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

We’re proud to announce a new partnership with Dion Guitars, which we’ve been working on for some time. And we’re doubly proud to offer our first Dion No. 4 model here with European Birdseye Maple and Italian Spruce. The Honduran Mahogany neck is dyed black and polished to a feather-smooth satin finish that’s remarkable to the touch. High gloss U.V.-cured Polyester elsewhere for style points, and Dion’s crisp fit-n-finish and contrasting light and dark aesthetic come together in a striking visual presentation that manages to feel familiar and new at the same time.
Small soundport in the upper bout gives the player a bit extra in their ear, three-on-a-plate Waverly tuners set off the dyed headstock, and the snug fit of the Visesnut flight case (including case cover) puts one at ease: this Dion is in safe hands. We loved the lively and energetic response. This No. 4 has a crisp attack that’s followed by flush of warm overtones to sweeten up the voice, and there’s just enough bark in the bass to reward your thumb or flatpick when you dig in.
Our very first Dion guitar fits right into whatever situation we threw at it, and it responded with crisp definition and a smoothly dialed in setup. We’d recommend the No. 4 for just about anything.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, fingerstyle, birds eye maple, evo frets, flatpick, OM, bolt-on, bolt on

Sweetness paired with power, and articulate across the registers. This 2008 Solace Select from the late Tom Doerr sings in your hands at a light touch, but has plenty of headroom to dig into as well; the 16 1/4″ lower bout Cedar top and actively-braced Madagascar Rosewood back can attest to that. To keep a guitar of this size effortless to play, Tom outfitted it with not only a cutaway and wraparound arm bevel, but also introduced a subtle body wedge into the build to keep the bass side a touch slimmer, and therefore easier to get your right arm around. This Doerr plays handsomely, indeed. The multi-laminated neck is stable and slender in-hand, and transforms into a gorgeous routed out channel at the back of the headstock and at the heelcap. That, combined with the glassy fit and finish elsewhere, paints the picture of a well-dressed modern flattop that’s ready for just about anything. In 2017, Tom retopped this Solace with the current Cedar top and his latest bracing designs. So it’s got that openness that only comes with being played for years, plus the lively and quick response of a newer build. A Cedar Creek case keeps it safe when (rarely) not in use, and a Schatten pickup to boot.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, 080956-10, fingerpicking, fingerstyle, doerr guitars, bespoke guitar