Ted Åstrand grants us the resonant gift with this 2017 Å-OM. Madagascar Rosewood back and sides paired with a European Alpine Moonspruce top, 25 inch scale, and slotted headstock; “Scissor Bird” fretboard inlay and Koa bindings to tie it all together. The 14-fret neck is rubbed down to a feather-smooth velvety finish, and the C profile has a faint peak that almost minutely hints at a V. Nickel Waverly tuners offset the Rosewood headstock veneer, and the fiery-dark grain of the Rosewood bridge similarly sets off the creamy expanse of the Moon Spruce top.
This Å-OM has a lively voice which errs on the side of dry articulation over enveloping overtones. The upper register cuts well, pairs nicely with the crunchy mids. The bass response is light and energetic rather than dark, which isn’t to say the overall tone suffers from an atrophied bass. Rather, the voice is exceedingly well-balanced, with even response across all the registers and great note separation. The shorter scale and matte-finished neck make for a comfortable playing experience, and boasting a fighting weight of 4lbs 1oz this Åstrand feels quick and agile in your hands.
Other keywords: fingerstyle, lutherie, bespoke, aom, 38
When you meet Ted Åstrand you immediately notice that he is calm, centered, and kind. I can imagine him working in total peace and serenity in his shop. One glance at his guitars and you can see how pristine and precise they are, one note and you can tell how important the work is to him. For me it’s real simple: when I play Ted’s instruments I want to write music. They inspire me to create. That’s the most important attribute of any instrument in my mind. 
Only six years old? With a voice like this, I would have sworn it had decades under its belt. Breathy, with a precise bloom in the mids that adds depth without overpowering the balance. In fact, from string to string and register to register this Å-OM remains surgically clear. | Scale Length | 25 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.75 in |
| String Spacing | 2.25 in |
| Woods | Spruce - Moonspruce, Rosewood - Madagascar |
Ted Åstrand grants us the resonant gift with this 2017 Å-OM. Madagascar Rosewood back and sides paired with a European Alpine Moonspruce top, 25 inch scale, and slotted headstock; “Scissor Bird” fretboard inlay and Koa bindings to tie it all together
When you meet Ted Åstrand you immediately notice that he is calm, centered, and kind. I can imagine him working in total peace and serenity in his shop
Only six years old. With a voice like this, I would have sworn it had decades under its belt 