We don’t know how such a treat landed in our laps, but we’re more than excited to have this like-new 2016 Traugott R in the shop! Jeff’s chops have been razor sharp for years now, but this 2016 R tells us he’s continued to hone that edge even further.

You’d hardly believe this was made just a few months ago: the voice is articulate as a professional linguist, with projection that defies state lines, and a clarity across the registers and between each and every note like internally flawless diamond. Playing this guitar will make you want to shout! Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce, Jeff’s trademark understated aesthetics, a smooth C-profile neck, gold Gotoh 510s, all wrapped up in a Mainstage flight case too.

There’s a magical sweet spot in the upper middle register where the notes have an extra dimensionality to them that envelopes your ear. The voice, friends, will mesmerize you. And again, this Traugott is like new! Woah, indeed.

If this 2012 Traugott R were a flower, it’d be in full bloom. The voice has clarity and openness in spades; the kind of string-to-string separation to breathe new color into each chord; a response at once swift and easy. This model R demonstrates why Jeff Traugott’s guitars are so revered. Jeff’s understated aesthetic is a perfect complement to the voice: the interplay of curve and contour, like that of the bass fundamental and treble overtones, is precisely executed and flows organically.

At a glance, the Brazilian-and-German–Spruce Traugott looks so natural as to have always been there, cradled in your hands. In the bass, trebles, and everywhere in between the voice flows from the soundhole as easy as breathing. Some great guitars have a big, flashy personality–this Traugott R achieves as much, if not more, in a refined package that belies an elegantly open voice underneath.

Jeff Traugott’s work is highly sought after, and for a good reason: his guitars are singularly powerful and dynamic. The sonic expanses you can travel in this 2008 Traugott R, for example, are almost limitless. Startlingly straight-grained Brazilian Rosewood back and sides are strong, well-balanced, capable of projecting the clean dryness of the German Spruce top right out into the airwaves. Traugott’s attention to detail is spot-on: the Brazilian Rosewood rosette is perfectly installed, and the fit and finish over Ebony bindings and Brazilian Rosewood headplate is flawless.

The curves of his larger-than-OM body are reminiscent of the surf at high tide: a swooping dip between the upper and lower bouts’ shoulders. This curvaceous body generates a dry, thoughtful tone, and the pianistic separation that fingerstylists cherish. Responsive across all registers, the lower and middle range has, in particular, lots of body, such that simply tuning down to Drop D mellows the entire sound and has a tight, articulated presence that’s so hard to find in lowered tunings. This guitar comes with a Calton Flight Case.

Jeff Traugott has only made a few of his RJ Jumbo models. This exquisite Brazilian Rosewood and German Spruce Traugott is a full 17″ at the lower bout which means you get huge, warm, round bass to go with the trademark fat and juicy trebles that Jeff is known for. This guitar is remarkable, all of us here at the shop are making sure to enjoy it while it’s with us. It’s just remarkable to have a guitar with such a big voice that is completely clear, accurate and beautiful. There is nothing this one can’t do! Complete with a Calton Flight Case and a Baggs I-Beam pickup system.

This is as far as we know, the only Mahogany Guitar Jeff Traugott has ever built. It was a custom project that Jeff really got into. He was excited to try his hand with this classic wood and did it ever work. This BK, Jeff’s largest body size, really has a cavernous voice with wonderful projection. The bass has the woody and clear Mahogany character and the treble fire as quick as a bullet. All of the Traugott clarity and richness are present but the Mahogany is more immediate and responsive. Great guitar for the player who want the Traugott character but maybe plays more Blues or other styles where quick response is key. A terrific guitar. From Jeff Traugott: “I don’t usually comment on my guitars but with this instrument I felt compelled to say a few words. I love this guitar and wanted to keep it when it was completed! This will be the guitar I make for myself when time allows. There is something very special about it, give it a try, it is calling out to be played and believe me when I say, it won’t let you down whatever your style! Lastly, I don’t have any price difference for woods when ordering a Traugott guitar so the price makes this really worth checking out! Thanks, Jeff Traugott“

I remember seeing William Coulter playing this Traugott BK Guitar on stage the first time and being mesmerized but the extraordinary clarity and beauty of the tone of this Traugott BK. William recorded numerous albums with it including Celtic Sessions, The Crooked Road and Song for our Ancestors. Jeff Traugott crafted this stunning instrument for William using premium figured Koa and his trademark German Spruce top which he voiced to perfection. After years in the hands of a master player like William, this guitar is extremely alive and responsive. It has amazing clarity and articulation and a wonderful history that makes it a very special Traugott guitar.