New York by way of Armenia luthier Manouk Papazian was well known for not only his classicals, but also his lutes and cellos, even violins. It takes a special builder to be able to coax good tone out of so many different shapes. This Classical comes to us from 1970 and is in great playing shape, featuring Brazilian Rosewood back and sides plus Spruce top and a 650mm scale.
Other keywords: andy jurik, fingerstyle, nylon string, brazilain,
Here we’ve landed a Henderson Dreadnought from 2019 that’s already got lots of play time under its belt and is wide, wide awake. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with gorgeous ink lines, Red Spruce top, and 28-style appointments throughout, as well as Wayne’s fiddle-style headstock profile. Nickel Waverly tuners with black pearl buttons; 1 3/4″ nut and soft V profile; custom tortoise-style pickguard completes the portrait of a Wayne Henderson powerhouse. The voice is exceedingly smooth and balanced.
Other keywords: henderson guitar, dreadnaught, allen shadd, bluegrass
Here we have a classic SG from Gibson Guitars. Solid 1970s vibe with mini humbuckers, currently set up for slide. Blues-Rock Dream!
Other keywords: 1970s, duane simpson, electric guitar,
Only the finest materials for Kevin Ryan’s Signature Series guitars. This 2011 Abbey Grand Parlor is the proof in the pudding: flawlessly constructed, gorgeous from tuners to tail, and boasting heirloom tonewoods. African Blackwood back and sides plus SInker Redwood top, set off by Kevin’s “diamente” appointments, plus squared off Arts and Crafts headstock and bridge. Arm bevel with acoustic flutes; venetian cutaway; all wrapped in a custom Calton flight case.
Other keywords: fingestyle, fingerpicking, parlour, abw, 731.32.67
If this isn’t heaven, we don’t want to pass through the pearly gates. Gage Halland is one of the finest builders on the scene, and this our latest D-H model is resounding proof. A cool, balanced, articulate voice that the player can mold howsoever they choose, with focused trebles, round midrange, and expansive bass regiser. An exquisite modern fingerstyle instrument. The D-H body is Gage’s take on the Modified Dreadnought design, adding more air to the body and more complexity, volume, and headroom for expression. The back and sides are brick-red Cocobolo, one of only a few sets of Gage’s that he describes as “magic,” and on top we have a set of Moonspruce, plus arm and rib bevels. There’s even a palm bevel in lieu of a cutaway. Add to that a multiscale setup of 26.25-25.5″, as well as EVO frets and a Spalted rosette, and you’re looking at an heirloom instrument–at the beginning of its long life, and already so much guitar.
Other keywords: halland guitars, hoffee, fingerpicking, fan fret, multi-scale, multi scale, fanned fret, 025-22
This is simply one of the most sought after signature models that Martin has released to date: the Martin D-45SS Stephen Stills. The D-45SS boasts Alpine Spruce over premium Brazilian Rosewood, Stills’ signature inlaid at the fretboard extension, and the southern star inlaid at the pickguard. Elsewhere, this model is based on Stills’ 1939 Martin D-45, so here represented with the hexagonal 45 treatment along the fretboard, through-saddle belly bridge, and gold Waverly tuners. This one comes wrapped up in an upgraded, custom teal Calton flight case.
Other keywords: will saylor, dreadnaught, al petteway, csny, csn
Martin’s collaborations with Eric Clapton always yield premium results. And the pinnacle of their collaborations comes in the form of this 2000 000-42ECB. Gorgeous 42-style appointments, Engelmann Spruce top, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, and only 200 ever built. This is #142 of that exclusive run. Such a gorgeous example of Martin doing what they do best. This 000-42ECB has been further upgraded with a Carlos Juan “Eric” (naturally) pickup–which sound insanely good–and a teal Calton flight case.
Other keywords: signature guitar, brazilain, adriondack, 761974, fingerstyle, 42 style
It’s been a good year:, we just landed Linda Manzer’s 21st (of 30) Pat Metheny Signature 6 Limited Run from 2016. Set up with Indian Rosewood back and sides plus German Spruce top, as well as many of the ergonomic features Metheny uses on his own Manzers. There’s the namesake Manzer Wedge and Venetian Cutaway, and added to that we have a groove carved into the heel, coupled with a thumb rest on the bass side, to coax the player’s left hand just a smidge closer to those uppermost frets.
The inlays across the headstock and fretboard are matched with the orange Calton flight case, and each of these 30 guitars is inlaid in a pattern unique to this run. The inlays were executed in conjunction with master inlay artist Mark Kett. Further, Linda used Copper for the side dots, and inlaid a Diamond at the 7th fret dot to boot. Linda also collaborated with Tony Duggan-Smith for the final setup and fretwork on each. Additionally, #21 features a CP-1 “Eric” Carlos Juan pickup system.
Here’s a link to Manzer’s page where she describes the process: https://www.manzer.com/limited/
Other keywords: guitarbuilding, lutherie, luthier, jean larrivee, matheny, mathany, signature guitar, custom guitar, wedge body, tony mcmanus
Ah, such a delight. For his Signature Series, Kevin Ryan pulls out the stops to make the best possible instrument–and here we have one of the best possible 12 strings. Dramatic Brazilian Rosewood body plus Carpathian Spruce top, all of Kevin’s design innovations including the arm bevel with acoustic flutes. Extensive pearl trim throughout, even along the fingerboard and bridge–and then there are the exciting, dynamic crashing waves inlaid by Larry Robinson along the fingerboard. A work of art from two of the industry’s finest. We have the 6-string twin to this sweet dream as well, check it out here: Both were built in 2012, and come with McIntyre Feather pickups and custom Mainstage flight cases.
Other keywords: lutherie, ryan guitars, 757.212.68, fingerpicking, bespoke, brazilain, capathian,
Ah, such a delight. For his Signature Series, Kevin Ryan pulls out the stops to make the best possible instrument–and this 2012 Nightingale SS is precisely that. Dramatic Brazilian Rosewood body plus Carpathian Spruce top, all of Kevin’s design innovations including the arm bevel with acoustic flutes. Extensive pearl trim throughout, even along the fingerboard and bridge–and then there are the exciting, dynamic crashing waves inlaid by Larry Robinson along the fingerboard. A work of art from two of the industry’s finest. We have the 12-string twin to this sweet dream as well, check it out here: Both come with McIntyre Feather pickups and custom Mainstage flight cases.
Other keywords: lutherie, ryan guitars, 756.211.68, fingerpicking, bespoke, brazilain, capathian,
A premium example of Wayne Henderson’s handiwork, our 2021 000-42 with Brazilian Rosewood and Red Spruce. Gorgeously executed Abalone 42-style trim along the top and fingerboard extension; Grained Ivoroid bindings to transition from pale Appalachian Spruce on top to chocolate-dark (and -rich) Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. Snowflakes, diamonds, and squares along the fingerboard. The neck is slender and fast in hand, and an overall light build weight under four pounds puts this guitar like so many feathers in your hands. The voice is correspondingly energetic and clear.
Other keywords: brazilain, adriondack, 835, wc henderson, apalachian, 42 style
We lost Don Wilson too soon. He leaves behind a loving family, both in blood and in guitars, and a wealth of time spent with Wayne Henderson at his shop. This 2009 28-style OM is a great example of his handiwork in person: classic 28 style, complete with Herringbone top trim and Abalone snowflakes & diamonds, as well as Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and Red Spruce top. This beauty has been lovingly played in across the past decade and has opened up a ton as a result.
Other keywords: lutherie, dl wilson, guardian, adriondack, brazilain, brw
Take a page out of Ben Wilborn’s book, and you’ll be writing some fine prose indeed. His Comma Series flattops are exceptional modern builds, combining offset soundholes with multiscale necks, elevated fingerboards, arm bevels–the works. This 2021 Nautilus is precisely that! With Mahogany back and sides plus Sitka Spruce top and a florentine cutaway, 25.4-25″ multiscale setup, and Schertler tuners. This instrument is already wide awake and singing, and is in excellent condition. Looking for a contemporary design that really works? Here: our 2021 Wilborn Nautilus is the answer.
Other keywords: lutherie, wilborn guitars, fingerstyle, 196, visesnut
When it’s NAMM, you gotta pull out all the stops. And with The Tree, those are some pretty hefty stops. The Bourgeois team decided to go all in for this 2008 Winter NAMM special Country Boy Deluxe with Tree Mahogany back and sdies, Adirondack Spruce top, and an explosively powerful voice. Excellent note separation and clarity, with a top end that’s crisp to cut through the mix, and an energetic midrange and bottom end to fill it out. Premium condition, ready for more action, number eight of only eight.
Other keywords: dana bourgeois, dreadnaught, will saylor, 004491
In our experience, it’s difficult for a builder to thread the needle and build both nylon string and steel string guitars with equal skill. Mario Beauregard, for one, manages to make it look easy: this nylon string crossover is just as resonant and responsive as his steels. This beauty comes to us from 2008 with a carved Indian Rosewood back—similar to what John Buscarino does with his Cabaret crossovers—and a Cedar top with an elevated fingerboard and bent top profile in the upper bout to allow for easier access to the entire fingerboard, all the way to the 20th fret extension. With a slightly radiused fretboard and cutaway, this Nylon Jazz crossover becomes effortlessly playable. The carved back design creates a bigger air cavity without making the instrument actually feel bigger, the result being added power, projection, and bass response. Coupled here with Cedar on top for warmth and sweetness. When you want to go electric, the installed K&K Pure Mini pickup can take you there with a wonderfully faithful amplification of the aforementioned qualities of sweetness and response. Alessi tuners and a carved headstock veneer, plus Koa rosette, complete the picture of a perfect crossover.
Here’s an additional demo for your enjoyment: https://youtu.be/IND9Jem_T5E.
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, fingerstyle, andy jurik, sn08, canada
Jim Merrill sure knows how to build them strong. This 2008 C-28 is a fantastic example of when a modern builder leans into traditional American forms: powerful, clear, excellent string energy, wide-open sound. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with Adirondack Spruce top, shade top finish and herringbone trim, plus diamonds and squares position markers rendered in MOP. The neck profile with a soft V carve feels full and comfortable in hand, and with a new bridge from our repair shop this beauty has a great set up and is ready for more action.
Othe keywords: lutherie, merrill guitars, brazilain, will saylor, adriondack, bluegrass, dreadnought, dreadnaught, d-28, 28-style
A piece of heaven from one of American lutherie’s greatest: this 2013 00-30 from T.J. Thompson. Brick-red Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with Adirondack Spruce top, a gorgeous tobacco sunburst, colorful marquetry trim and 12-fret neck; bespoke “flag” bridge and banjo tuners–a work of functional art. In true T.J. fashion, the unbound fingerboard utlizes bar frets, and the overall weight comes in right at four pounds. The finish has been removed from the back of the neck for an instantly familiar feel. This T.J. Thompson 00-30 is an heirloom instrument, the centerpiece of your lifetime collection.
Check out this additional video with the wonderful Mary Flower playing this TJ Thompson 00-30!: https://youtu.be/53wX0oWgUO8
Other keyword: lutherie, tj thompson, brazilain, adriondack
The sweets are rich indeed, with a piece of lutherie like this 2022 Traphagen Double Top. Honduran Rosewood back and sides with an Alpine Spruce/Cedar double top, elevated fingerbard and 650mm scale. Small soundport at the upper bout, 12-hole tieblock, side dots at the 7th fret, and gold Sloane tuners.
Other keywords: fingerstyle, concert classical, nuevo mundo, andy jurik
C.F. Holcomb’s Kodiak resonator is juuust about perfect. This all-Claro Walnut beauty plays like glass, sings smooth and clear, and even comes with a Righteous Sounds humbucker to carry you into amplified territory with ease. Additional appointments include EVO frets, Beard spidercone bridge, and brass hardware. Including the metal plate with his logo on the headstock! Each and every detail executed with an expert’s hand.
Other keywords: lutherie, k22055, resanotor, petteway, fingerstyle, slide
The Santa Cruz 1934 OMG combines old world specs with modern design and playability. The results are fantastic on this 2020 build. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with old growth Adirondack Spruce top, extensive Abalone 42-style top trim, and a Flamed Mahogany neck with their low profile carve. The heelcap is a custom number with Brazilian Rosewood and an Abalone heart inlay. Gotoh tuners add a touch of modernity, ditto for the L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup, and this beauty comes wrapped up in a custom splatter paint job Calton flight case.
Other keywords: lutherie, scgc, fingerstyle, brazilain, adriondack, 335
Keisuke Fujii brings another masterpiece to the table with this brand new OM-CW model. Caucasian Spruce top over Keyaki (Japanese Zelkova) back and sides, dressed with an eye for curve and line and contour that astounds; each detail executed flawlessly. The world needs more guitars like this one. Soft V profile on the neck, with a satin finish that feels like feathers in your hands; gold EVO frets; carved bridge and headstock contours.
Other keywords: lutherie, fingerstyle, 2023150
A dream machine if ever we’ve seen. Our latest Musser build is a powerful SJ in the spirit of Gibson’s slope shoulder, but here with Don’s own aesthetic touches, and of course premium tonewoods. The back and sides are figured The Tree Mahogany, with a Colorado Engelmann Spruce top. Spanish Cedar neck plus Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and bridge (ditto for the headstock veneer, bindings, and heelcap + end graft). The voice works for just about everything, from fingers to picks, and does so with a crisp and well defined and balanced response.
Other keywords: fingerstyle, small jumbo, 366, dreadnaught, allen shadd, al petteway
Here we’ve got the Preston Thompson team firing on all cylinders. This 2022 DSBA is a force to be reckoned with, stocked with premium Shipwreck Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce, a light burst top, 42-style Abalone trim, and Ivoroid pickguard to stand out from the crowd. Their take on the classic diamonds & squares position markers is a modern, understated aesthetic–gorgeous–and pairs up nicely with the silvery headstock inlays.
Other keywords: dreadnaught, allen shadd, flatpicking, blue grass, 1870, brazilain, adriondack
Here we’ve landed a wide awake and expressive Redgate from 1996! Brazilian Rosewood body (with arched back) and Cedar top, lattice braced, 650mm scale, and the play marks to show for hundreds of hours of play time. The voice is expressive and clear, and the setup is extra dial-in-able with the inclusion of an adjustable truss rod. Slightly slender neck profile with a flattened U shape; original hardshell case plus case cover.
Other keywords: andy jurik, fingerstyle, concert classical, brazilain
