Uncategorized Archives - Page 19 of 145

1988 Stelling Staghorn, Tony Pass Lost Timber Rim

This Stelling Staghorn might have fewer strings than a standard guitar, but we can’t hold that against it for long: it’s got a helluva sound. And it’s still looking fantastic after its 1988 build date, here updated in 2008 with a Tony Pass Lost Timber rim. Nickel hardware throughout, plus extensive MOP position markers and the ubiquitous stag horns at the headstock. D-tuners are installed, fine, and functional and ready for action!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, allenn shadd, bluegrass, scruggs, banjo, 3426

July 4, 2023/by

1992 Olson SJ, Single Owner, Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Olson, James

Here we’ve landed an early Jim Olson SJ, this time from 1992! Of course Jim was already at guitar #406 by then. This beauty has been well cared for by its single owner in all that time and is in great playing shape. Indian Rosewood body with Sitka Spruce on top sets it apart from the Rosewood-Cedar Olson sound, and this one has a bit extra oomph and power as a result. It’s still excellent for fingerstyle, but holds up well under a flatpick too. Upgrades include a forentine cutaway, Abalone trim plus Tortoise-style bindings, and Jim’s signature O headstock inlay plus MOP dove fretboard inlays. And the classic L.R. Baggs LB6 pickup to round it all out!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 406

July 4, 2023/by

1995 Collings D3BaaaA, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

Default Category, Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Collings Guitars

The D3 is one of Collings’ top of the line dreadnoughts, and this D3BaaaA comes upgraded with AAA Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Adirondack Spruce on top, and an intricate flowerpot rendered in Abalone to offset the gold Waverly tuners. Such a voice on this one! Expansive projection, very lively and articulate bottom end, plus trebles that cut right through the mix. Truly, playing this Collings give you the sensation of holding a living thing. Built in 1995, this D3BaaaA has opened up heaps in the intervening years; ready for more action. Additionally, this dreadnought comes wrapped up in a sturdy Calton flight case to keep it safe and sound.

Other keywords: bill collings, 1608, ’95, dreadnaught, brazilain, adriondack, bluegrass

July 4, 2023/by

2021 Pepe Romero Jr. Concert Classical, African Rosewood/Spruce

Classical Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Nylon String Guitars Pepe Romero Jr

From famed luthier Pepe Romero Jr., we’ve got a 2021 Classical that’s raring to go. Gorgeous figured African Rosewood body with four piece back and Spruce on top, braced in the Rodriguez reverse fan style. 640mm scale and 51mm nut with a well rounded neck profile, plus a slim build weight at 3lbs 12oz. The African Rosewood has some lovely dark ink lines for a bit of drama, and Pepe’s excellent French Polish finish really makes it shine. The voice is made up of a great mixture of quick response and crisp string energy.

Here’s an additional performance video with Andy Jurik playing this instrument: https://youtu.be/_cEVHKLdfmE

Other keywords: andy jurik, lutherie, nylon string, hoffee, fingerstyle, 341

July 4, 2023/by Greg Sipes

2020 Delarue Concert Classical, Indian Rosewood/Spruce

Classical Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Nylon String Guitars Dominique Delarue Guitars

Such a lovely example of modern French lutherie. The bar is set high with such work from Dominque Delarue! Straight-grain Indian Rosewood body with Spruce on top, 650mm scale and 51mm nut, and a slim play weight right at 4lbs—this Concert Classical feels natural and organic in hand, and responds handsomely to a wide range of attacks. The Spanish Cedar neck is carved out to a medium thickness throughout with a U-shaped profile, and the body is bound with Rosewood to match the headstock veneer and bridge. Gold Alessi tuners with Snakewood buttons are an added touch of elegance to go with Delarue’s intricately carved headstock, and at the soundhole we find a similarly intricate mosaic rosette with red purflings to spruce up the Spruce top, so to speak. Built in 2020 but already wide awake, expressive, and powerful.

Other keywords: andy jurik, fingerstyle, nylon string, 408, leona, French polish

July 4, 2023/by

1999 Martin D-45SS Stephen Stills, Brazilian Rosewood/Alpine Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Martin Guitars

Such a delight to see this one in the shop. This is one of Martin’s most coveted signature series, the 1999 D-45SS Stephen Stills, and we’ve landed number 86 of 91 of that most exclusive run. Each of these was built with figured Brazilian Rosewood and Alpine Spruce on top, plus perfectly executed 45-style appointments and a MOP Southern Cross inlaid into the guard in homage to CSN. This particular beauty has the snowflakes & diamonds fretboard spread as well. Tonally, this is a distinctive, expressive, exquisitely musical Dreadnought. It’s sensitive enough for fingerpicking, and also has enough headroom for aggressive strumming without breaking up.

Other keywords: cf martin, martin guitar, american guitar, 705071, dreadnaught, dreadnought, allen shadd, flatpicking, signature guitar, csn, crosby stills & nash

July 4, 2023/by

2021 Eastman Cabaret, Maple/Spruce

Crossover Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Nylon String Guitars Eastman Guitars

Now here’s an incredible deal. Always wanted a Buscarino Cabaret but couldn’t afford it? Try on this 2021 Eastman Cabaret for size. John worked directly with Eastman to design an affordable Crossover guitar, and they nailed it. 12 fret neck with a radiused fretboard, slimmer nut at 1 15/16”, plus subtle cutaway and soundport? Yes, please! And this beauty has a James May Ultra Tonic pickup with soundhole-mounted volume control—and this pickup sounds oh so incredible. Figured Maple body with Spruce on top.

Other keywords: john buscarino, fingerstyle, x over, modern classical, jame may, james mays, m2115931

July 4, 2023/by

2010 Olson SJ, Indian Rosewood/Engelmann Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Olson, James

2010 Olson SJ. Need we say more? A played-in beauty that’s opened up handsomely and ready for more action. Done up gorgeous with additional Abalone trim and rosette at the top. Indian Rosewood body upgraded with an Engelmann Spruce top to set it apart from the usual Cedar Olson crowd. The result is a bit more edge and power that makes the midrange crisp and articulate. Ready to make this one yours? Shout before it’s gone!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 1308

July 4, 2023/by

2020 Froggy Bottom R14 50th Anniversary Limited, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Froggy Bottom Guitars

In 2020, to celebrate an astounding 50 years in the business, Froggy Bottom Guitars pulled out all of the stops for an exclusive series of guitars, and we’re grateful to visit with this one in the shop today. This R14 Limited is number four of only 18, and is outfitted with FB’s AAAAA pre-CITES Brazilian Rosewood and master grade Adirondack Spruce on top; heelcap of mammoth ivory engraved by Petria Mitchell; #7 style position markers and froggy logo engraved by Glenn Carson; a gorgeous sunburst from Chris Bavaria. The R14 body pulls from the L-00 family with a 14-fret neck and short scale setup. The result, with BRW and Adirondack, is a quick, responsive, and most importantly expressive sound.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, michael millard, fingerpicking, guitar, adriondack, waverly, tkl avs, r2203

July 4, 2023/by

1989 Richard Schneider Kasha Classical, Redwood Top & Back, Brazilian Rosewood Sides

Classical Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Nylon String Guitars Schneider, Richard

Richard Schneider’s Kasha-style Classicals are true treats. This example from 1989 features Redwood top and back and Brazilian Rosewood sides, offset soundhole and asymmetrical bridge, and brass frets on a 670mm scale neck. Access panel at the tail to boot! The voice is dialed in for exquisite precision across the registers. Eschewing the concept of a tieblock altogether, this Kasha-Style Classical anchors the strings from the inside of the guitar, accessible via the access panel Schneider includes at the tail. All wrapped up in the original custom Mark Leaf flight case, this Schneider Kasha Classical is always safe and sound on those rare occasions when the guitar isn’t in your hand.s

We even have an endorsement from the great master himself, Andrés Segovia, for Schneider’s work (and what higher praise could there be?): “I consider Mr. Richard Schneider a magnificent builder of guitars. He is a very efficient collaborator to Mr. Kasha…and still continue experimenting…to increase the volume of its sound without sacrificing its delicacy.”

Other keywords: andy jurik, fingerstyle, nylon string, boaz majkowski, fingerstyle, R-5-26-89

July 4, 2023/by KIM (not Walker)

1997 Olson SJ Cutaway, East Indian Rosewood/Cedar

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Olson, James

We bet this Olson was a powerhouse when new in 1997. Now, some thirty odd years later, it’s even more so—with the added sweetness, power, and breathiness that comes with opening up for a few decades. This is such a wonderful example of Jim’s work from the late 90s. Indian Rosewood body with Cedar on top, plus a florentine cutaway and tortoise-style bindings and herringbone appointments.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 716

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Kazourian The Petite, All-Koa

12 Fret, Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars, Travel/Mini Kazourian, Theo

We’ve also landed this lovely little number from Théo Kazourian dressed up in Koa! The Petite is a 12-fret parlor body plus cutaway, here rendered with Ebony bindings, an elliptical rosette of Spalted Maple, and a slotted headstock (with Schertler tuners) for a lightweight and responsive build. Under four pounds, This Kazourian Petite plays very easily in hand or on your leg, and the 24 1/2” scale is very easy on the lefthand. The use of Gold EVO frets here means this parlor won’t need any fret work for a long time (and they look great against the Ebony fretboard and black Mahogany neck).
Ready for a powerful parlor with roundness and warmth? The Petite is calling.

Other keywords: lutherie, guitarbuilding, fingerstyle, 2021, 23, bobble, corian, mylar

July 4, 2023/by

2007 McPherson MG 4.5XP, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars McPherson Guitars

We’ve landed a lovely McPherson MG 4.5XP from 2007 that’s been played in and is singing with a wide awake voice today. And it’s got a lot to sing about! Dramatic, figured Brazilian Rosewood body with Adirondack Spruce on top, Figured Koa bindings throughout; plus McPherson’s XP oversized soundhole and easy playing setup. The L.R. Baggs pickup system, complete with volume control at the soundhole, sounds fantastic, and will carry you faithfully on to the stage. This one holds up very well in a group setting as well—with McPherson’s second biggest body size, this MG 4.5XP has a lot of power under the hood, waiting to be let out.

Other keywords: macpherson, offset soundhole, schaller, m.g. 4.5., 1027, brazilain, adriondack, ameritage

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Buendia OM Cutaway, African Blackwood/Swiss Alpine Moonspruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Buendia Guitars

Leo Buendia continues to impress. This latest custom client commission combines Swiss Alpine Moonspruce with African Blackwood in an OM Cutaway package which dots every I and crosses every T in regards to responsiveness, clarity, and power. Smooth balanced across the registers, and exquisitely expressive for fingerstyle play.

Other keywords: abw, fingerpicking, bespoke guitar

July 4, 2023/by

2017 Guild D-55 Antique Burst, Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Guild Guitars

Powerful and easy on the eyes. Guild’s classic D-55 Dreadnought comes to us here from 2017 with Rosewood body and Sitka Spruce on top, a tasty antique burst finish, and Abalone appointments to dress it to the nines and back. Lovely setup with spare saddles to handle changes in season and climate, plus a comfortable C profile neck and 1 11/16” nut well-suited to deft lefthand work.

Other keywords: dreadnaught, c216794, stika, sunburst, shade top, abs, humicase

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Wilborn Nautilus, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Multiscale, Steel String Guitars Wilborn Guitars

This is another incredible example of Ben Wilborn’s not inconsiderable gifts to the world of modern lutherie. His Nautilus model, part of the new Comma Series, features an offset soundhole, twin bevels for creature comfort, a multiscale setup with 25.5” on the bottom and 25” on top—and this custom build has be(e)n upgraded to the max with chocolate-dark Brazilian Rosewood for the body, master grade Adirondack Spruce on top, and a K&K Pure Mini pick with vintage 1/8” output jack. Hands down, this guitar kills.

Other keywords: wilborn guitar, calton, 192, fan fret, fanned fret, lutherie, luthier, boutique guitar, elevated fingerboard, 203, adriondack, fingerstyle, brazilain

July 4, 2023/by

2013 Charis SJ, Cocobolo/Cedar

Guitars, Instruments Charis (Bill Wise)

Wide awake and singing oh so clear, our Charis SJ from 2013 is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a guitar that can do it all while looking good at the same time. This number is dressed to the nines with Red Cedar on top, brick-red Cocobolo back and sides with Tzalam bindings, and capped with a colorful, modern tree of life vine inlaid along the fretboard. Add to that a venetian cutaway, soundport, arm bevel, and L.R. Baggs Lyric pickup system, and you’ve got an exercise in effortlessness. The sides are deep enough to enhance projection and round out the bass response, but the lower bout is still only 15 3/8” wide in Bill Wise’s SJ configuration, so this beauty is very comfortable in hand.

Other keywords: jim olson, charis guitars, fingerpicking, open tuning, gotoh, inlay art, abalane, 378

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Kazourian Orkestra Model, Honduran Rosewood/Yellow Cedar

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Kazourian, Theo

Brand new and raring to go! Here we’ve landed an Orkestra Model from Théo Kazourian decked out with Honduran Rosewood and Yellow Cedar, satin-finished Mahogany neck, and Maple burl rosette for an added touch of class. Setup is butter smooth and effortless in hand, and the OM size feels immediately comfortable and familiar. The voice is characterized with a crisp top end and a lively string energy; works well for fingers as well as picks.

Here’s an additional demo on the Kazourian Orkestra Model with our Al Petteway: https://youtu.be/DitNu2eBvXM

Other keywords: lutherie, guitarbuilding, fingerstyle, 2021, gotoh

July 4, 2023/by Greg Sipes

Brand New Tad Brown CC Gold, Red Maple/Adirondack Spruce

Archtop Guitars, Electric, Guitars, Instruments Brown, Tad

Folks get ready! We have another CC Gold Archtop from Tad Brown that’s an absolute beast. This beauty features Old Growth Adirondack Spruce, Red Maple, and African Blackwood. The pickup is an authentic reproduction of the original 1930’s Gibson Charlie Christian pickup. Nearly all modern reproductions are substituting with compact alnico magnets for convenience, however this one notably features the real deal genuine full size cobalt steel magnets, made by CC Pickups in the UK. Jazz guitarist Sean McGowan plays a Brown CC Gold as well.

Other keywords: andy jurik, duane simpson, fingerstyle, jazz box

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Casimi C2.S, Wenge/Alpine Moonspruce

12 Fret, Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Casimi Guitars

A true one-of-a-kind, bespoke piece of functional art. Thank you, Matthias and Matthew of Casimi Guitars—this C2S is perfection. Straight-grained Wenge back and sides pair up with Alpine Moonspruce, their signature 12 fret design plus deep cutaway, and the gorgeous hollowed headstock design. Visually, the rosette is animated with a colorful array of hummingbirds African sunbirds, and Cape King Protea flowers.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, bespoke guitar, 2021, 0.36, moon spruce, hoffee

July 4, 2023/by Logan Wells

Brand New Preston Thompson DBA-45, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Preston Thompson Guitars

Brand new and raring to go! This Preston Thompson DBA-45 is as beautiful to the eyes as it is to the ears, and plays handsomely to boot. Lovely, chocolate-dark Brazilian Rosewood body with Adirondack Spruce on top, Mahogany neck plus 1 3/4” nut, and stunning 45-style appointments throughout. That’s over 240” of Abalone on the top, back, and sides! These elements take a tremendous amount of time and skill to make come together at such a high level of quality. To date, the Preston Thompson team has only made five other 45-style guitars before this one, so this is very special to say the least. It’s is what a Bluegrass cannon should be: powerful, articulate, and rewarding.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, flatpicking, bluegrass, dreadnaught, preston thompson guitars, pkt guitars, oregon, blue grass, flatpicker, 1867, allen shadd

July 4, 2023/by

2016 Olson JT Clone, Brazilian Rosewood/Cedar

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Olson, James

Absolutely gorgeous. Here we’ve landed a 2016 Olson James Taylor Clone—upgraded with premium Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and amber-dark Cedar top. The initial run of the James Taylor signature model was so popular that Jim has built several Clones over the years, and we’re so excited to have managed to get this recent build in.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, james olson, james taylor, 5-ply, fingerpicking, 25.4, 1516

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Applegate FS/H, Quilted Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Applegate, Brian

Rather than just make a gorgeous guitar for his 200th, Brian Applegate decided to lean into the spirit of experimentation and design with this FS/H hybrid model. With an arched back paired to a flat top, the body has more air to move without necessarily being a bigger guitar, so playability remains easy and familiar, and there’s still the crispness and attack we associate with a flattop design to round out the voice. Brian opted for Quilted Mahogany for the back and sides, pairing up with Adirondack Spruce on top for added stiffness and power, plus his classic five-ply neck in slim profile for stability and easy playing. A geometric rosette and Brazilian Rosewood bridge, plus Macassar Ebony fretboard, offer a tasteful and elegantly understated aesthetic.

Other keywords: guitarbuilding, lutherie, fingerstyle, 200, 2021, ameritage, adriondack, waverly

July 4, 2023/by

2007 Overton Dreadnought, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Overton, Dennis

Built in 2007 and ready for action! We’ve landed a gorgeous example of Dennis Overton’s work with this Dreadnought dressed up in Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce and bespoke candle inlay at the headstock. Overton worked with the one and only John Arnold for years, and it’s easy to so the influence of John’s traditional methods on Overton’s builds. Here the Brazilian is a surprisingly light colored set, and is set off with Ivoroid bindings that pair up nicely with the tight-grain Ady top. We’ve gone over this one tuners to tail and are happy to give it a clean bill of health. And we’ll be even happier to give it a new home! Give us a shout.

Other keywords: dreadnaught, bluegrass, blue grass, cannon, flatpick, adriondack, brazilain

July 4, 2023/by

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1988 Stelling Staghorn, Tony Pass Lost Timber Rim

1992 Olson SJ, Single Owner, Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

1995 Collings D3BaaaA, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

2021 Pepe Romero Jr. Concert Classical, African Rosewood/Spruce

2020 Delarue Concert Classical, Indian Rosewood/Spruce

1999 Martin D-45SS Stephen Stills, Brazilian Rosewood/Alpine Spruce

2021 Eastman Cabaret, Maple/Spruce

2010 Olson SJ, Indian Rosewood/Engelmann Spruce

2020 Froggy Bottom R14 50th Anniversary Limited, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

1989 Richard Schneider Kasha Classical, Redwood Top & Back, Brazilian Rosewood Sides

1997 Olson SJ Cutaway, East Indian Rosewood/Cedar

Brand New Kazourian The Petite, All-Koa

2007 McPherson MG 4.5XP, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

Brand New Buendia OM Cutaway, African Blackwood/Swiss Alpine Moonspruce

2017 Guild D-55 Antique Burst, Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

Brand New Wilborn Nautilus, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

2013 Charis SJ, Cocobolo/Cedar

Brand New Kazourian Orkestra Model, Honduran Rosewood/Yellow Cedar

Brand New Tad Brown CC Gold, Red Maple/Adirondack Spruce

Brand New Casimi C2.S, Wenge/Alpine Moonspruce

Brand New Preston Thompson DBA-45, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

2016 Olson JT Clone, Brazilian Rosewood/Cedar

Brand New Applegate FS/H, Quilted Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce

2007 Overton Dreadnought, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

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