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Brand New Klein 457 12-String, Brazilian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

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Sometimes, big sounds come in big packages—and this Klein 457 12-string is precisely that. This is an instrument that fills the room, and then some. One of our clients, in love with the 6-string 457 we built for him, decided to immediately commission this beauty to complement it. Premium Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with Sitka Spruce on top, a one-piece Rosewood neck (!), and a 26.25-25” multiscale setup for even more power and clarity. This 457 plays like butter, and is equally at home with a light touch and a more aggressive attack; it’s got gears for days, which isn’t something we often see with 12-strings.
Ready for a custom Klein of your own? Give us a shout to start the build process!

Other keywords: custom guitar, custom build, lutherie, luthier, steve kauffman, steve klein, klein & kauffmam, steve kaufman, fan fret, fanned fret, multi scale, multi-scale, fingerstyle

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2018 Ryan Abbey Grand Parlor, Indian Rosewood/Italian Spruce

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The petite powerhouse: Kevin Ryan’s Abbey Grand Parlor. This full-throated, small-bodied 2018 model is dressed up with Indian Rosewood back and sides, an Italian Spruce top, and Kevin’s acoustic flutes-style arm bevel. The neck was custom commissioned with a wider spacing ( 1 7/8” at the nut) for a spacious lefthand experience, as well as no position markers. Gotoh 510 tuners, Calton flight case, 12 frets to the body an weighing in at four and a half pounds, this 2018 Ryan Abbey is a grand parlor, indeed.

Other keywords: lutherie, ryan guitars, abby, fingerstyle, parlour, small guitar, 0, 00, abalone

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Brand New Spohn 00, Madagascar Rosewood/Italian Spruce

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Max Spohn’s 00 model is smooth, smooth, smooth. We love the balanced voice from bass to treble, the clarity and precision from note to note, and the sheer presence and dynamic range. Sweet, indeed. Gorgeous Madagascar Rosewood back and sides are paired with an Italian Spruce top, Scheller tuners, and a unique Fossilized Mammoth rosette and endgraft. Ebano pinless bridge and bindings, Honduran Mahogany neck, and a slinky playability that makes this 00 about as easy playing as breathing.
Max’s 00 model is sweet, powerful, and intimate at the same time. A fabulous fingerstyle instrument.

Here’s an additional demo with our own Duane Simpson: https://youtu.be/OB43E1kH_-8.

Other keywords: fingerpicking, oo, modern guitar, 14-fret, hiscox, germany

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1959 Fender Stratocaster

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Step inside a time machine and head back to 1959 for this Fender Stratocaster. All original except for the frets, this fantastically preserved example comes with the original tweed case and leather strap (and we also can send you a custom Calton case for an additional charge). Hardtail with three-way switch on top, minimal marks and play wear, this is the real deal.

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2003 Ribbecke Testadura, Maple & Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

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Tom Ribbecke’s thinline Testadura model is designed with variety and dynamism in mind, and is equally at home with both Jazz and Rock. This beauty from 2003 boasts Indian Rosewood sides paired with a Bigleaf Maple back and carved Sitka Spruce top, and Tom Holmes PAF humbuckers. In both the body and neck Tom installed carbon graphite for stability and improved stiffness-to-weight ratio. The setup is butter smooth on this one, it really plays itself.

Other keywords: cedar creek, electric guitar, jazz, rock guitar, gibson, gotoh, double cutaway, tom ribbecke guitars

 

Here is an additional demo of this instrument: https://youtu.be/h6NcSoDRYyc

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2005 Smallman Classical, Brazilian Rosewood/Cedar

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Classical lutherie royalty: Greg Smallman. This 2005 Smallman is all dramatic Brazilian Rosewood, Cedar, and explosive tone in the way only a Smallman can. The Cedar top is exquisitely thin, paired with a sturdy rim for maximum projection and power, and the heavily domed BRW back adds additional space to the instrument’s air cavity. A thin arm rest keeps the top free from the right arm’s damping effects. A guitar this rare and valuable, you must have a quality flight case to keep it safe. This one comes swaddled in a white Karura, one of our all-time favorite flight case manufacturers.

Other keywords: classical, nylon string, brazilain, mosaic, solid rim, ridged rim, lattice-braced, concert classical

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1979 Manuel Reyes Flamenco, Cypress/Spruce

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This Flamenco is a special treat. Built in 1979 by the world famous Manuel Reyes, this beauty has been well loved and played in, with a classic quick response and attack. Cypress back and sides paired with Spruce top and 657mm scale, clear tap plates. Weighs in right at three pounds, the Reyes is light and agile in hand. Our 1979 Manuel Reyes Flamenco comes in a solid Mark Leaf flight case.

Other keywords: flamenca, blanca, cypress, manual reyes, classical, david stevenson, vintage guitar

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2006 Collings CWBaaaA, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

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The Collings CW model stands apart from their standard Dreadnought specs with an enlarged soundhole and a 1 23/32” nut for comfortable lefthand work. This 2006 CW model is an earlier powerhouse with AAA Brazilian Rosewood back and sides and a Red Spruce top to boot. Waverly tuners, no tongue brace on this one, and a dalmation-style pickguard, semi-translucent to let the grain come through.
This beauty has a quick response, crisp and clear—we really love the dynamic range. This is an exquisite Bluegrass guitar, and it’s more than ready for more action.

Other keywords: bill collings, flatpicking, bluegrass, lutherie, luthier, collings guitars, collings winnfield, winfield, clarence white

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1983 Martin 000-45 150th Anniversary, Indian Rosewood/Alpine Spruce

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We’ve got a special treat in hand today. This 000-45 was built in 1983 to commemorate the Martin name which had by then thrived for 150 years. They only built 150 (of course), and this one comes in at #147! Brick-red Indian Rosewood back and sides paired with an Alpine Spruce top that’s aged nicely to a warm, amber finish. Slim neck with a 1 11/16” nut and a slick setup, this 150th Anniversary is an exquisite fingerstyle instrument that’s got enough headroom and power to handle strumming and flatpicking as well.

Other keywords: c.f. martin, ooo guitar, 45-style, 45 style, snowflake, 24.9

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2019 GR Bear OM, Tasmanian Blackwood/Salvaged Cedar

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GR Bear, you can build us a guitar any day. This preowned 2019 OM is a phenomenal instrument with a surgically precise voice and elegant aesthetics. Highly figured Fiddleback Tasmanian Blackwood are paired with a salvaged Red Cedar top for clarity balanced with warmth; dialed in for the fingerstylist. The Cedar top here has a personal provenance from the builder himself: “ I went on a road trip to Haida Gwaii last year with my wife and son. One day my son and I were waking down the beach and I came across this massive cedar stump that had beautiful tight even grain and I thought I want some of that for tops! I asked the locals about salvaging some of the log and got permission from an indigenous Haida man to harvest what I could from the log. I rented a chain saw and loaded up our tiny Toyota Corolla for the 24hr drive home to Vancouver!”

A striking red Padauk bridge sets off the color of the top and Tasmanian Blackwood rosette. We love the stepped headstock and understated visual style. A soundport and hemispherical EVO fret ends rounds out the image. Bear utilizes a carbon falcate bracing scheme for the top, and the result is precision and power for days.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, orchestra model, fingerpicking, gotoh, hiscox

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2016 Doerr Solace Select, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

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Tom Doerr, we adore your work. This 2016 Solace Select is what modern lutherie is all about: agile, responsive, voiced with crisp definition and a dynamic, colorful palette. Add to that fantastic tonewoods and playability and intonation innovations, and it’s a dream machine, baby. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Adirondack Spruce on top—multiscale fretboard at 26 to 25 1/8 inches—arm bevel plus beveled bindings all around.
Everything you throw at this Doerr Solace Select, it eats right up. We especially loved taking this one down in CGCGAD, where the added bass tension of the multiscale setup made this tuning absolutely sing.

Other keywords: luthier, lutherie, guitarbuilding, doerr guitars, fingerstyle, fingerpicking, modern guitar, gotoh

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2017 Olson Series 1 James Taylor Clone, Indian Rosewood/Cedar

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James Taylor and James Olson are two names which need no introduction. Here we find ourselves with a recent 2017 Clone of the original Series 1 James Taylor signature Olsons which can more than make that introduction. Indian Rosewood back and sides with Cedar on top, of course, with dark blue and green Abalone appointments and MOP dove inlays. No cutaway, weighs just over four pounds, and plays like grass-fed butter. The original Series 1 JT Olsons are obsessively desirable and hard to find, and this Clone gives you all the look, feel, and tone of the originals with the advantage of being right here, right now.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilidng, james olson, james taylor, red cedar, 5-ply, fingerstyle, bespoke guitar, fingerpicking, paua abalone, calton

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Brand New Galloup G.2C, CITES Cleared Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Spruce

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***Update! We’ve secured CITES paperwork for the Brazilian Rosewood on this beauty, which means we can ship this BRW Galloup internationally!***

Bryan Galloup takes the science of lutherie seriously: and the experiment proves sweetly successful. This G.2C, Bryan’s grand auditorium body here with a cutaway, has an incredible dynamic range, lots of gears, and a surgically crisp projection and note separation. A finer fingerstyle guitar, you’ll be hard pressed to find. Straight-grained Brazilian Rosewood back and sides with Italian Spruce on top and an intricate series of inlays around the rosette, along the back, and between the tuner posts really brings together a modern, geometric aesthetic.
It’s hard to put this guitar down. Once we had the G.2C in our hands, we really just lost track of time. This Galloup will make some enemies when you bring it home; your other guitars will be collecting dust.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, guitar science, dream team, fingerstyle, fingerpicking, contemporary guitar, resonant, exclusive

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Brand New McConnell 15 Inch, Padauk/Moonspruce

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Winnipeg’s own Jordan McConnell has wrapped yet another jaw dropping build with 15 Inch Model #073 in Padauk and Moonspruce. Madagascar Rosewood appointments at the bridge and fretboard, plus a multiscale setup of 26 1/4” to 25 1/2”; and twin arm & rib bevels for creature comfort (note how Jordan created a braided effect with layering the Madagascar on the arm bevel). Then there’s this Padauk-Moonspruce combo. A distinctive voice that’s unique even by McConnell standards, we find this beauty has a glassy evenness across the range that mixes up gorgeously; notes ringing out clearly and without stumbling into each other. A light smattering of treble overtones cast some added color and presence, and pair up with a crisp bottom end. This is a fingerstyle phenom.

Other keywords: custom, lutherie, luthier, mainstage, duhks, fingerpicking, multi scale, fan fret, fanned fret, 2021

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Brand New Klein Big Pink 457, Pink Ivory/Bearclaw Sitka

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Honestly, does this thing have a ceiling? Cuz we can’t find it. We laid into it with a multitude of tunings, attacks, nails and picks, and “Big Pink” kept coming back for more. Well, we did learn one thing: this Klein’s got bottom end to spare. Our teeth are still chattering at the memory of playing it. Steve Klein and Steve Kauffman have pulled off an incredible feat here with this 457 model. Jaw dropping Pink Ivory for the back and sides are matched with a Pink Ivory fretboard, bridge, and headstock veneer—and they pulled out a gorgeously bearclaw figured Sitka Spruce top (at a fearsome 17” lower bout, we wonder where they found these sets?). And Larry Robinson flowers and vines round out the package at the headstock.
The voice is exactly what you’d expect from Klein & Kauffman: huge, expansive, voluminous, and at the same time precise, clear, defined. We don’t know how they manage to strike that razor edge balance, but the proof is in the Big Pink-flavored pudding.

Other keywords: custom guitar, custom build, lutherie, luthier, steve kauffman, steve klein, big guitar, bass response, gotoh, ameritage

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Brand New Steve Porter Quantum, Indian Rosewood/Cedar

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Our latest Steve Porter Quantum Classical! Built with a nod to both Thomas Humphrey and Gil Carnal in design, Porter’s Quantum model features an elevated fingerboard and dual soundports, a lattice-braced Cedar top, and dark, even-grained Indian Rosewood back and sides. The handmade rosette is composed of Ebony, Bloodwood, Cherry, and Maple. The voice is agile and responsive, and we appreciate the dynamic range in particular. Sloane tuners and a thin French Polish finish for maximum resonance—and a sterling side dot at the 7th fret for understated fingerboard orienteering.

Other keywords: millennium classical, raised fingerboard, sound port, david stevenson, fingerstyle, classical music, loaded top

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2021 Bresnan GS, Brazilian Rosewood/Moonspruce

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Gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood body with Moonspruce on top for added precision and clarity, here in Bresnan’s GS body for a midsized guitar offering lots of power in an easy-playing package. Alessi tuners bring a touch of added elegance to the headstock, and Dan rings in the soundhole with one of his intricate, interwoven rosettes. His attention to detail is exquisite; the fit and finish is flawless here. Couple that with a slick setup, and you’ve got a candidate for World’s Best Guitar.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, bresnan guitars, modern guitar, brazilain, fingerstyle, gss2103, ameritage, 2021

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Brand New Michaud Made OM-R, The Tree Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce

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We had the honor of spending a few days with this custom OM-R from Joel Michaud of Michaud Made before sending it on to its happy owner. The Tree Mahogany back and sides pairs with Adirondack Spruce on top and reconstituted stone appointments, matte black neck for effortless lefthand work, and a flawless fit n finish tying it all together. The voice is powerful, immediate, and crystal clear. Thanks for giving us a few days with this one, Joel!

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2020 Preston Thompson 0000-MA, Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce

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Now this is fun! We’ve landed a 2020 Preston Thompson 0000 that’s a powerhouse with style. Mahogany back and sides, Adirondack Spruce on top, and a wide 16 1/8″ lower bout for added projection and bass. The 0000 is sort of like the lovechild of an OM and a Dreadnought, with a tight waist and responsiveness well suited for both fingerstyle and flatpicking, strumming, you name it really. This beauty is in like new condition, and plays effortlessly!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, flatpicking, preston thompson guitars, pkt guitars, oregon

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Brand New Spohn MD-C, Quilted Sapele/Swiss Moonspruce

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Modern lutherie maestro Max Spohn brings real weight to bear in this brand new MD-C model in Quilted Sapele and Swiss Moonspruce. Max’s take on the Modified Dreadnought shape exhibits a tight waist, trim upper bout at 10 7/8”, and here a florentine cutaway for maximum fretboard access. Eschewing a traditional rosette, Max laid down some geometry with right angles, diagonals, and a blue purfling to join up with the Maple top trim. This motif is echoed across the headstock with its Spruce veneer as well.
The voice is dialed in for quick response and an even note separation from string to string; we love the clarity and definition. Smooth, smooth, smooth.

Other keywords: fingerstyle, fingerpicking, moon spruce, swiss spruce, modern guitar

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2016 Martin Custom Shop 00-14, Cocobolo/Sitka Spruce

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Beautiful tonewoods come together in the Martin Custom Shop to make incredible music. This 00-14 custom belle from 2016 is decked on with rich Cocobolo back and sides, Sitka Spruce on top, Koa bindings, an alternate torch across the headstock with Select Abalone, and a short scale, 14-fret setup that’s easy on the hands and ears. Schaller GrandTune tuners with Koa buttons, why not?

Other keywords: c.f. martin, mahogany, martin guitar, om, fingerpicking, fingerstyle

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Brand New Preston Thompson 00-14 QMA Masterpiece #2, Quilted Maple/Adirondack Spruce

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Simon Haycraft and co at Preston Thompson Guitars have rendered a 00 quite unlike any other. This is Masterpiece #2, the Koi Pond 00 in Quilted Maple and Adirondack Spruce. Sadly, we lost founder Preston Thompson before this masterwork instrument could be finished, but Simon was able to share aspects of the design with him.

And what a design this is—a sprawling path of Koi fish and waterlilies inlaid along the fretboard and headstock, echoed by the one-of-a-kind scene on the back with Simon’s stain and finish techniques. The result is a three-dimensional effect of the Quilted Maple grain playing with the Koi fish; something we’ve never quite seen before.
This second Masterpiece earns its name proudly, and we’re proud to offer it to you.

We and the PKT team will donate 10% of the proceeds from the sale to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation in honor of Preston, and Partners In Care, the organization that cared for Preston in his illness. This is an opportunity to not only acquire an utterly unique instrument, but also to give back to both the Bluegrass community which supports Preston Thompson Guitars, and to local Bend, Oregon health care providers.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, PKT, abolane, abolone, adriondack, one of a kind, oo

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2020 Big Hollow 00-12, Honduran Mahogany/Lutz Spruce

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Traditional meets modern in this 12 fret 00 from Big Hollow. Dark, tight sunburst with an oil varnish finish, Honduran Mahogany back and Lutz Spruce top, slotted headstock with Rubner tuners and a 24.9” setup that’s easy on the hands. Our latest 00 from Bevan Frost plays smoothly, and the voice is characterized by clarity and definition. This beauty weighs in at a slim 3.5lbs, comes wrapped up in a Guardian hardshell case, and is ready to get down to the business of making music!

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, fingerstyle, fingerpicking, big hollow guitar

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Brand New Spohn OM-C, Cocobolo/Swiss Moonspruce

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Powerful in an effortless-playing package: our latest OM-C from Max Spohn of Germany. This is a fantastic instrument for fingerstyle work, can hold up for strumming and flat picking too, and is oh. so. lovely to behold both visually and acoustically. Gorgeous Cocobolo back and sides for richness and overtones, Swiss Moonspruce on top for evenness and clarity—the voice is quick, crisp, smooth. An excellent candidate for open tunings. Scheller tuners set against a Spruce headstock veneer, and geometric inlays of purflings and horn. You’ll find that ringing in the soundhole as well (itself with a flat edge on the bass side to parallel the rosette). Tight waist, and pinless Ebano bridge with a scalloped saddle.
This Spohn OM-C stands apart from the crowd of modern guitars with Max’s particular aesthetic, and exceptionally precise voice.

Other keywords: fingerstyle, fingerpicking, moon spruce, swiss spruce, modern guitar

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108 Monticello Road, Suite 400,
Weaverville NC, 28787

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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