An instrument which offers the player the best of both worlds–a voice like stained glass, smooth and colorful, and aesthetics which are just as graceful, refined, and striking. Based on looks alone, it’s easy to see why Daryl Perry’s instruments are so valuable, but it’s when you put fingertip to string that the real magic shines. The voice of this 2009 Classical is at once immense and gentle; trebles have a profound clearness, bass notes are rumbling but crisp–the balance from string to string is surgical in its precision. Perry’s craftsmanship is similarly honed: from the smooth French Polish finish to the ornate Mosaic Rosette and relief carved Macassar Ebony headstock, all is clean and harmonious.
Based on a 1929 design of Franciso Simplicio, who learned from Enrique Garcia, one of the first luthiers to embrace the Torres style of building, this Classical is a loving tribute to one of lutherie’s finest. By adding Rodgers Baker Style tuners, Perry has given the player ultimate tuning control (like all other details, these tuners are characterized by butter-smooth operation), and with such an excellent set of Brazilian Rosewood and European Spruce (from the Jura region of France), he’s set the bar extremely high for other builders of the Simplicio style.