This 0 Custom from Dana Bourgeois and co is quick, snappy, and full of energy. They spec’d this petite powerhouse out for the 2012 Summer NAMM show with a rich set of Madagascar Rosewood for the back and sides, Adirondack Spruce on top, and herringbone trim plus Ivoroid bindings for a classic look. The satin neck feels smooth and familiar in hand, and this beauty has been well preserved and is like new.
Other keywords: lutherie, fingerstyle, o, 005975, parlor, parlour
Dana Bourgeois’s team takes the task of “small guitar, big voice” seriously. This Piccolo Parlor Limited Edition from 2012 packs an impressive amount of volume into a quite petite package. Mahogany back and sides pair with Adirondack Spruce on top, a slender 3 1/2″ body depth, and 11 1/2″ lower bout; this lightweight build is exceedingly comfortable in hand, and is dressed up with some half herringbone trim, diamond position markers, and pyramid bridge. This comes to us as number 10 of a limited edition run of only 15.
Other keywords: lutherie, 005436
This Taylor Custom TF comes to us from 2013 with Quilted Maple back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, striking Koa bindings and arm bevel, plus rose and leaf inlays for a gorgeous aesthetic. 12 fret neck; extra Abalone trim; Taylor Expression II pickup system.
Other keywords: fingerstyle, bob taylor, 1108053154
A slice of tone from this delicious Collings SoCo Deluxe sizzles like butter in the skillet. Honduran Mahogany body, Quilted Maple top, sumptuous sunburst, Grained Ivoroid appointments—the list goes on. Twin Lollar Imperials for liquid trebles and a smooth bass response; just a hint of extra growl. Comes wrapped up in a Collings hardshell case that fits it snug as a glove.
other keywords: duane simpson, bill collings, 13411, so co, semihollow
Mojo for days. This 2016 Collings Statesman LC is like new, gorgeously appointed with a tobacco burst and Laminate Maple body, and outfitted with TV Jones pups and a Bigsby tailpiece. This Statesman weighs in at a slim six pounds and is very easy on the arms and back in both seated and standing positions. Of course, Collings’ flawless fit and finish throughout.
Other keywords: bill collings, lutherie, duane simpson, smlc15033, t.v. jones, all-maple, gotoh
Like new, 2018 Custom Shop Artisan Collection Fender Strat, dressed up for painting the town red with champagne gold hardware throughout (right down to the aluminum pickguard), WW10 Wildwood handwound pickups, Roasted Alder body, and Spalted Maple top.
Other keywords: lutherie, stratocaster, cz531403
We love it when a small bodied instrument packs a big bodied sound. Enter: our 2013 Santa Cruz 00~Skye. Great headroom for a pick, plus clear note separation for fingerstyle, makes for a very versatile instrument. Cocobolo back and sides and Adirondack Spruce top: warmth and power. These guitars have a wider fingerboard with a 1 13/16″ nut, short 24.9″ scale setup, herringbone trim, and slotted headstock. Eric Skye did well to collaborate with Richard Hoover on this signature line.
Other keywords: richard hoover, signature guitar, 663, fingerstyle, jazz
Taylor’s Presentation Series never fail to disappoint. Check out this 2013 PS14ce for a prime example of that: sharp fit and finish, premium tonewoods, and an extensive Abalone inlay scheme along the fingerboard. Back and sides are Cocobolo, with Sitka Spruce on top that’s treated to a subtle arm bevel on the lower bout for ease of play. The voice has great string energy and balance across the registers, and the Expression pickup system sounds fantastic.
Other keywords: ps 14, fingerstyle, gc, stika, cocabolo, 1102053128
For added dynamic range, depth, and richness, the Collings team offers this I-35 Deluxe with premium solid wood construction throughout, Lollar Imperial pickups, and on this 2013 build they further upgraded it with a Madagascar Rosewood fingerboard and headplate veneer with parallelogram MOP position markers. Ivoroid bindings throughout, as well as at the truss rod cover. Note the “top hat” knobs and pickup rings are made in-house by Collings to further dress things up. Honduran Mahogany body with Quilted Maple top.
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, bill collings, duane simpson, fingerstyle, l-35, hondo, ameritage
The Collings Eastside LC Deluxe combines a 15″ hollowbody archtop build with a laminated Maple body, Charlie Christian Lollar, and Honduran Mahogany neck. The result is dynamic response, great acoustic airiness, and easy playability. This beauty comes to us from 2013, is like new, and has been upgraded with their “Broken Glass” position markers for a touch of modernity. Rich red sunburst throughout, plus Ivoroid bindings, completes the picture.
Other keywords: bill collings, colings, eslc13112, duane simpson
The Deering GDL Gred Deering Limited maximizes playability and tone for the price point–this 2011 model is a powerhouse in Burl Walnut. Curvaceous MOP position markers, tapered resonator, nickel hardware.
Other keywords: billy presnell, bluegrass, 0231609m813
Of course Deering would pull out all the stops for this its 35th Anniversary Model! #2 of an extremely exclusive two, this 2010 Deering 35th is bedecked in rhinestone and extensive MOP/Abalone inlays, features their Eagle Flange, and boasts a powerfully figured Maple resonator and neck.
Other keywords: billy presnell, bluegrass, 1000211002
The Deering Tenbrooks Saratoga Star excels on all fronts. This is a 2012 example in very clean shape, featuring a frosted head and Maple resonator plus neck, upgraded with a Kruger tone ring, and dressed up with perfectly executed Abalone positon markers comprised of modern flower-and-vines.
Other keywords: billy presnell, bluegrass, 07170070161
At the tip top of the top shelf you’ll find the rare Gabriella model from Deering. This work of art comes to us from 2013 with tight Curly Maple neck and resonator, as much Pearl and Abalone as can be fit on a banjo fingerboard and headstock, plus 24K gold plated hardware, engraved throughout, and carved heel.
Here’s an additional demo with Allen Shadd playing this beautiful Deering Gabriella: https://youtu.be/81likAtTShQ
Other keywords: billy presnell, bluegrass, 07001613r594
When famed guitarbuilder Paul Reed Smith builds a guitar for himself, you’d better believe we’re listening. Here we’ve landed an exquisite example of the PRS Paul’s Guitar: McCarty-thickness body with narrow 408 pickups, “brushstroke” bird inlays, and here spec’d with a tremolo bridge design. Smith needed a guitar with a tighter sound to cut through a band mix without taking up too much space, hence the narrow 408 pickups. Pickup selection is a three-way switch plus individual coil-split mini toggles, one for each pickup. The result is a wide range of tones right at hand all the time. This beauty comes further customized with an Quilted Maple Artist Top over Mahogany body and a Brazilian Rosewood fretboard.
other keywords: prs guitars, bespoke guitar, stop tail, brazilain, 216717
At Fender’s Custom Shop, the Artisan Series are each powerhouses. This 2016 Limited Edition Caballo Ligero Tele is a gem, dressed up with Tasmanian Blackwood body and Flame Koa top, Birdseye Maple neck (in their chunky “1963 C” profile), and amplified with a TV Jones classic neck pickup. Like new and ready for more action!
Other keywords: custom guitar, telecaster, cz529285, chicken picking, australian blackwood
Take Cocobolo and add Sitka Spruce to the mix, a 12 fret neck and short scale setup, then throw in an arm bevel and a sunburst, and you’ve got the smart-looking Taylor Custom TF before you here. This slice of Bob Taylor’s dream come true comes to us from 2014 and is immaclate condition.
Other keywords andy powers, 1108184141
Saul Koll’s Super Glide Almighty feels right at home in your hands with a satin finish and Charlie Christian Vintage Vibe pickups, plus two three-way switches for a ton of tone possibilities. Bigsby tailpiece and trem adds even more versatility to the mix. The body is semi-hollow with a bass side F hole, and weighs in at a solid eight pounds, the weight of which adds sustain to the energetic CC pickups. Asymmetrical curves along the body and at the headstock, plus offset MOP position markers, rounds out the image of a modern powerhouse. This beauty comes to us from 2017 but is like new.
Other keywords: duane simpson, preston cate, fingerstyle, semihollow
Here we’ve landed a gorgeous Master Class King Koa model from Jayson Bowerman and Breedlove Guitars that is dressed to the nines in said premium Koa, paired with Cedar on top, and outfitted with sharp-looking Bloodwood bindings and an intricate mermaid-and-dolphin inlay scheme across the fingerboard. Satin neck feels effortless in hand (and avoids those lefthand squeaks when changing positions), especially with a slinky setup. Fit and finish are top shelf throughout, and this 2012 King Koa model is like new and ready for its new home.
Other keywords: lutherie, kim breedlove, fingerstyle, pinless, 12321
The Sammy Shellor Signature from Huber Banjos is powerful, quick, and expressive. Mahogany resonator and neck in the prewar style, plus a HR30 tone ring; fleur-de-lis position markers; under 12 pounds soaking wet. This example comes from 2012 and features nickel hardware and a frosted head.
Other keywords: billy presnell, bluegrass, 1211-64
Michel Pellerin is in fine form with this 2020 Folk 000 Premium Sunburst. Quick string energy, great headroom (especially for a slim 000), and a glassy setup makes for an engaging and exciting playing experience. Pellerin opted for finely figured Birdseye Maple for the back and sides which has been torrefied–maybe that’s where some of the extra bass energy comes from, or perhaps it’s the active X-X-X bracing system he used for the back–and a Bearclaw Sitka Spruce top was the obvious choice to complement. This is all tied together with a sweet and subtle sunburst, Rosewood bindings, and gold EVO frets along the fingerboard.
Check out this additional video featuring Al Petteway on this stunning Pellerin Folk 000: https://youtu.be/JKbr5WAsUNw
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, pellerin guitars, somogyi, ooo, 2080520
Whoever said Koa doesn’t have depth and power hasn’t played this A69c Custom McIlroy. Not only does this all-Koa guitar pack some serious heft into the voice with a quick and lively string energy, but it manages to do so while looking good at the same time. Sycamore bindings plus Abalone rosette, top trim, and position markers are an excellent complement to the figured Koa, and the pinless bridge ties it all together. Additionally, this A69c has the added distinction of being McIlroy’s 1200th guitar–no small feat. If you want lots of power in an easy-playing package, it’s hard to go wrong with this 2019 A69c.
Here’s an additional video on this all-Koa beauty with Al Petteway: https://youtu.be/gdjcvf5-q30
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, mcilroy guitars, abalone, acacia
We recently lost Michael Keller, and the luthier community feels that loss keenly. So we’re delighted to have this 2014 Dreadnought in the shop to honor his memory and find a new home for it. Eight years old and waking up very nicely, the voice is open and expressive with great note separation. As a result, it’s at home with fingerpicking as well as of course flatpicking. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides pair with Adirondack Spruce on top, Abalone trim and snowflakes/diamonds position markers–and Michael upgraded this Dread with a soundport in the upper bout side. This has the effect of giving the player a bit more “me in the monitor,” making it easier to hear your tone when playing with those pesky other musicians in the group. When you want to go electric, the installed Fishman Matrix Natural pickup will take you there.
Other keywords: luthier, keller guitars, dreadnaught, allen sadd, brazilain, adriondack
Lowden’s 50 series offers select appointments, and here on their popular F-50 with Redwood and African Blackwood the result is gorgeous for both eyes and ears. This is one of those “does-it-all” kind of guitars; The midsize F body is easy on the arms and still packs a solid punch for a range of styles. We’re suckers for African Blackwood, and this 2016 Lowden F-50 has a great set with some figuring to add drama.
Here’s an additional video of this Lowden F-50 played by our own Al Petteway: https://youtu.be/199ziLwwcR4
Other keywords: george lowden, lutherie, abw, red wood, 20721, fingerpicking
