Lots of volume for a little package—our 2015 E.J. Henderson Nick Lucas. Across the neck and body, a lovely dark sunburst. Celtic inlays sprawling along the fretboard. Waverly tuners, bone nut and saddle, 24 3/4” scale on 14-fret neck. Maple + Adirondack Spruce = crisp and loud.

This is the sort of guitar that really sings if you dig in a bit, but the crunchy bass response can be just as easily accessed with a lighter touch. The V neck has vintage written all over it. If you’re looking for an extra dose of warmth in the mids, this guitar fits the bill, and adds focused, bright trebles to the mix for an excellent balance.

The waiting list for these guitars is already pretty steep; this is a great opportunity to snag one ahead of the curve!

Hiro Ebata, like Michi Matsuda and Mario Beauregard, apprenticed in the shop of the great master Luthier Ervin Somogyi. Hiro is now building from his own shop in Japan and carrying his teachers work proudly within his own. This Modified D style guitar has a gorgeous voice with abundant might, poignant bass and singing trebles. The French polished German Spruce top is very aptly paired with premium Madagascar Rosewood to produce an extremely complete guitar. The Mod D size was pioneered by Ervin Somogyi to be a big, powerful guitar that was balanced enough for fingerstyle and Hiro designs is just that.

Playing one of Ryohei Echizen’s guitars is like picking up your favorite book: each time, you feel the same rush of excitement you felt when you first opened the cover. These guitars sing with an almost elemental force, all lightning-strike response with a muscular fundamental and a silk-smooth setup. Here we have a new R2 with Madagascar Rosewood and Bearclaw European Spruce, and folks, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a finer example of either tonewood. Bent into the elegant and timeless curves of his R2, their song is precision-balanced and ferociously articulate; a fingerstylist’s dream.

Further, Echizen’s craftsmanship is almost as astounding as the quality of his voicing: French Polished body, understated Madasgascar Rosewood rosette, Boblen tuners Jescar EVO frets, hide glue, you name it, he’s done it. Despite the fact that he’s only been building by himself for a short period of time after his apprenticeship with Sergei de Jonge in Chelsea, Canada, Echizen’s guitars already possess the presence and confidence of our contemporary masters’ instruments.

Ryohei Echizen is a name that’s already turning heads, and there’s no doubt that his renown will only continue to grow. And it’s easy to see why: his technique is astounding. This is the second Echizen we’ve gotten in the shop, and if we could get our hands on more, we would do so in an instant. This new R1 redefines the word “impressive.” With a flatpick, the R1 is nuanced and expressive. With fingertips, orchestral. The combination of European Spruce and Madagascar Rosewood ensure rich trebles and an even bass response, with a delicate, angelic overtone palette. Its voice is controlled, elegant–the R1 has poise–and with Ryohei’s inclusion of a soundport that clear and present bass flows unimpeded to the player’s ear. With flawless balance across strings and registers, this guitar will breathe new life into your fingerstyle arrangements. Ryohei’s craftsmanship is top shelf, every motif executed perfectly–and not surprising, given his apprenticeship with Sergei de Jonge in Chelsea Canada. What is surprising, though, is Ryohei has achieved this level of mastery in only his tenth guitar after striking out on his own, following his apprenticeship. Think of it this way: if Ryohei’s already this good, imagine how much richer the guitar world will be for his knowledge and skill in the years to come!

Here’s a classic dread design from English Luthier Patrick James Eggle. This Skyland model is named for a town near us here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Where the Blue Ridge and Blue Grass are part of the culture. The Adirondack top is lovely with wide grain at the edges and the Indian Rosewood body is framed out in beautiful curly Koa trim. The voice is traditional with clarity and punch.