TRUEFIRE

Online Guitar Lessons

Learn More

Enjoy FREE Live Demos

Book now and discover your dream sound

Schedule Your Demo »

American Music Furniture

5% Off Deal!!

Learn More

NEW Consignment Rates

Trade up discounts and more

Learn More »

FREE Digital Book Download

Sound Investments: A Guitarist’s Guide to Curating a Valuable Collection

Download Now »

2018 Circa OM, Madagascar Rosewood/German Spruce

, , ,

Now that’s what we call an OM. This 2018 flattop from John Slobod of Circa Guitars is a delight to both your ears and your hands, with a slightly full neck profile that feels instantly familiar and a responsive, articulate voice plus lots of dynamic range for a host of different attacks and colors. Very tight grain on the Madagascar Rosewood body, plus German Spruce on top; Rosewood bindings and a segmented rosette plus EVO frets offer an understated aesthetic. John lets the quality of the woods speak for themselves; ditto for the classic curves of the OM body. If you can think of it, this Circa OM can do it.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, orchestra model, ameritage, 164, al petteway

/by

2021 Kim Lissarrague Classical Ziricote/Cedar

, , ,

So powerful. Kim Lissarrague fits right in with his Australian contemporaries crafting Classicals that pack heaps of power, projection, and headroom into their builds. The Cedar top is extra thin to help achieve this with a lattice bracing system, as are the sturdy reinforced Ziricote sides and arched Ziricote back. Speaking of which, the figuring on the back here is out of this world! Coming to us from 2021, this Classical is already oh so wide awake.

Other keywords: lutherie, andy jurik, visesnut, arm rest

/by

2014 Martin OM-ECHF Navy Blues, Indian Rosewood/European Spruce

, , , ,

The third series of Martin Claptons comes to us in a dark navy blue finish, with Indian Rosewood back and sides and a European Spruce top. 25.4″ scale, snowflkes, diamonds, and squares along the fingerboard, and an intricate and perfectly executed torch headstock inlay. The label inside is signed by Eric Clapton himself, as well as C.F. Martin IV, Dick Boak, and Hiroshi Fujiwara. #91 of 181, this 2014 Martin OM-ECHF Navy Blues is an excellent collector piece, and has opened up handsomely in the past several years.

Other keywords: fingerstyle, cf martin, signature guitar, 91/181, 1748270, ec

/by

2018 Preston Thompson 000-14SBA, Shipwreck Brazilian/Adirondack Spruce

, , ,

Friends, this one does it all. Not only does this Preston Thompson 000-14SBA come with their gorgeous and rare Shipwreck Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides (plus Adirondack Spruce top), it also is dressed with sparkling Abalone trim and headstock torch, as well as a florentine cutaway for easy access to every single fret. This beauty comes to us from 2018 and has opened up handsomely. Slick playability for flatpicking lines or fingerstyle work; this PKT handles it all so well. Add an L.R. Baggs Element pickup to the mix, and you’re ready to take all of that onto the stage!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, preston thompson guitars, fingerpicking,1620, adriondack, brazilain

/by

2016 Thompson 000-14BA, Shipwreck Brazilian/Adirondack Spruce

, , ,

At Preston Thompson Guitars, the team has dialed in the process for powerhouse modern traditional flattops like this 2016 000-14BA–and then they go one step further with exquisite Shipwreck Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides! These sets are rare, and are functionally sinker sets, which makes for extra wide open right out the gate. The voice on this one really packs a punch; it sings out like a bigger guitar with even a light attack. Adirondack Spruce on top helps out on that front, and the intervening years have opened it up handsomely. Additionally, this PKT is outfitted with a Trance Audio pickup system, and friends, this one sounds oh so good.

Other keywords: lutherie, 1297, brazilain, adriondack, fingerstyle, orchestra model

/by

2015 Matsuda Parlor, Bubinga/Bearclaw Spruce

, , , ,

Such a treat to visit with this Parlor model from Michi Matsuda. Not only does Michi manage to build a visually arresting design, he also does so while maintaining utmost attention to the voice of the instrument as well. This is a petite Parlor that very much punches up above its weight. The trebles in particular have real strength to them that grabbed us right out the gate. Michi’s inventive flair manifests here with tightly figured Bubinga back and sides, Bearclaw Spruce top, an elevated fingerboard, and one of this two-tone bridges comprised of a Rosewood-Ebony laminate. All this culminates at the headstock rendered in a stair-step pattern that’s reminscent to our eye of a Stauffer style headstock with the tuners along the bass side. All told, this 2015 Parlor from Michi Matsuda is a captivating example of when the bleeding edge of modern lutherie works–one-of-a-kind, powerful, and clear.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, somogyi, 102, Hoffee

 

Additional demo: https://youtu.be/3ksQX4K5eOg

/by

2019 Lowden BAR-50 F/F Baritone, Fiddleback Mahogany & Alpine Spruce

, , , , ,

More power! But in an easy playing package. We took in this 2019 Lowden fan fret baritone O-50, and it went right back out the door before we could even list it. Fiddleback Mahogany body, Alpine Spruce top, 28-26.25″ multiscale setup–an energetic baritone voice with added woody crunch from the Hog/Alpine combo.

/by

Brand New Beauregard MB, Bigleaf Maple/Spruce

, , ,

A smooth operator from tuners to tail. This brand new MB model from Mario Beauregard is our first new build in a while, and it’s so good to be working together! The MB is a curvaceous, effortless, gorgeous approach to modern electric guitarbuilding, from the über curved sides to the carved Maple back and Spruce top, minimalist F holes, and Duneland Labs humbucker. Gold EVO frets ensure the setup will be smooth and clear for a long time to come; weighing under six pounds, you hardly tell it’s there. The back and sdies are carved from solid master grade Bigleaf Maple, and blends perfectly with the solid Spruce top and Maple neck thanks to a light amber honeyed finish. The pickup features a custom hammered cover that adds excitement to the svelte aesthetics, here mated with an Ebony pickguard/finger rest with included volume and tone knobs underneath.

Other keywords: duane simpson, fingerstyle, semi-hollow, f-hole, archtop, 2022

/by

2002 Olson Jumbo Cutaway, Indian Rosewood/Spruce

, , ,

Pack a little more oomph in your Olson experience with this 2002 Jumbo! Jim’s so well known for his SJs, but pound for pound we love his fulltilt Jumbos too: you get all the sparkle and balance that are standard to one of Jim’s guitars, but with the added depth and presence that only a bigger box can offer. Indian Rosewood body with Sitka Spruce top, florentine cutaway, and Jim further upgraded this beauty wiht striking Abalone trim for the top and rosette, plus headstock, and inlaid intricate fleur-de-lis style position markers along the fingerboard.

Very well cared for and ready for more action! Snag this big boy Olson before it heads home with another.

Other keywords: james olson, james taylor, flattop, lutherie, luthier, 1027, avs tweed

/by

Brand New Ramin C-Stage Classical, Amazon Rosewood/European Spruce

, , , ,

Here we’ve landed a brand new C-Stage classical from Istanbul’s Ramin Fallah, dressed up with premium tonewoods and some fresh aesthetics to envigorate the classical format. Amazon Rosewood back and sides pair up with a European Spruce top that features lots of dramatic bearclaw figuring and is french polished for maximum resonance. The body is finished elsewhere with poly for added durability. 650mm scale plus a 52mm nut will feel right at home, and at the headstock we find a understated geometric motif inlaid into the Wenge headplate that adds a touch of modernity that we find quite refreshing. Additionally, Ramin has installed his take on a soundport at the bass side upper bout, a feature that aids the player in hearing their tone.

Other keywords: andy jurik, fingerstyle, lutherie, bear claw, amazoon, 423

/by

1996 Gibson Citation, Tiger Maple/Spruce

, , , ,

This 1996 Gibson Citation model takes out every single stop. Dressed to the nines, upgraded with premium woods and 24 carat gold hardware, then powered by a Gibson BJB humbucker. Back and sides are carved Tiger Maple with tight flame (ditto for the neck); top is carved Sitka Spruce. Extensive MOP inlays along the fretboard, bridge, and culminating with a fleur-de-lis at the headstock between gold Kluson Sealfast tuners. Maple pickguard creates a light contrast to the honeyed Sitka top, and is adorned with the BJB’s volume knob towards the bottom.

Other keywords: lutherie, duane simpson, 19967001, f hole

/by

2015 Beauregard Facettes Archtop, Brazilian Rosewood/European Spruce

, , , ,

A work of functional art. We’ve loved Mario Beauregard’s guitars for so many years, and even so it feels like a new experience every time we have the pleasure of hosting one of his guitars in the shop. Here we’ve landed one of his coveted Facettes archtops, which by itself is incredible, but this 2015 Facettes has the added distinction of featuring a carved Brazilian Rosewood back. The result is truly remarkable. Not only has Mario painstakingly carved these curvaceous facettes into the top and back, he’s done so with a wood combination of European Spruce on top and BRW back and sides that you’re likely to hardly see ever again on an archtop guitar. Additional features include a custom Benedetti humbucker pickup, EVO frets, and a lightweight BAM case.

Other keywords: lutherie, guitarbuilding, arched top, brazilain, handmade, facet, facets, faccet, faccetts

/by

2022 George Lowden Master Series F, Koa/Sinker Redwood

, , ,

A finer Lowden we’ve yet to see. This rare Master Series F Model comes from George Lowden himself, from the master’s hands to ours. To your hands next! Pairing Figured Koa back and sdies with a Sinker Redwood top, George combines a dry/woody fundamental with sweet warmth for a very complete, engrossing voice. Seriously, this Master Series has exquisite note definition and clarity, the kind that allows big chords to ring out in all their glory, and lead runs crisp and defined. For creature comfort, an arm bevel has been added, and to set off the Sinker Redwood top George trimmed out with sparkling green-blue Abalone (matched at the rosette), and enlisted Larry Robinson for a delicate stem and butterfly at the 12th fret.

Ready to own a unique slice of the Lowden story? This 2022 Master Series from George Lowden is the centerpiece you’ve been looking for.

Other keywords: lutherie, lowden guitars, fingerstyle, gc, 391, satin, gotoh, calton

/by

Brand New Applegate SJ, Indian Rosewood/Engelmann Spruce

, , , , ,

Right out the gate, our latest SJ from Brian Applegate is raring to go. Quick and energetic voice, very snappy response that adds a bit of electricity to your playing, and all in a lightweight package (under four pounds) that feels like so many feathers in your hands and on your lap. Brian decked this beauty out with a 26.25-24.9″ multiscale, so you’ve got lots of room to tune to C on the bottom end, but the trebles stilll play easily with a short scale setup. Indian Rosewood body with Engelmann Spruce on top, EVO frets, cutaway, and Brian’s interlocking Abalone diamonds rosette (plus a subtly twisted series of purflings on the back) dress things up with some good sparkle, but let the quality of the tonewoods and the clean curves of Brian’s design to shine even more.

Check out this additional video featuring Al Petteway on this amazing Applegate SJ: https://youtu.be/1N9Mo362IIo

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, fingerstyle, fingerpicking, englemann, engelman, gotoh

/by

2021 Dion No.04, Indian rosewood/Italian Spruce

, , ,

This one’s more than ready for action. Such a quick, energetic, expressive flattop! Dion knows how to tune his guitars for great responsiveness, note separation, and power–which this nearly new 2021 No.04 model has in spades. Indian Rosewood body with Italian Spruce top for starters; add a unique U brace around the soundhole and throw in a carbon fiber bridge plate, 10″ arch to the back, and micro arm bevel for a vibrant, modern voice and sharp aesthetic. The neck is satin finished and is one of the smoothest we’ve perhaps ever handled here in the shop, and on top Dion installed EVO frets in an Ebano fingerboard to keep the setup dialed in for the long haul. Notice the attention to every detail: right down to the nut that’s inset into the board. Sheller tuners just above that to round out the sharp-dressed looks.

If you’re looking for a modern flattop that comes preloaded with an expressive voice and added dynamism, plus effortless playability, this 2021 Dion No.04 could be just the ticket.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, fingerstyle, visesnut, dion guitars

/by

Brand New Serracini Baritone, Madagascar Rosewood/Italian Spruce

, , , , ,

Yes, it’s that good. This is our first Multiscale Baritone from Davide Serracini–but it won’t be the last! A great mix of power, clarity, and note separation sets this one apart from the bari crowd, and the playability is as glassy and smooth as a regular flattop. The multiscale setup extends from a 28″ low B to 27″ at the first string, enough spread to enhance power on the bottom end and pair it with easy playing and singing trebles. An essential part of any fingerstylist’s collection, this Serracini Baritone makes for an exquisite playing experience to expand your horizons. Madagascar Rosewood body with Italian Spruce on top, gold EVO frets, Mahogany neck, and we asked Davide to dress this one up a bit, which he’s managed in high style. Geometric designs tie the headstock, rosette, and endgraft together.

Ready to experience real power? Step up, buckle in, and hold on.

Other keywords: lutherie, luca stricagnoli, fingerpicking, modern guitar, fan fret, fanned fret, 209822

/by

2016 Simon Fay Model One, Madagascar Rosewood/German Spruce

, , , ,

Glass smooth, and a dream machine with both hands on deck. Simon Fay’s Model One manages to pack a voluminous kind of power into an easy-playing body with only 15 inches across the lower bout, here with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides plus German Spruce on top for creamy mids and bell-like treble response. Playability is further enhanced with an understated arm bevel, florentine cutaway, and a 25.5-25″ multiscale setup. A slightly wider fingerboard with 1 13/16″ nut feels oh so comfortable for otherwise cramped chord shapes. We absolutely love this one in DADGAD, where that extended bass register really the room to stretch its legs. The voice is characterized by a smooth note-to-note balance and round trebles. Elegant Rodgers tuners at the headstock, EVO frets, and a custom Hoffee case with added Thinsulate layer for maximum protection rounds out the package.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, modern guitar, hoffe, fingerstyle

/by

2021 Strahm Eros, Granadillo/German Spruce

, , , ,

Here’s one for the professionals out there. Stephen Strahm’s Eros model, especially this lovely number from 2021 with German Spruce over Granadillo, has great balance across the registers, a clean projection, and lots of headroom. In short, a guitar that you can do just about anything with. Lean in, and it’s got growl. Pull back, and a touch of sweetness in the mids will warm things up. We had as much fun playing fast as slow, in standard or down to DADGAD. It’s fun! Energetic, quick, one you don’t want to put down.

Other keywords: lutherie, 7491215, traugott, fingerstyle, gotoh, evo

/by

2021 Southwell Hauser Model, Flame Maple/German Spruce

, , ,

Clean energy is possible in this world, after all. The voice on this 2021 Hauser Model from Gary Southwell is just that: clean, energetic, expressive. We love the sweetness he’s coaxed out of the tight-flamed Maple body, and with a German Spruce top gifted to him by the venerable Julian Bream, it’s no wonder the voice is so rich and expansive. And such a lightweight build! This one comes in a little over three pounds soaking wet. Rodgers tuners at the headstock with MOP buttons; french polish finish throughout with an amazing clearness and luster only found from the finest french polishers; an intricate and flawlessly executed rosette to ring in the soundhole and pair up with the multiple purflings of the top bindings. Gary designed this model after Bream’s 1940 Hauser I which he used for much of his later career.

Other keywords: lutherie, fingerstyle, hauser guitar, breem, 7 fan, 355

/by

2015 PRS Private Stock Angelus, Madagascar Rosewood/European Bearclaw Spruce

, , ,

The PRS team has their process dialed in: this 2015 Private Stock Angelus is flawless from tuners to tail, well balanced from bass to treble, and dressed up with primo tonewoods for a sharp aesthetic. Madagascar Rosewood back and sides boast some pretty dramatic figuring, paired with European Spruce on top plus figured Koa bindings and bird position markers. The rosette is their interweaving “three circle” design, also rendered in Koa plus Maple. The top has some lovely bearclaw figuring throughout, which works well against the tight flame of the Koa bindings. The neck has been upgraded with an adjustable truss rod, which certainly sets this one apart, and a wide neck carve that feels great in hand, especially if you want a little more lefthand contact. Under the hood you’ll find a Fishman Matrix pickup system; outside you’ll find this beauty comes wrapped up in a custom Ameritage case.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, paul reed smith, a15-1487, fingerstyle, mcmanus

/by

2015 Redgate Wave Classical, Brazilian Rosewood & Spruce/Cedar Double Top

, , ,

Jim Redgate is well known in the classical guitar world for his modern, expressive, and dynamic creations. And when you’ve got talent as serious as Ana Vidovic sporting your guitars–with her own Redgate model no less–you know the hype is real. This 2015 Wave model is a special treat, then, with Brazilian Rosewood body and a Spruce/Cedar double top that’s been “bent” at the upper bout to allow easier access to the elevated fingerboard, as well as add cross-grain stiffness to the top for extra volume and punch. The result is excellent power, balanced across the registers. In short, a work of functional art. This Redgate Wave comes to us from 2015 and is in great playing shape with only a few minor marks.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, australian, brazilain, csa rosewood, andy jurik, fingerstyle

/by

1971 David Russell Young Dreadnought, Indian Rosewood/Cedar

, , , ,

When this 1971 David Russell Young Dreadnought first came to us, it was in need of some definite TLC. Our repair staff was more than up to the challenge! Now it’s on the other side of the operating table, and is playing great. Indian Rosewood back and sides with Cedar on top, incredibly opened up, and bears the play wear and marks of a much-loved, and much-played, dreadnought. Comes wrapped up in a Calton flight case to keep it safe these days, plus a K&K Pure Mini pickup so you can still take it out for a night on the gigging circuit.

While we’ve sold other DRY guitars around $50,000, this Dreadnought is a special case that was donated so we could restore it and do something good with it. To make that happen, we will be donating a portion of the sale to the Junior Appalachian Musicians organization to help their mission of promoting the growth of community around mountain music: https://jamkids.org/.

Other keywords: lutherie, dreadnaught, will saylor, ir/cedar, 57

/by

Brand New Pagelli 40th Anniversary, Amarant/Swiss Moonspruce

, , ,

Powerhouse lutherie duo Claudio and Claudia Pagelli have been pushing the bleeding edge of guitarbuilding for decades now, yielding a fiercely independent and inventive body of work that completely stands apart from the crowd. We are so excited to be officially partnering up with them to bring you their latest and greatest!

Here we’ve got one of their 40th Anniversary models outfitted with Amarant back and sides, Swiss Moonspruce top, and a gorgeous aesthetic with red-purple wine finish, faux MOP appointments, and custom squared bridge pins. Note the twin offset soundholes at the upper bout of the top! This, combined with a Falcate bracing scheme, makes for an energetic and lively voice with very quick, immediate string energy. We love the satin finish on a Padauk neck here; oh so comfortable and silky in hand. On the other side of the neck, you’ll find a 1 11/16″ nut and 25.5″ scale length for snappy note definition.

Here’s an additional video on this instrument with fingerstylist Dustin Furlow!: https://youtu.be/vHsM90hdvm0

Here’s a performance video with the incomparable Tony McManus playing this Pagelli 40th Anniversary: https://youtu.be/s0GvayN5juU

Check out this additional video featuring Al Petteway: https://youtu.be/Pmzq0DlePUw

Other keywords: luthier, guitarbuilding, anniversary guitar, fingerstyle, swiss, ameritage

/by

2006 Veillette Gryphon, Koa/Sitka

, , , , , , ,

Over the years Joe Veillette has worked for a long list of star clients which include the likes of Dave Matthews, Jorma Kaukonen, David Lindley, Kaki King, Ani DiFranco and many others. Often his work included designing unique instruments to fit the needs of pro musicians. One of our alltime favorite designs of his is this Gryphon high-tuned 12 string. The Gryphon is a 18.5″ scale 12 string guitar tuned up to high D, an octave below normal guitar tuning. This gives the Gryphon a mandolin-like sound, though much more colorful and musical, yet it can be played like a regular guitar. Our first reaction was utter amazement at the lush tone and we can see this being extremely useful in many settings from stage to recording. This beauty is Koa and Sitka Spruce.

/by

Find Your Dream Guitar

Looking for your next guitar? Join our DreamCatcher™. We’ll do our best to find it for you quickly…

FIND AN INSTRUMENT

CONNECT WITH US

ABOUT

COMMUNITY

POLICIES

EDUCATION

Showroom (by appointment only):

108 Monticello Road, Suite 400,
Weaverville NC, 28787

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm EST

Contact Us
Make an Appointment

CONNECT WITH US

Showroom (by appointment only):

108 Monticello Road, Suite 400,
Weaverville NC, 28787

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm EST

Contact Us
Make an Appointment

ABOUT

COMMUNITY

POLICIES

EDUCATION