lutherie, 68, calton, brazilain, red wood, dyed bone

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1978 Ramirez 1a, Brazilian Rosewood/Cedar

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Better with age. And this 1978 Ramirez 1a is proof. Brazilian Rosewood body with Cedar on top, the classic Ramirez full neck profile and 663mm scale, and wide open after a few decades’ work. Weighing in under four pounds, this Ramirez feels light and lovely in hand.

Other keywords: classical, nylon string, luthier, lutherie, fingerstyle, handmade, andy jurik

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1997 Ruck Classical, Indian Rosewood/Spruce

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A sweet slice of tone from one of our great masters of the classical guitar. This 1997 Classical from Robert Ruck has opened up handsomely in the intervening years, has a sumptuously articulate and expressive bass register, plus a touch of sparkle in the top end and great string energy throughout. This Ruck threads the needle perfectly between lively and powerful: a mixture of great clarity and note definition with added heft and presence. Such a delight to play. Condition wise, this beauty born in 97 has been lovingly cared for and is in fantastic playing shape. Indian Rosewood body with Spruce on top.
This Ruck is an experience in joyfulness, with the kind of playability and tone that drew so many of us to guitar in the first place.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, ir, east indian, fingerstyle, classical guitar, classical, nylon string, nylon-string, 643

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2012 Martin Custom Shop 0000, Walnut/Engelmann Spruce

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Shade top, Custom Shop, Martin 0000. This tall drink of water comes to us from 2012, has opened up handsomely, and plays like grass-fed butter. Walnut back and sides pair up with Spruce on top, 25.4” scale, and a 1 3/4” nut on a half satin neck that feels oh so smooth in hand. Open back gold Martin tuners and a Flamed Walnut headplate are the cherries on top. Plus this one comes rigged up with a Fishman F1 Analog pickup and preamp system built into the upper bout! So you’ve got volume and phase control, EQ and tuner, right at your fingertips.

Other keywords: cf martin, lutherie, 1615429, tkl, oooo, 14-fret

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2008 Collings CJ MHASB, Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce

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A sharp-dressed shade top to steal the show! Here we’ve landed a gorgeous 2008 Collings CJ slope-shoulder dread that’s oh so ready for action. Quick and energetic response, trebles that cut smoothly through the mix—it’s heaps of fun at first strum. Mahogany body is backed up with Adirondack Spruce on top and the aforementioned shade top finish for added class, plus the Collings asymmetrical haircut headstock profile. Outfitted with an L.R. Baggs iBeam pickup (plus volume control at the soundhole), this ’08 Collings CJ will carry you faithfully onto the stage with minimal fuss.

Other keywords: bill collings, flatpicking, bluegrass, dreadnaught, lutherie, luthier, collings guitars, 15783

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Brand New Mountain Song Baritone, Cuban Mahogany/Italian Spruce

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You want to feel a guitar all the way down to your toes, up to your head, then out the back of your spine? This Mountain Song ODJ Baritone will take you there. Ken Jones manages to make his Baritones feel and play like regular flattops, but boy does this one pack such a punch under the hood. Strong, clear, very powerful. 28.5″ scale really cranks up the crispness and definition, and Jones pairs up a Cuban Mahogany body with an Italian Spruce top for just the right alchemy of quick, woody fundamental in the bass and juicy trebles, plus hefty sustain. This Mountain Song Baritone pulls new and exciting music out of the player, and thanks to a soundport in the upper bout you can hear that oh so well while you’re in the thick of it. Add an arm bevel on the lower bout to maximize ergonomics, and you’re set! Snag this force of nature before it rumbles right back out the door.

Here’s an additional demo video with our own Paul Heumiller playing this incredible baritone guitar: https://youtu.be/0D7OmZkkm5I

Other keywords: lutherie, 31, calton, fingerstyle, bari, mountainsong, 2022

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2015 Abraham Wechter Florentine, Mahogany/Spruce

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Quick, lively, and raring to go! Here we’ve landed a gorgeous Florentine model from the one and only Abraham Wechter, boasting a slim build weight just over four pounds with Mahogany back and sides and Spruce top, 25.4″ scale and 1 3/4″ nut, and light Maple appointments throughout. The flavor of Mahogany we’re working with here is incredibly light and amber in color–almost like Satinwood at first glance–really makes this one stand out. The voice has great balance across the registers, with energetic trebles that lend an immediacy to the voice that’s honestly great for both fingers and picks.

Check out this additional video featuring Al Petteway: https://youtu.be/boP3OE40P9c

Other keywords: fingerstyle, abe wechter, weckter, cutaway

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2021 Maestro 8-String Baritone, Ziricote/Adirondack Spruce

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Here we’ve landed a gorgeous, like new 8-String Baritone from Maestro Guitars—built in 2021 and raring to go. Delightfully figured Ziricote back and sides pair with Adirondack Spruce on top for added power, and a slim neck profile plus 27 inch scale makes for an effortless playing experience. This is one baritone that practically plays itself! Additionally, it’s been dressed up with lovely MOP and Abalone appointments throughout the build, a micro arm bevel on top, and gold Gotoh tuners to ring it all in. The voice is expansive and lush, with an evenness across the registers that lets the doubled middle strings ring out with added clarity.

Here’s a link to an audio sample with our own Al Petteway!

Other keywords: lutherie, 20121953, fingerstyle, modern guitar, adriondack, ziracote, 8 string

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2021 Maestro 8-String Baritone, Koa/Adirondack Spruce

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Here we’ve landed a stunning 8-String Baritone from Maestro Guitars—built in 2021 and raring to go. Gorgeous and dramatically figured Koa plus Adirondack Spruce on top for added power to the woody Koa response, and a slim neck profile plus 27 inch scale makes for an effortless playing experience. This is one baritone that practically plays itself! Additionally, it’s been dressed up with lovely MOP and Abalone appointments throughout the build, a micro arm bevel on top, and gold Gotoh tuners to ring it all in. The voice is expansive and lush, with an evenness across the registers that lets the doubled middle strings ring out with added clarity.

Here’s an audio demo with our own Al Petteway!

Other keywords: lutherie, 20121954, fingerstyle, modern guitar, adriondack, 8 string

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Brand New Keystone SJ, Brazilian Rosewood/German Spruce

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Keisuke Nishi of Keystone Guitars, you can send us a guitar any day! This SJ is unreal. Expressive, articulate, powerful yet clean—perfect for modern fingerstyle. Multiscale setup at 26.25-25.5 inches makes for effortless playability in Standard and all the way down to CGCGCD territory, and the upgraded Brazilian Rosewood and bearclaw German Spruce make sure that the voice remains consistent, clear, and dynamic no matter what tuning you’re in. A dramatically scooped rib bevel (also in Brazilian Rosewood) adds creature comfort; ditto for a soundport at the upper bout and a florentine cutaway. Additionally, Takayuki Ogawa of Ogawa Inlay Craft in Niigata prefecture inlaid a gorgeous scene of maple leaves and Mt. Fuji at the headstock and fretboard that perfectly complements the gold Alessi tuners—and the 3D Amboyna Burl rosette at the other end of the fretboard.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, fingerpicking, modern guitar, 0124, brazilain, bear claw spruce, fan fret, fanned fret, multi scale, multi-scale

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Brand New Tippin Crescendo Al Petteway Signature, Brazilian Rosewood/Moonspruce

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Each time an Al Petteway Signature Tippin passes through our doors, it’s a cause for celebration. This latest AP model is no exception! Moonspruce top, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, and dressed up with understated Abalone aesthetics, Bill’s unique soundport profile, and an arm bevel. Every detail executed flawlessly, and every. single. note ringing out with heft, clarity, and a sweet panoply of colors. Want one of your own? Give us a shout!

Other keywords: lutherie, tippin guitars, 2022, calton, fingerpicking, bespoke, brazilain

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Brand New Musser Dreadnought, The Tree Mahogany/Bearclaw Engelmann

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Brand new and raring to go. Our latest Dreadnought from Don Musser is dressed to the nines with The Tree Mahogany, Engelmann Spruce, and Curly Maple bindings throughout. Mahogany neck, currently set up with light strings, feels very easy in hand. We found it adapted well to both flatpicking and fingers with that light setup to boot. Gold Gotoh tuners at the headstock set off the Pearl trim and Rosewood veneer, as well as the scalloped nut (matching up with a scalloped saddle at the Ebony bridge). Dalmation pickguard plus Paua Abalone rosette and trim—this Musser’s a looker as much as a singer.

Here’s an additional performance video with Allen Shadd on this instrument: https://youtu.be/Stvm1a1Lpjc

Other keywords: lutherie, dreadnaught, quilted mahogany, 361, fingerstyle, allen shadd

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2020 Michaud OM-R, Amazon Rosewood/Master Moonspruce

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A 2020 build from Joel Michaud that’s already wide awake, dressed to the nines, and playing effortlessly? That’s what we’re fortunate enough to have in the shop today. Such a feat of modern lutherie. Amazon Rosewood back and sides, pencil straight and ruddy red, plus master grade Moonspruce on top and a multiscale design at 26 inches down to 25.4 inches, makes for an incredibly resonant fingerstyle guitar that’s equally at home in Standard as it is in DADGAD or C tunings. It’s the kind of guitar where even flubbed notes sound good. Additionally, Michaud added twin arm & rib bevels for creature comfort, and an eliptical soundport to boot. Plus EVO frets for longevity! And the cream on top is Joel’s addition of oxidized metal appointments at the rosette, headstock, and endgraft.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, orchestra model, omr, 86, visesnut

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2019 PRS Modern Eagle V Limited Run, Northern Lights

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Such a joy to visit with this gem from 2019. A PRS Modern Eagle V, one of only 120 from an exclusive U.S. Limited Run—dressed to the nines with a Northern Lights finish package, Brazilian Rosewood fretboard and headstock veneer, and ripple Abalone bird inlays. The pickups are 408B-Narrowfield-408B from neck to bridge, and the electronics include a 5-way rotary switch and three mini switches. The paired mini toggles turn the humbuckers into TCI-tuned single coils, plus the push/pull tone control to activate both humbuckers when engaged. The remaining mini switch changes the volume pot value from 500k to 250k, which opens up a whole new range of tones.

other keywords: prs guitars, duane simpson, brazilain, pattern neck, 19-284900, paul reed smith

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1994 Olson SJ, Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

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The only thing better than an Olson? An Olson SJ that’s been played in and opened up for a few decades. This number from 1994 is just such a guitar—excellent articulation and balance, perfectly clear and engrossing. We love this one for fingerstyle in Open D, but honestly it’s a winner in any tuning. Indian Rosewood body with Sitka Spruce on top, plus tortoise-style bindings and herringbone trim. Setup is gossamer, and in really great shape overall, especially considering it’s almost three decades old! Snag this one before it’s gone, or we decide to keep it for ourselves.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 524

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2019 PRS Paul’s Guitar, Mahogany/Maple 10 Top

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The PRS Paul’s Guitar packs a wallop. This gorgeous example from 2019 with an upgraded Flamed Maple 10 Top? Even better. TCI-tuned 408 Narrow pickups rigged with a three-way switch plus individual coil-split mini toggles? Doubly so! And a stop tailpiece with brass inserts to accentuate the treble response. Gorgeous V12 finish throughout with a Charcoal Cherryburst on top to really make this 10 Top shine.

Click here for a recording with our own Duane Simpson!

other keywords: prs guitars, duane simpson, bespoke guitar, stop tail, brazilain, pattern neck, 0287836

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2021 Froggy Bottom M Deluxe, Mahogany/German Spruce

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2021, but already wide awake—our Froggy Bottom M Deluxe is ready for action. Upgraded with a German Spruce top over Mahogany body plus cutaway, this Froggy is lightweight and very lively with a quick response. Lovely lion scrimshaw at the heelcap dress it up, plus Curly Maple bindings throughout and nickel Waverly tuners. The neck profile has a rounded, smooth C profile that feels lovely in hand, and with a 1 3/4” nut and 25 1/8” setup it plays oh so handsomely.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, michael millard, fingerpicking, guitar, waverly, tkl avs, M2289

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2019 Santa Cruz 1934D, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

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Richard Hoover and co at the Santa Cruz Guitar Company are here to bring about the prewar ideal in modern times with this their 1934D model. This beauty is designed to recreate the classic herringbone dread with Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce, hide glue construction throughout, and Ivoroid bindings to boot. Herringbone trim package throughout, Dalmatian pickguard, and an enlarged soundhole. Waverly tuners round it all out. The voice is very balanced, well rounded and mixes up great for strumming, with an even balance and response for just about everything else.

Here’s a second demo with Allen Shadd on this Santa Cruz 1934D: https://youtu.be/kq4U6_9gPiY
Here’s an additional demo with flatpick firestorm Will Saylor: https://youtu.be/qoROq3S9Ew4.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, 7310, bluegrass, dreadnought, brazilain, allen shadd, flatpicking

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1996 Buscarino Monarch Archtop, Flamed Maple/Sitka Spruce

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Full size, full tilt, full frontal: our 1996 Buscarino Monarch Archtop in Sitka and Flamed Maple. This is the cream of the archtop crop from ’96 that’s been waking up handsomely in the intervening years, and is now oh so wide awake. AA aged and seasoned Sitka Spruce top pairs up with an AA aged and seasoned Flame Maple body and a 17” lower bout, Abalone tree of life fretboard inlays plus Burl headstock veneers and Scheller M6 tuners. Benedetto humbucker with volume at the pickguard, and a 25 inch scale that’s just so easy on the hands. This is a showstopper Buscarino Monarch—you won’t want to put it down.


Other keywords: jazz box, arch top, big-leaf, custom guitar, B1029795, arched top, duane simpson

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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