Apprenticing to legendary builder Ervin Somogyi is a goal to which many luthiers aspire, but only the select few are chosen to do so. In this guitar, we can see exactly why Ray Kraut is one of the hand-picked elite builders to have gone through Ervin’s training. Every aspect of this Amazon Rosewood and European Spruce OM Cutaway is crisp, clean, and perfectly executed. Yet for all the work that goes into its build quality and aesthetics, this one is about tone first, and everything else is an afterthought. Reactive and balanced, it responds splendidly to both the lightest touch and the heaviest hand. Notes ring out like chimes, distinct and separate, yet whole and full. An incredible build from an outstanding luthier.

It’s got zest! It’s got pop! This guitar’s got energy to spare! Trevor Kronbauer broke the mold when he made this 2008 SMB–but considering the tone is this rich and strong, it won’t break the bank. Decked out with a Koa back and sides and a Sitka Spruce top, this SMB’s got heaps of volume in its smaller body. Fingerstylists who want a more modestly-sized guitar with all the projection and bark of a Jumbo or an SJ wil want to take this one out for a spin–a silk-smooth setup for fast and easy playability, that classic Koa dry richness, and Sitka’s trademark punchiness and volume, all in a petite package.Lively and energetic, this SMB exudes stylishness and ferocious attack. Whether it’s for Blues, Folk, or swanky Jazz, this is one instrument which can, and will, deliver the goods.

We’ve got an excellent Kronbauer in great shape here today. Showing off a beautiful set of Ziricote for the back and sides for strength and drive, topped with Red Cedar to mellow the tone and turn up the heat on the warm, rich voice, this TDK Mini Jumbo is another great example of Trevor’s abilities. Kronbauer’s done something impressive here, creating a Cedar-topped guitar whose trebles are nonetheless sweet and well-balanced and whose low E has a smooth, subtle responsiveness. Bound in Curly Maple, the colors of the Ziricote and Cedar really pop, and Kronbauer’s spalted rosette is eye-catching. If you glance inside, you’ll see an Active Undersaddle Pickup with volume and tone knobs just inside the rim. With rich overtones and an exceedingly well-balanced voice, this TDK is ideal for fingerstylists and has enough projection and bark to satisfy flatpickers as well.

Here we have a gorgeous and custom Small Body guitar from Trevor Kronbauer. This one has select woods, upgraded bindings on the body and neck as well other options. You get the clean, woody Kronbauer tone in a unique custom package. This is a beautiful Kronbauer that plays with ease and is a joy to hold.

This is a custom made Kronbauer Mini Jumbo, TDK, 12 fretter. It was hand built from stunning flamed Maple and Engelmann Spruce for a punchy, brilliant tone that is tamed a bit by the gorgeous Engelmann top so it is also full and rich. Trevor Kronbauer builds lovely guitars that are well crafted and he obviously has a passion for it. The playability is wonderful and this beauty is like-new built in 2007.

Here’s a German-made Lakewood dread designed to cut through the proverbial clutter. It’s Brazilian Rosewood and European Spruce offer plenty of power, a clear bass with a nice fundamental, articulate and punchy mids, and crisp highs. This would be a great guitar for the gigging strummer, it’s bright sound has cutting power. It likes to be hit hard and is solidly built to take the riggers of the road.

This Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce Lakewood M-54 is a versatile OM guitar that is outfitted with a dual source B-Band pickup system. The 54 series is a top-of-the-line instrument from the Lakewood shop in Germany. The top on this one is exquisite, even grain and lovely red streaks. This guitar is bright and clear with abundant headroom. The neck is slender and fast with its satin feel.