Instruments
- Display 15 Products per page
-
Add to Compare2014 Somogyi OM, Brazilian Rosewood/Sitka
In what ways will the guitar’s sound change, given a different species of wood for the soundboard? Faced with one of the oldest questions in the business, Ervin Somogyi embarked on a project to build three guitars for a client in an attempt to answer that landmark question. In order to isolate the different tonal properties of Sitka Spruce, European Spruce, and Cedar, Ervin controlled for the other variables by using matching Brazilian Rosewood sets which were sequentially flitch cut from the same log, and using the same neck dimensions and scale length.
Once built, Ervin knew that a musician of a certain calibre would need to bend their ears to The Trinity in order to best glean the differences, if such they were, or their similiarities. Enter: Michael Chapdelaine, the only guitarist to win first place in GFA International Classical Guitar Competition and the National Fingerstyle Championship. Chapdelaine was so enthused by the prospect that he recorded a series of videos and an entire album worth of material highlighting the nuances of The Trinity, titled The Somogyi Incident (but there’s nothing incidental about the rigors of this project).
The Cedar OM, #455, was predictably the warmest of the three, but in addition to that warmth the bass and middle registers had a dark tinge that seemed to color the overall tone with a brooding, emotive force. Not as loud as the other two, #455 nevertheless had an easy projection and sustain. The treble overtones in particular were fat and lingering. The Sitka Spruce OM (#457) was drier than we expected, and that also meant that the bass response had an aggressive bark. The trebles cut very well, and boy would the Sitka top howl if you dug in with a heavier attack! Lastly, the European Spruce OM (#456) also featured a dry tone, but this one erred more on the side of breathy and mellow. While quieter overall when compared to #457, the European Spruce OM offered the best note separation of the three, and we found that the string-to-string balance was the best for fingerstyle arrangements in lowered tunings. The bass response was more focused and defined than the other OMs as well.
The Trinity, The Somogyi Incident, and our own videos stand as a unique opportunity to observe firsthand the particulars of these time-tested tonewoods from one of the world’s finest luthiers. Alas, the Sitka and European Spruce OMs have already found new homes! But the Cedar is still available.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.88 in Nut Width 1.81 in String Spacing 2.19 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to CompareBrand New Sonic Replica R, Mahogany/Italian Spruce
Livewire! We just landed a brand new Sonic Replica from Galloup Studios that’s a force to be reckoned with. A copy of a particular ’39 D-18 in Bryan Galloup’s collection, this Sonic Replica is light as a feather (under four pounds), and oh so snappy and quick. See below for more info about the process behind their Sonic Replica project.
The Sonic Replica Guitar Project is a research initiative undertaken by Galloup Studios with the aim of reverse profiling vintage acoustic guitars. For a sonic replica model to be created, an actual example of the instrument must first be meticulously studied and reverse profiled within the Galloup Studios Department.
Once a guitar is considered appropriate for reverse engineering, each instrument undergoes a CAT scan to gather essential density information for reverse profiling. Subsequently, the instrument is inspected for not only standard specifications but also finish thickness, top thickness, and back thickness, ensuring accurate model replication. Additionally, each working model not only replicates exterior measurements but also replicates air resonance, top resonance, back resonance, and top deflection.
The project aims to emphasize that in order for a sonic replica model to exist, there was originally a vintage version of that guitar. To date, we have reverse profiled a 1937 D18, a 1939 D18, and a 1930 OM. The serial numbers for sonic replicas incorporate the actual serial number of the original instrument, followed by “SR” to denote Sonic Replicas.
As such, the Sonic Replica Project ultimately serves as a research endeavor where the derivatives are sonic replica models used to prove theories and measurements with fully functioning models. Thus, sonic replicas are not merely model guitars; they represent an ongoing research and development of the American vintage flat top guitar.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.688 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Mahogany 
Add to Compare2021 Southwell Hauser Model, Flame Maple/German Spruce
Clean energy is possible in this world, after all. The voice on this 2021 Hauser Model from Gary Southwell is just that: clean, energetic, expressive. We love the sweetness he’s coaxed out of the tight-flamed Maple body, and with a German Spruce top gifted to him by the venerable Julian Bream, it’s no wonder the voice is so rich and expansive. And such a lightweight build! This one comes in a little over three pounds soaking wet. Rodgers tuners at the headstock with MOP buttons; french polish finish throughout with an amazing clearness and luster only found from the finest french polishers; an intricate and flawlessly executed rosette to ring in the soundhole and pair up with the multiple purflings of the top bindings. Gary designed this model after Bream’s 1940 Hauser I which he used for much of his later career.
Other keywords: lutherie, fingerstyle, hauser guitar, breem, 7 fan, 355
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.6 in Nut Width 2 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce - German, Maple - Flamed 
Add to Compare2003 Southwell A Series, Indian Rosewood/European Spruce
A lovely example of why Gary Southwell’s guitars are so highly praised: this 2003 A Series plays like butter in the pan, with a quick response and even string balance. The A Series offers a fresh take on the Classical model, with a cantilevered neck (adjustable with the turn of a key at the heel!), Florentine Cutaway, and custom Rodgers tuners. Here with a 1 7/8” nut and slim neck profile for easy left hand work, Indian Rosewood back and sides, and a European Spruce top. The previous owner upgraded this beauty with an L.R. Baggs Anthem SL pickup that sounds so, so good!
Other keywords: lutherie, classical guitar, nylon string, southwell guitars, a model, bone, rogers, classical, 25.4, 645, kingham
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.875 in String Spacing 2.133 in Woods Spruce - European, Rosewood - Indian 
Add to Compare2008 Southwell A Series Special Edition, Brazilian Rosewood/German Spruce
They don’t build ‘em like this anymore. Literally. Gary Southwell no longer builds with Brazilian Rosewood, and not only does this A Series boast one of the last sets of Brazilian he’s ever used, but it also features an exquisitely tight-grained German Spruce top given to Gary by none other than Julien Bream. This is Gary’s 250th guitar, built in 2008 and featuring the distinct headstock and Rodgers tuner arrangement of his A Series, as well as engraved bone appointments, an arm rest, and Florentine Cutaway.
The Maple neck has a slim profile that’s easy on the hands, and thanks to the cutaway and elevated fingerboard, all the frets are quickly beneath your fingertips. The bass response has an extra helping of clarity and definition to really let those bass notes stand out in the mix, without overpowering the other registers. Gary’s custom Rodgers tuners glide effortlessly, and the overall lightweight build (only 3lbs 12oz) and slim neck make for an exercise in easy playability. In short, this Southwell A Series excels on both fronts, ergonomic and tonal. And there won’t be any more quite like it from Gary.Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, anniversary guitar, commemorative guitar, nylon string, classical music
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.94 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce - German, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2010 Southwell A, Brazilian Rosewood & German Spruce
Gary Southwell’s A Series cuts a fine figure in Brazilian Rosewood and German Spruce with a voice that’s equal parts elegance and energy. Loaded with unique features, from the cantilevered neck and Smallman armrest to offset tuners and Florentine Cutaway, this A Series is a deliciously fresh take on the nylon string guitar.
Gary has only built a handful of Brazilian Rosewood A Series, so our #265 from 2010 is a rarity even among its brothers and sisters—and what gorgeous Rosewood it is! Rich, brick-red hues and a little bit of dramatic grain. The German Spruce top is satin finished for maximum resonance. The setup is delightfully smooth for allegro passages, and the combination of cutaway and cantilevered fretboard make for easy access to the entirety of the board. Powerful sonority in the bass response, and the mids have some added punch to make for lush and colorful arrangements.
Unfettered by convention, the Southwell A Series offers a timeless voice to contemporary music, and a vibrant flair to the traditional.
Other spellings: soutwhell, garey, gremlin spruce, brazilain
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.97 in String Spacing 2.125 in Woods Spruce - German, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to CompareNew Spalt Nouveau Series 12 String Mahogany/Various
Just off a showing at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. The Nouveau Series is a special project developed by author and musician Paul Schmidt and luthier Michael Spalt. A series of electric guitars that transcend the six string and blend it seemlessly with true art. The series was inspired by Art Nouveau and these instruments are at once art and the most serious of musical tools. Michael Spalt and Paul Schmidt spent several years developing the idea, finding artwork and artifacts, sketching, collaborating and finally building these exquisite gems.
The pieces are based on the Klein acoustic shape with inclusions of art nouveau artifacts, natural woods, bone and the finest hardware. Not only are these instruments stunning visual works of art, but they are ergonomic masterpieces as well. The bodies feel immediately familiar and the solid Rosewood necks, with there flat sheen, feel played for 50 years. The BoneTop pickups are extraordinary – Gorgeous hand crafted Bone bobbins died in a variety of colors with Alnico magnets for the Bridge and Ceramic for the Neck. They voice is stellar, clear and loud with other-worldly sustain. Each instrument also has it’s own custom case that continues the guitars individual statement as well as a signed copy of the book ‘The Nouveau Series’ by Paul Schmidt.
‘Nouveau 12 String’
“The only 12 string built in this collaboration.”
Click here to read about the Nouveau Series on builder Michael Spalt’s website.
Click Here to view the book ‘The Nouveau Series’ by Paul Schmidt.
Click Here to view photos from the Museum Showing at the Museum of Making Music.
Add to CompareNew Spalt Nouveau Series Spinning Arachnid Mahogany/Various
Just off a showing at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. The Nouveau Series is a special project developed by author and musician Paul Schmidt and luthier Michael Spalt. A series of electric guitars that transcend the six string and blend it seemlessly with true art. The series was inspired by Art Nouveau and these instruments are at once art and the most serious of musical tools. Michael Spalt and Paul Schmidt spent several years developing the idea, finding artwork and artifacts, sketching, collaborating and finally building these exquisite gems.
The pieces are based on the Klein acoustic shape with inclusions of art nouveau artifacts, natural woods, bone and the finest hardware. Not only are these instruments stunning visual works of art, but they are ergonomic masterpieces as well. The bodies feel immediately familiar and the solid Rosewood necks, with there flat sheen, feel played for 50 years. The BoneTop pickups are extraordinary – Gorgeous hand crafted Bone bobbins died in a variety of colors with Alnico magnets for the Bridge and Ceramic for the Neck. They voice is stellar, clear and loud with other-worldly sustain. Each instrument also has it’s own custom case that continues the guitars individual statement as well as a signed copy of the book ‘The Nouveau Series’ by Paul Schmidt.
‘Spinning Arachnid’
“Like our L’Image-themed instrument, the glass selected to theme this instrument was not signed but was still selected for its beauty and uniqueness. The yellow-green glass of swirling brown lines and blue stripes suspended over gold-leaf inspires the startling fingerboard image – a pearl web, abalone arachnid, coloured bone green leaf and orange berries. The spider was also a favoured image for Nouveau for its indefatigable spinning and weaving. Like the serpent, its image is significant to many cultures’ mythologies – Asian, Greek, West African, and Indo-European.”
Click here to read about the Nouveau Series on builder Michael Spalt’s website.
Click Here to view the book ‘The Nouveau Series’ by Paul Schmidt.
Click Here to view photos from the Museum Showing at the Museum of Making Music.
Add to CompareNew Spalt Nouveau Series Loetz Gilded Serpent Mahogany/Various
Just off a showing at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. The Nouveau Series is a special project developed by author and musician Paul Schmidt and luthier Michael Spalt. A series of electric guitars that transcend the six string and blend it seemlessly with true art. The series was inspired by Art Nouveau and these instruments are at once art and the most serious of musical tools. Michael Spalt and Paul Schmidt spent several years developing the idea, finding artwork and artifacts, sketching, collaborating and finally building these exquisite gems.
The pieces are based on the Klein acoustic shape with inclusions of art nouveau artifacts, natural woods, bone and the finest hardware. Not only are these instruments stunning visual works of art, but they are ergonomic masterpieces as well. The bodies feel immediately familiar and the solid Rosewood necks, with there flat sheen, feel played for 50 years. The BoneTop pickups are extraordinary – Gorgeous hand crafted Bone bobbins died in a variety of colors with Alnico magnets for the Bridge and Ceramic for the Neck. They voice is stellar, clear and loud with other-worldly sustain. Each instrument also has it’s own custom case that continues the guitars individual statement as well as a signed copy of the book ‘The Nouveau Series’ by Paul Schmidt.
‘Loetz Gilded Serpent’
“The glass chosen for this instrument features contrasting iridescent to opaque golden hues and organic shapes expressing the vitality and boldness of nature’s pervading strength and wildness. This is some of the most strident art glass from the period. The serpent theme, derived from the shapes found in the glass, is consistent with Art Nouveau’s attentions to the power and mystery of nature. The symbology of the serpent is vast and was often used to represent the sacred primal energy of matter. It was an inspiring figure in the mythologies and rituals of Africa, Ancient China, and many cultures, most notably the Greek gods of poetry, music, healing, and divination. The obvious serpentine shapes in the glass invite the blonde flamed Maple serpent images for the body, which, though softer in colour than the golden and light green glass, speak through their size, shape, and historical reference. The earthen-toned spalted Maple that comprises much of the top offers a texture and vibrancy that enhances the vividness of both the serpents and the glass. Additional woods are Redwood burl, and Rosewood. The inlays are artfully rendered in silver and pearl, and the knobs and switch are resin and Catalin respectively. Perhaps the most aggressive instrument of the Nouveau Series brimming with boldness, gold, and more boldness.”
Click here to read about the Nouveau Series on builder Michael Spalt’s website.
Click Here to view the book ‘The Nouveau Series’ by Paul Schmidt.
Click Here to view photos from the Museum Showing at the Museum of Making Music.
Add to Compare2023 Spohn OM, Ebony/Swiss Moonspruce
This Spohn OM comes to us nearly new from 2023, coupling a straight-grain set of Ebony for the back and sides with a tight-grained Swiss Moonspruce top. A fantastic example of modern lutherie, we’d pair this OM with any kind of player, but in particular a modern fingerstylist or someone who needs maximum clarity and separation across the registers. Great headroom allows for a range of attacks; this Spohn has the gears for light play and more driving stuff too. Short scale and a 1 3/4” nut width make for an easy playing experience, as does the fantastic weight balance between neck and body. All wrapped up in a lightweight BAM case.
Other keywords/misspellings fingerpicking, ebany, max spohn, 52
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Moonspruce, Ebony 
Add to CompareBrand New Spohn 00 12-Fret, Birdseye Maple/Swiss Moonspruce
We just love Max Spohn’s contemporary flair, his expressive voicing, and great eye for tonewood. Even more, we love collaborating with Max on custom builds for our clients like this bespoke 00 12-Fret. Lovely figuring across the Birdseye Maple back and sides (matching up with the headstock veneers); Swiss Moonspruce on top with an offset geometric rosette and Ebony bindings—plus a sweet cardinal inlaid at the heelcap. Brass Scheller tuners round it out.
The voice is a delight. Small body roundness to the trebles, and there’s a meaty midrange (much more than we usually find on smaller bodies) that really fills it out. Note definition is crisp and smooth, with great balance across the registers. In short, it’s a helluva lot of tone from a petite package. It’s headed to its eager new home now! Give us a shout when you’re ready to commission your own.other keywords: fingerstyle, 2021, handmade, lutherie, rosette, spohn guitars, mainstage, 34, 12 fret, fingerstyle, luthier, guitarbuilding, custom guitar, bespoke guitar.
Add to CompareBrand New Spohn OM, Cocobolo/Swiss Moonspruce
Our own Max Spohn’s latest build comes to us as a bespoke piece for one of our clients! We settled on pairing Cocobolo with Swiss Moonspruce and a 25 inch scale on Max’s OM body for a balance between intimacy and power—both of which this beauty has in spades. We love the smoothly executed and colorful geometric inlays at the soundhole and headstock, which set this Spohn apart from the crowd in a polished, professional way that catches the eye. German Scheller tuners offer silky operation, and the setup is velvet, too. This instrument is just easy, from tuner to tail.
We deeply enjoy working with our clients and our builders to bring about custom builds. It’s one of our favorite aspects of this whole enterprise. Interested in one for yourself? Give us a shout!other keywords: fingerstyle, 2021, handmade, lutherie, rosette, spohn guitars, hiscox
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Moonspruce, Rosewood - Cocobolo 
Add to CompareBrand New Spohn OM-C, Cocobolo/Swiss Moonspruce
Powerful in an effortless-playing package: our latest OM-C from Max Spohn of Germany. This is a fantastic instrument for fingerstyle work, can hold up for strumming and flat picking too, and is oh. so. lovely to behold both visually and acoustically. Gorgeous Cocobolo back and sides for richness and overtones, Swiss Moonspruce on top for evenness and clarity—the voice is quick, crisp, smooth. An excellent candidate for open tunings. Scheller tuners set against a Spruce headstock veneer, and geometric inlays of purflings and horn. You’ll find that ringing in the soundhole as well (itself with a flat edge on the bass side to parallel the rosette). Tight waist, and pinless Ebano bridge with a scalloped saddle.
This Spohn OM-C stands apart from the crowd of modern guitars with Max’s particular aesthetic, and exceptionally precise voice.Other keywords: fingerstyle, fingerpicking, moon spruce, swiss spruce, modern guitar
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Moonspruce, Rosewood - Cocobolo 
Add to CompareBrand New Spohn 00, Madagascar Rosewood/Italian Spruce
Max Spohn’s 00 model is smooth, smooth, smooth. We love the balanced voice from bass to treble, the clarity and precision from note to note, and the sheer presence and dynamic range. Sweet, indeed. Gorgeous Madagascar Rosewood back and sides are paired with an Italian Spruce top, Scheller tuners, and a unique Fossilized Mammoth rosette and endgraft. Ebano pinless bridge and bindings, Honduran Mahogany neck, and a slinky playability that makes this 00 about as easy playing as breathing.
Max’s 00 model is sweet, powerful, and intimate at the same time. A fabulous fingerstyle instrument.Here’s an additional demo with our own Duane Simpson: https://youtu.be/OB43E1kH_-8.
Other keywords: fingerpicking, oo, modern guitar, 14-fret, hiscox, germany
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to CompareBrand New Spohn MD-C, Quilted Sapele/Swiss Moonspruce
Modern lutherie maestro Max Spohn brings real weight to bear in this brand new MD-C model in Quilted Sapele and Swiss Moonspruce. Max’s take on the Modified Dreadnought shape exhibits a tight waist, trim upper bout at 10 7/8”, and here a florentine cutaway for maximum fretboard access. Eschewing a traditional rosette, Max laid down some geometry with right angles, diagonals, and a blue purfling to join up with the Maple top trim. This motif is echoed across the headstock with its Spruce veneer as well.
The voice is dialed in for quick response and an even note separation from string to string; we love the clarity and definition. Smooth, smooth, smooth.Other keywords: fingerstyle, fingerpicking, moon spruce, swiss spruce, modern guitar
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Moonspruce, Sapele