We love getting unique pieces in like this 2006  prototype model from the late, great Rob Ehlers. 16 inches across the lower bout makes this a full-grown guitar, and the voice has matured nicely over the past decade or so. Claro Walnut back and sides are paired with master grade Adirondack Spruce on top and a chunky, soft V neck.

With the added space of its lower bout, this Ehlers prototype has a big bass response that’s anything but boomy. We found fingerstyle and flatpicking both worked equally well, which isn’t something we find too often. Rob’s attention to detail is something to see. Fit and finish is excellent, right down to the micro ledge routed along the perimeter of the bridge. That’s the kind of painstaking detail we love: tasteful, well-executed, not distracting. The instrument is in incredible shape, especially when you consider its age.

Other keywords, bob ehlers, ehlers guitars, sj, small jumbo, lutherie, luthie

It’s hard not to fall for a guitar like this on the spot. The Ehlers Model 16 is a study in curvaceous lines and fingerstyle dynamism. Brazilian back and sides, paired with a German Spruce top, give the voice a smooth, glossy texture that lends itself to lush, expansive overtones. Play an open chord, and the strings will ring, ring, and keep on ringing right on into tomorrow. The 25.5” scale gives a smidgeon of extra string tension, making dropped tunings like DADGAD crisp and responsive, and with the slightly wider nut and curved C neck profile the left hand has an easy time of it, especially with those particularly nasty complex chords.

Darkly glittering Abalone adorns the headstock, fretboard, and rosette. Take a close look at our photos of the bridge and you’ll see where Rob carved a minute ledge around the perimeter. That little touch strikes us on two levels: one, that it must have required excellent precision to engineer and two, that it imparted a subtle note of elegance to this already eye-catching beauty. 16 inches at the lower bout puts it in the SJ category; dig in with a more aggressive attack and this Ehlers drinks it up without bottoming out.

A fantastic instrument from one of lutherie’s late greats: the Ehlers Model 16.

We were just marveling at the consistency of these Eichelbaum’s, and here’s another fine instrument from David’s shop. Once again he strikes a wonderful balance between classically elegant aesthetics, first-rate playability, and a large but well balanced sound. You could play just about any style on this guitar and its lovely quartersawn Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack red spruce would give you something nice in return.

Jeffrey R. Elliott is considered, for good reason, one of the very finest american makers of the Classical guitar. Everyone in the business refers to him with regard. We are delighted to have the chance to offer a rare Steel String from Jeff. It is extremely rare as he has a closed order book and a 12 year build time. The guitar is designed for the classical player wishing to feel at home on steel strings. The body is concert size and the neck is shaped like a classical neck as well. The flat fingerboard boasts a nut width of a full 2″ so classical players do not have to adjust their playing style. Now for the best part, this guitar is simply one of the most balanced and articulate guitars you’ll ever play. The attack is round, like a classical, and every note is pure and clear. It recorded particularly well. Premium Brazilian Rosewood bound in Holly and European Spruce with a lovely natural wood rosette match this one elegant and eye-catching as well.

If only we had more builders with a graceful aesthetic like Kent Everett! From the Abalone flowers floating across the fretboard, to the Koa bindings, dark Sitka Spruce top (from the 1960s) and Indian Rosewood back, and relief-carved heelcap, this 2000 Milano sings a swansong of harmonious lines and sumptuous curves. Tonally, this guitar is equal parts melodious and raucous, perfect for everything from gentle fingerstyle arrangments to bright, percussive accompaniment with a pick–in fact, this guitar sounds incredibly loud and articulate with a flatpick and a more aggressive attack.

The bass has a powerful snap and well-defined edge, so if the blues take you, this Everett Milano is ready to roll. The Sitka Spruce top has fully opened up in the past 15 or so years of life, and lends this instrument a fierce projection with even a light touch. Lastly, decked out with an L.R. Baggs iBeam pickup you can bring this powerhouse to your gig with the confidence that you’re going to sound as lush and dynamic acoustically as amplified.