New A-OM Madagascar Rosewood/Bearclaw European

Ted Astrand approaches guitar building as a fine art: “I truly believe guitar-making to be an art form. Throughout the whole process of building a guitar I treat each object and peice of wood like its a piece of art.” If Astrand were a painter, his work would be characterized by smooth, graceful lines and the harmonious relationships of shapes. Luckily for us, Astrand’s chosen medium is the guitar, where his elegant aesthetic is given the opportunity to both inform the appearance and the voice of his work. The 2015 A-OM that we had in the store (for a matter of hours) has provided us with the first glimpse at his craftsmanship–and we wish we had a lifetime, instead. The voice is perfectly weighted between the steady, well-defined low-end and the shimmering trebles by a middle register which flows like silk. This guitar inspired thoughtful, introspective arrangements each time we played it. The instant you place the Madagascar Rosewood back and sides against your leg and ribs, the lightweight construction feels delicate, until you play your first chord and a rich, colorful tone bursts out of the Bearclaw European Spruce top. At that point, if you don’t feel something tugging at your heartstrings, you might not be human. Astrand’s 26th guitar is a resounding success as a fingerstylist’s companion, and as a work of art. We cannot wait until the next one falls into our lap.