Playing one of Ryohei Echizen’s guitars is like picking up your favorite book: each time, you feel the same rush of excitement you felt when you first opened the cover. These guitars sing with an almost elemental force, all lightning-strike response with a muscular fundamental and a silk-smooth setup. Here we have a new R2 with Madagascar Rosewood and Bearclaw European Spruce, and folks, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a finer example of either tonewood. Bent into the elegant and timeless curves of his R2, their song is precision-balanced and ferociously articulate; a fingerstylist’s dream.

Further, Echizen’s craftsmanship is almost as astounding as the quality of his voicing: French Polished body, understated Madasgascar Rosewood rosette, Boblen tuners Jescar EVO frets, hide glue, you name it, he’s done it. Despite the fact that he’s only been building by himself for a short period of time after his apprenticeship with Sergei de Jonge in Chelsea, Canada, Echizen’s guitars already possess the presence and confidence of our contemporary masters’ instruments.

Ryohei Echizen is a name that’s already turning heads, and there’s no doubt that his renown will only continue to grow. And it’s easy to see why: his technique is astounding. This is the second Echizen we’ve gotten in the shop, and if we could get our hands on more, we would do so in an instant. This new R1 redefines the word “impressive.” With a flatpick, the R1 is nuanced and expressive. With fingertips, orchestral. The combination of European Spruce and Madagascar Rosewood ensure rich trebles and an even bass response, with a delicate, angelic overtone palette. Its voice is controlled, elegant–the R1 has poise–and with Ryohei’s inclusion of a soundport that clear and present bass flows unimpeded to the player’s ear. With flawless balance across strings and registers, this guitar will breathe new life into your fingerstyle arrangements. Ryohei’s craftsmanship is top shelf, every motif executed perfectly–and not surprising, given his apprenticeship with Sergei de Jonge in Chelsea Canada. What is surprising, though, is Ryohei has achieved this level of mastery in only his tenth guitar after striking out on his own, following his apprenticeship. Think of it this way: if Ryohei’s already this good, imagine how much richer the guitar world will be for his knowledge and skill in the years to come!