Gilbert, John Learn More +
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1995 John Gilbert Classical Indian/Cedar
May he rest in peace, John Gilbert was a force of innovation for Classical guitar construction in the U.S. in the latter part of the 20th Century, and two of his most well-known contributions are both present on this 1995 Concert Classical in Indian Rosewood and Cedar. First, Gilbert created a new style of bridge which employed individual metal saddles for each string, enabling the player or luthier to adjust individual string heights without affecting others. Second, Gilbert pioneered a new kind of tuner for nylon strings which employed a worm gear retainer that allowed each string to have the same feel when tensioning, and to eliminate all backlash while insuring smooth tuning action. Here, both are employed to great effect.
By 1995 John’s son, Bill Gilbert, had taken over the luthier mantle from his father, and we’ve verified with Bill that this Gilbert was built by his own hands. voice has a clear warmth in the middle registers that blends smoothly with both bass and treble strings for an overall richness like a slice of fine New York cheesecake. The setup is similarly smooth and friendly. Wrapped up in a Calton flight case, this Gilbert comes protected for many years to come.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.75 in Nut Width 2.13 in String Spacing 2.28 in Woods xx, Rosewood - Indian
John Gilbert was the chief tool engineer for Hewlett Packard when he decided to quit in 1974 and become a full-time luthier. Gilbert’s career was informed by his self-taught education, construction innovations (such as individual string saddles of adjustable heights, and revolutionary tuners), and a voicing technique that emphasized clarity and projection.His son, William, joined John in the construction of classical guitars in 1991.
John passed away in 2012.