Ryohei Echizen is an exceptionally talented new builder from Yamanashi, Japan, who recently completed an apprenticeship with famed Canadian Master Luthier, Sergei de Jonge. Sergei obviously taught him well, because this gorgeous R1 cutaway model in Bearclaw European Spruce and stunning Ziricote is superb in every way. His attention to detail and level of craftsmanship are off the charts, and belies the length of his young career. This guitar truly checks all the boxes with several custom options such as an elevated fingerboard, soundport, arm bevel and ribrest, and flush cutaway. Upon even closer inspection, we’re treated to fine standard touches rarely found on many instruments, such as hemispherical fret ends, french polish finish, and durable Evo gold fret wire. What’s more, Ryohei has put even more energy into nailing down a remarkable voice in this guitar, with a beautifully balanced response across the strings, that’s rich in sparkling overtones and tight bass response. A perfect fingerstyle guitar that’s sure to go up in value.

Rob Ehlers has left behind a handsome body of work, and we’re proud to offer this primo Model 15 from 2002. Brick-red Brazilian Rosewood back and sides here paired with an amber German Spruce top and Abalone appointments, an L.R. Baggs Anthem SL pickup system, and a sweetly opened up and dynamic voice. We found this Ehlers Model 15 to hold up well for both flatpicking and fingerstyle work; even keeled and well balanced from bass to treble, fret one to 20. Under closer scrutiny, the details help make this guitar shine. The bridge is a laminate of Rosewood and Ebony, Rob used richly colored Abalone for trim and rosette—the heelcap is the same striking Brazilian Rosewood as the back and sides.

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We love getting unique pieces in like this 2006  prototype model from the late, great Rob Ehlers. 16 inches across the lower bout makes this a full-grown guitar, and the voice has matured nicely over the past decade or so. Claro Walnut back and sides are paired with master grade Adirondack Spruce on top and a chunky, soft V neck.

With the added space of its lower bout, this Ehlers prototype has a big bass response that’s anything but boomy. We found fingerstyle and flatpicking both worked equally well, which isn’t something we find too often. Rob’s attention to detail is something to see. Fit and finish is excellent, right down to the micro ledge routed along the perimeter of the bridge. That’s the kind of painstaking detail we love: tasteful, well-executed, not distracting. The instrument is in incredible shape, especially when you consider its age.

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Here’s a beautiful Eichelbaum OM. It has all the grace you’d expect in a small-bodied guitar, but enough authority for days when you’re not in a mood to take prisoners. The Madagascar sides and back display beautiful reddish hues, the German spruce top provides a wonderful contrast. While this is a great all-round guitar that any player would enjoy, fingerstylists will fall in love straight away.

We were just marveling at the consistency of these Eichelbaum’s, and here’s another fine instrument from David’s shop. Once again he strikes a wonderful balance between classically elegant aesthetics, first-rate playability, and a large but well balanced sound. You could play just about any style on this guitar and its lovely quartersawn Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack red spruce would give you something nice in return.

Looking for that small body sweetheart guitar that you just can’t put down? Maybe a songwriting partner or just an ultra comfortable guitar with top notch tone? This Grand Parlor is for you. David Eichelbaum has a long wait for his instruments and it’s easy to see why. The quality and tone on this beautiful guitar are superb. The body is crafted from premium Madagascar Rosewood and Engelmann Spruce creating a warm rich tone rarely found in a guitar so easy to hold. This one comes complete with a Calton flight case and is offered at a terrific savings.