Get it while it’s hot! Our latest new BRS Concert from Dake Traphagen just landed, and we’re here to tell you: it’s a powerhouse in velvet. Plays as easy as breathing, and with a quick-n-rich voice that projects well and clear. Brazilian Rosewood back and sides have here been paired with a Carpathian Spruce top, known for its lively energy and similar qualities to Adirondack Spruce. The neck carve is a generous C profile that’s been buffed to a mirror shine and feels so, so smooth to the touch. Dake hand rubs his varnish finishes, and the result is a thin, responsive finish that catches the light like a gem.
There’s some extra meat to the mids to really bring out the colors in big chords, and the treble response is bright and sweetly defined; there’s no worries about shrill or harsh overtones with this Traphagen. As you’ll hear in Paul’s demo, the bass response has just enough rumble to flesh out the voice, but not so much as to take over. As a result, this gorgeous new BRS Concert is a lovely fingerstyle guitar, but one that can handle a pick with aplomb as well.
Brand new! But it won’t be here long. Give us a shout before it strolls right back out the door.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, finger style, flatpicking, brazilain, capathian, peacock, hand-rubbed finish, varnished

Respected classical maker Dake Traphagen is having a blast building steel string guitars now as well. We are very thankful because he is drawing on his approx. 30 years of experience to design and build some of the most exciting guitar we’ve ever played. He really knows tone and how to get it. This guitar was originally made on our request for a slope shoulder fingerstyle dread, that of course also take the pick. It is astonishing. The shape is sophisticated and easy to hold, it’s modern bracing employs a lattice style approach for superb response and an open voice. Old Honduran Rosewood and a Master Grade Carpathian top with hard shellac finish provide power and beauty. The unique Afzelia rosette is one of a kind and together with the Brazilian fingerboard and bridge complete the natural beauty of this Traphagen guitar.

Maybe it’s the Italian Spruce speaking, maybe it’s Dake’s experience building highly sought after classical guitars… but this lovely dreadnought is really getting to me. Balance, nuance, warmth, articulation, crispness… it’s got it all. Dake Traphagen has miraculously straddled several categories with this rare find. She’s easily one of the best strummers in the shop — push as hard as you want and there’s not a hint of harshness. Dig in all the way up the neck and there’s not one note that doesn’t ring true. Drop the pick and go fingerstyle to be rewarded with warmth and woody overtones. This one is a real prize.