Cream of the crop, and then some. And then some more. This is what happens when Sergei de Jonge shoots for the moon, and nails it. His Chelsea Presentation model from 2005 fires on all cylinders, from voice to visuals. Extremely rare Birdseye Brazilian Rosewood back and sides pair up with Adirondack Spruce on top; Figured Snakewood appointments wrap the body and are used for both the bridge and the fingerboard; gold Rodgers tuners with Black Pearl buttons; Fossilized Ivory nut & saddle. After just one strum, we were struck by the immediacy and clarity of the voice. There’s crisp note definition from bass to treble, and a smoothness to the bottom end that really fills out the voice. It’s lovely in Standard, and also holds up handsomely tuned down—plus the silky smooth setup is an exercise in effortlessness. From tuner to tail, inside and out, this de Jonge Chelsea Presentation model is a work of art that stands in a category all its own.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbulding, fingerstyle, bird’s eye, brazilian, adriondack, abalone, 509

Flamed Koa paired with bearclaw Spruce makes a gorgeous canvas for your music in this guitar. The natural beauty of the wood makes for a natural elegance, there is no abalone so the wood is allowed to shine. The spalted rosette completes the look. The tone is magnificent, lush and musical and very balanced over the entire fingerboard.