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2014 Perry Concert Classical, Indian Rosewood/European Spruce

Canadian luthier Daryl Perry is a modern master of the Classical Guitar—this number from 2014 is the proof in the pudding. Indian Rosewood body with European Spruce on top, French Polish throughout for maximum resonance, and outfitted with gorgeous Alessi tuners at the head. 650mm scale with 52mm nut, and a slim build weight just over three pounds, makes for an effortless playing experience. The voice is sweet, rich, and oh so enticing. Smoothly balanced across the registers, with a gorgeous dynamic range. Such a lovely mixture of elegance and power.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, andy jurik, fingersytle, 195, french polish

July 4, 2023/by

2010 Sheppard Grand Concert Minstrel, Amazon Rosewood/Caucasian Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Sheppard, Gerald

We love this one. A controlled, balanced, and articulate voice paired with a wider nut for fingerstyle play and some ergonomic features to maximize player comfort. Our 2010 Grand Concert Minstrel from Gerald Sheppard is hands down a gorgeous guitar on every level. Amazon Rosewood body with Caucasian Spruce on top, dual arm and rib bevels (plus a bevelled cutaway), and the aforementioned 1 13/16” nut all come together in an easy-playing, expressive package. There’s also a soundport! And Fossilized Walrus Ivory nut & saddle. Gerald built this as a deep body variation on his standard GC, and the added depth gives a darkness and power to the bottom end that we especially enjoy in dropped tunings.

Wanna hear it flatpicked? (Hint, it sounds great with a pick!) Here’s our own Allen Shadd with the Sheppard GC: https://youtu.be/HSm380PjLFU

Other keywords: gerald sheppard, shepard, sheppard guitars, fingerpicking, amazonian rosewood, cedar creek, 9650

July 4, 2023/by Greg Sipes

Brand New Indian Hill/Michael Kennedy GC, Tamarindo/Lutz Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Michael Kennedy Guitars

Our latest Indian Hill GC comes with a few creature comforts to set it apart—and a gorgeously balanced and expressive voice to match. Figured Tamarindo back and sides pair up with Lutz Spruce on top, plus venetian cutaway for playability (and micro beveled bindings throughout for smooth contact with your body), and a soundport at the upper bout for a little extra “me in the monitor.” The satin neck feels effortless in-hand, and the GC body is big enough to handle a wide range of attacks with aplomb. Michael Kennedy also built this beauty with a wooden tornavoz inside the soundhole, which to our ears enhances the bass response and gives the voice a lovely touch of darkness and color in the mids.

Here’s an additional performance video with our Billy Presnell on this instrument: https://youtu.be/Zh9chD67ymQ

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, canadian, fingerpicking, alternate tunings, gotoh, 45, 2021, tamarand

July 4, 2023/by KIM (not Walker)

2020 Ryan Paradiso Grand Concert, Mahogany/Engelmann Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Ryan, Kevin

A nearly new Ryan Paradiso, get it before it’s gone! This lovely number comes to us from 2020 with lightweight Mahogany body and Engelmann Spruce on top, plus Kevin’s full suite of Design Innovations to meet the needs of virtually any guitar player. The GC body has a heavily arched back for added resonance and projection without being a big guitar (the lower bout is only 15 1/4” across), and the addition of the bevel with acoustic flutes and florentine cutaway make for an effortless playing experience to boot. The voice is glassy and clear, with sweet trebles pairing with a juicy, juicy midrange. It’s a fingerstyle powerhouse that’s equally at home with picks and strumming.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, Kevin ryan guitar, 1032, fingerpicking, modern guitar, calton, gc

July 4, 2023/by

2010 M.J. Franks Legacy Dreadnought, Indian Rosewood/German Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars MJ Franks Guitars

A lovely number that’s ready for action! Check out this 2010 M.J. Franks Legacy Dreadnought if you’re looking for a Bluegrass powerhouse that’s sensitive enough for a light touch as easily as an aggressive attack. Indian Rosewood body with German Spruce on top, Waverly tuners, and a gorgeous piece of flair with a Brazilian Rosewood headplate—this Legacy D model is a classic beauty. The voice has great balance across the registers, with the lively, opened up quality that only comes after several years of music, which this M.J. Franks certainly has had. Well cared for and rocking an easy setup to boot!

Click here for a recording with our own Nick Dauphinais!

Other keywords: mj franks, dreadnaught, flatpicking, 10-111, tkl

July 4, 2023/by

2020 Marco Bortolozzo Torres, Maple/Italian Spruce

Classical Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Nylon String Guitars Bortolozzo, Marco

We’ve landed a 2020 Torres Model from Italy’s Marco Bortolozzo that’s an astonishing piece of work. Weighs in at 2lbs 10oz, has a crisp, lively string energy, and features some gorgeous tonewoods to boot. Figured Maple sides plus four-piece back, Italian Spruce on top, and Spanish Cedar neck. Ziricote bindings pair up handsomely with the Ziricote bridge and fretboard. Shellac finish throughout for maximum resonance.

Other keywords: andy jurik, fingerstyle, nylon string, torris, hiscox, 79

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Ivanov Snow Parlor 00, Flamed Maple/Moonspruce

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

Such a powerhouse! The Snow Parlor model from Dontcho Ivanov continues to knock our socks off every. single. time. And here we’ve got a brand new beauty from 2021 that’s raring to go. This is the slightly larger 00 version, so there’s more power and punchy flavor to be had, with a smooth, round quality to the trebles that stands out. Fit and finish is flawless, and this study in white is sharply dressed with tight figure from tuners to tail. Moonspruce top and European Maple body, plus Flamed Maple bindings, as well as neck, as well as bridge—you get the picture. And what a pretty picture it is, for both eyes and ears. Snag this one before it’s gone!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, woodworking, guitarbuilding, fingerstyle, fingerpicking, parlour, 0, 00, canadian, visesnut, 34

July 4, 2023/by

2006 Manzer Crossover, Indian Rosewood/Cedar

Crossover Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Nylon String Guitars Manzer

A special treat if ever we saw one. Here we’ve landed a lovely Manzer Crossover from 2006 that’s opened up handsomely with Indian Rosewood and Cedar and is ready for more action. Crossovers are the perfect choice for the steel string player who wants to expand their tonal horizons and master a new kind of play feel with nylon strings, but with the creature comforts of a steel string guitar to make it easy to play and, frankly, more fun. Here of course Linda used her patented Manzer Wedge body design to tilt the guitar top up and back a touch towards the player, and added a cutaway for upper fret access. Then there’s a radiused fretboard and pickup + mic internal electronics. This one’s set up for just about every genre you throw at it.

Other keywords: pat methany, x over, cross over, 10319, fingerstyle, modern guitar, al petteway, andy jurik

July 4, 2023/by

Brand New Mendel Octave Mandolin, Katalox/Sitka Spruce

Bouzoukis, Instruments, Mandolins, Octave Mandolins, Other Instruments Mendel, Joe

Here’s something we don’t see every day! Our friend and fine luthier Joe Mendel has brought us a punchy and powerful flattop-style octave mandolin upgraded with a multiscale fretboard for easy lefthand work. Combined with the guitar-style body’s smooth waist, this makes for a very comfortable playing experience—no more fighting to keep the neck up like you’d have to with a traditional mandolin-shaped design! Joe outfitted this beauty with EVO frets, Katalox back and sides, plus Sitka Spruce on top, and Curly Maple bindings throughout.

Other keywords: al petteway, mandalin, octo, fan fret, multi scale, multi-scale, flat top, flat-top, mendel stringed instruments, 017097

July 4, 2023/by

2014 PRS Hollowbody II, Mahogany/Maple

Electric Guitars, Guitars, Hollow Body, Instruments Paul Reed Smith

Well cared for PRS Hollowbody II, anyone? Here’s a lovely example of PRS’s handiwork from 2014 that’s raring to go. Mahogany body with Figured Maple top, 57/08TM pickups, and their awesome piezo-magnetic electronics. Abalone dove inlays on a 25.4” scale setup, 1 11/16” nut, and slim hollowbody play weight under six pounds.

other keywords: prs guitars, duane simpson, bespoke guitar, 207285,

July 4, 2023/by

1969 Martin D-35, Brazilian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars, Vintage Martin Guitars

1969 was the last year for Martin to use Brazilian Rosewood on stock models, yet this D-35 doesn’t suffer for a bottom of the barrel set. The three-piece back has a mixture of lovely figure and straight grain, and pairs up with Sitka Spruce on top and a wide open voice. Our repair staff has gone over this one tuners to tail, including a fresh neck reset, and it’s playing like a well-oiled dream.
Looking for a crisp and clear, powerful D-35 in Brazilian Rosewood? Vintage voice and a brand new setup? Step right up, you’ve arrived.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, c.f. martin, martin guitars, 35 style, dreadnaught, dread, 247300

July 4, 2023/by

2020 Wilborn Nautilus, Brazilian Rosewood/Tunnel 14 Redwood

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

A nearly new Nautilus from our own Ben Wilborn of Reno, Nevada! We’ve loved his guitars for years now; he’s always hard at work pushing the envelope—and these new Comma Series builds are just incredible. This Nautilus comes to us from 2020 with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Tunnel 14 Redwood on top, and his understated 25.4-25” multiscale setup and offset “3-D” soundhole. Fit and finish is, as always, glass smooth and flawless throughout. “Glassy” is also how we’d describe the voice: glassy and smooth across the range with delicious definition.

Other keywords: 168, brazilain, tunnel 13, red wood, fingerstyle, offset soundhole, multi scale, multi-scale, fan fret, fanned fret, fan-fret, visesnut

July 4, 2023/by

2012 MTD 435, Mahogany/Maple

Basses, Electric Bass, Guitars, Instruments, Other Instruments MTD

We’re calling this one the toothache bass: it makes all your teeth rattle when you crank it up. A lovely example of the MTD 435, this one from 2012 is well-cared for and ready for more action. Mahogany body with a dramatically figured Maple top, 35” scale in a 4-string configuration (hence the 435 model designation); Bartolini custom pickups and preamps with bass-mid-treble pots and more.

Other keywords: lutherie, michael tobias design, greg sipes, bass guitar, 905

July 4, 2023/by

2014 Paul McGill Super Ace Crossover, Flame Maple/Lutz Spruce

Crossover Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Nylon String Guitars McGill, Paul

Paul McGill is a household name in Nashville’s session scene, and the reason is crossover masterpieces like this Super Ace from 2014. Figured Maple back and sides with Lutz Spruce on top, radiused fretboard and cutaway, plus Paul’s custom onboard preamp and Graphtech saddle pickup system—and that’s just the start. The setup is effortless on this beauty, and with a longer, 25 3/4” scale, the voice is crisp, expressive, and very energetic. Equally at home with a Classical repertoire, Jazz, Blues, or any other genre you want to throw it into. Additionally, there’s a soundport in the upper bout to give the player a little more “me in the monitor,” and a sloping venetian cutaway for unencumbered access to those uppermost frets. Cocobolo bindings throughout (as well as the bridge and headstock veneer) really set of the amber palette of the Maple and Lutz.

Other keywords: andy jurik, fingerstyle, nylon-string cross over, xover, luts spruce, 1049, graphteck

July 4, 2023/by

2012 Froggy Bottom H14 Deluxe, Madagascar Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

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

A wide open crooner from Vermont’s Froggy Bottom Guitars—built in 2012 and ready for more action! The H14 Deluxe is the Froggy grand concert model, here tricked out with Curly Maple bindings, a heelcap featuring a scrimshaw tall ship, and diamonds & squares along the fretboard. The voice is wide awake and a lovely mix of warmth and power, a natural result from combining Madagascar Rosewood back and sides (premium set, quarter sawn and arrow-straight) with Adirondack Spruce on top. Setup is smooth and glassy to boot, and the addition of a venetian cutaway gives the player easy access to even those dusty top frets.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, michael millard, fingerpicking, guitar, adriondack, waverly, tkl avs, h1618

July 4, 2023/by

1996 Somogyi Thin Modified Dreadnought, Indian Rosewood/European Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Multiscale, Steel String Guitars Somogyi, Ervin

Take the legendary California Guitar Trio, pair them with Ervin Somogyi, and the results are stunning. Hideyo Moriya of CGT worked with Ervin in 1996 to build this Thin Modified Dreadnought as the ultimate performing guitar, rigged out with a 26-25.125” multiscale fretboard, florentine cutaway, and a thin body design that was further enhanced with a Manzer-style body wedge. The result is a featherweight Somogyi that is equally at home for picks, fingertips, standard tuning, NST, DADGAD, you name it. Straight-grain Indian Rosewood body pairs with European Spruce top and one of Ervin’s famous segmented rosette. Recently, Hideyo had Ray Kraut (appropriate as one of Ervin’s former apprentices) refinish this beauty and remove the original pickup system, making it all acoustic. Hideyo put so much time into this guitar, a refinish was very due! Now it looks gorgeous and ready for more action. Additionally, Ray also converted the previous pickup’s side-mounted preamp into a squared up soundport, giving the player a little more “me in the monitor.” Wrapped up in the original Calton case, itself very familiar with the road but in perfect working order, this 1996 Somogyi Thin Modified Dreadnought is safe and sound. Interested? Give us a shout!

Other keywords: 172, fingerstyle, new standard tuning, fan fret, multi-scale, multi scale, flight case, fingerpicking, lutherie

July 4, 2023/by

2004 Jersey Girl Gauche, Mahogany/Maple

Electric Guitars, Guitars, Instruments, Solid Body Jersey Girl

We’ve landed a gorgeous solidbody Gauche model from Japanese builders Jersey Girl that’s set up butter smooth and ready for action. This lovely number from 2004, titled “Mask,” has a Figured Maple top over Mahogany body, with Maple pickup covers and knobs, plus a light-chocolate Rosewood fingerboard, delightfully Figured Maple neck, and gold locking Gotoh tuners to match up with a gold Wilkinson tremolo. 25 inch scale feels lovely and responsive under your fingertips with just enough give to keep bends easy.

Other keywords: duane simpson, solid body, trem, gauch, lutherie

July 4, 2023/by

2019 Lowden F-35, Macassar Ebony/Sinker Redwood

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Lowden Guitars

George Lowden’s F body does it all, and does so exceedingly well. Here paired with AAAA Ebony back and sides and AAAA Sinker Redwood on top and Tasmanian Blackwood bindings/bevel, the resulting voice combines a punchy bottom end with warm mids and smooth trebles that cut nicely through the mix. The GL Standard neck profile feels full in hand with a generous C-shaped profile, and this beauty has a silk-smooth setup that feels effortless.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, fingerpicking, tonewood, 23624, macassar, crelicam, f35, fingerstyle, ameritage

July 4, 2023/by

2003 Collings D2H, Indian Rosewood/Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Collings Guitars

Powerhouse in the house! Here’s a bombshell 2003 Collings D2H that’s been played in for a rich, quick, lively voice. It’s an excellent example of just how much tone you can squeeze out of Rosewood and Spruce! Plus it’s outfitted with an under saddle Fishman pickup to carry you onto the stage, a 1 3/4” nut for comfortable lefthand work, and a Cedar Creek case to keep it safe on those rare occasions you aren’t playing it.

Other keywords: bill collings, flatpicking, bluegrass, lutherie, luthier, collings guitars, 8498

July 4, 2023/by

2007 McCollum Slope Dreadnought, Sapele/Adirondack Spruce

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars McCollum

The late, great Lance McCollum has left us with an impressive body of work from terz guitars to double necks, harp guitars to wonderful flattops like this Slope D from 2007 in Sapele and Adirondack Spruce. Build weight is a slim 4lbs 4oz, which makes for an easy playing experience, and Lance outfitted this number with a slim neck profile and slotted headstock veneered with more gorgeously figured Sapele, plus gold Gotoh tuners. Scale length is 25 3/4” for added tension, pop, and power—all of which this McCollum has in spades—and a 1 13/16” nut for a little extra lefthand room. Herringbone trim throughout, plus Maple bindings to contrast with the Sapele and Ady.

Other keywords: 312, lutherie, luthier, slope dreadnought, slope shoulder, allen shadd, flatpick, bluegrass, sapale, tonewood, adriondack

July 4, 2023/by Greg Sipes

2015 Huss & Dalton MJ Custom, Flame Mahogany/Bearclaw Sitka

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Huss & Dalton

The must be doing something right over there in Staunton, Virginia. The Huss & Dalton team knocks it out of the park with this 2015 MJ Custom, dressed to the nines with a tuxedo-dark aesthetic. Flamed Mahogany body with Bearclaw Sitka on top, rope style appointments plus Koa bindings and pickguard—and rigged up with a K&K Pure Mini to boot. This big boy is actually a lightweight in hand at just under four pounds, and that translates into a lot of projection and power equally at home with flatpicks as fingertips.

Other keywords: fingerstyle, 4334, fingerpicking, tweed

July 4, 2023/by

2013 Bourgeois Aged Tone D, Brazilian Rosewood/AT Adirondack

Flattop, Guitars, Instruments, Steel String Guitars Bourgeois Guitars

A modern classic with prewar motifs: our 2013 Bourgeois Custom Aged Tone D. Upgraded with premium Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides and topped with a set of Dana’s finest Aged Tone torrefied Adirondack Spruce, this Dreadnought has a leg up over the competition right out of the gate. The voice is characterized by even response, a touch of extra sweetness in the mids, and enough projection under the hood to keep other players at a safe distance. Classic appointments include herringbone trim and a squared of headstock, plus Ivoroid bindings and a traditional-style belly bridge. Hide glue construction, plus a varnish finish, tie it all together, literally. And to boot, the neck is finished in satin for a lovely play feel.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, maine, bourgois, fingerstyle, 006410, waverly

July 4, 2023/by

2013 Martin 00-28VS Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

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

Martin’s 00-28VS Vintage Series, ready for action! This powerhouse little number from 2013 is wide awake and as easy on the hands as it is the ears. 12 frets to the body with Sitka Spruce over Indian Rosewood, herringbone trim throughout, and a scalloped bracing pattern to maximize this 00 top’s real estate for a warm, balanced, expressive voice.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, c.f. martin, martin guitars, 1717921, oo, adriondack, slot head, slotted headstock, tkl

July 4, 2023/by

2018 Martin 00-12 Custom Shop, European Maple/Adirondack Spruce

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

The fine folks at Martin’s Custom Shop have done us all a solid with this beauty from 2018. 00-12 package with Flamed European Maple back and sides, Adirondack Spruce on top, Waverly tuners, and Rosewood appointments for added class. And the voice is a delight! Crisp and quick, with a touch of warmth in the upper mids that’s particularly sweet. Effortless setup to boot, plus a comfy 1 13/16” nut for a luxurious lefthand experience.

Click here to hear a demo with our own Logan Wells!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, c.f. martin, martin guitars, 2184599, oo, adriondack, slot head, slotted headstock, tkl

July 4, 2023/by

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2014 Perry Concert Classical, Indian Rosewood/European Spruce

2010 Sheppard Grand Concert Minstrel, Amazon Rosewood/Caucasian Spruce

Brand New Indian Hill/Michael Kennedy GC, Tamarindo/Lutz Spruce

2020 Ryan Paradiso Grand Concert, Mahogany/Engelmann Spruce

2010 M.J. Franks Legacy Dreadnought, Indian Rosewood/German Spruce

2020 Marco Bortolozzo Torres, Maple/Italian Spruce

Brand New Ivanov Snow Parlor 00, Flamed Maple/Moonspruce

2006 Manzer Crossover, Indian Rosewood/Cedar

Brand New Mendel Octave Mandolin, Katalox/Sitka Spruce

2014 PRS Hollowbody II, Mahogany/Maple

1969 Martin D-35, Brazilian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

2020 Wilborn Nautilus, Brazilian Rosewood/Tunnel 14 Redwood

2012 MTD 435, Mahogany/Maple

2014 Paul McGill Super Ace Crossover, Flame Maple/Lutz Spruce

2012 Froggy Bottom H14 Deluxe, Madagascar Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

1996 Somogyi Thin Modified Dreadnought, Indian Rosewood/European Spruce

2004 Jersey Girl Gauche, Mahogany/Maple

2019 Lowden F-35, Macassar Ebony/Sinker Redwood

2003 Collings D2H, Indian Rosewood/Spruce

2007 McCollum Slope Dreadnought, Sapele/Adirondack Spruce

2015 Huss & Dalton MJ Custom, Flame Mahogany/Bearclaw Sitka

2013 Bourgeois Aged Tone D, Brazilian Rosewood/AT Adirondack

2013 Martin 00-28VS Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

2018 Martin 00-12 Custom Shop, European Maple/Adirondack Spruce

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