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Add to Compare2017 Sifel Creek 000-12 Fret Cocobolo/Tunnel 13 Redwood
Mike Byle, veteran of the guitar building world, has implemented decades of practice and experimentation in his new line of personal instruments under the label Sifel Creek Guitars, and we couldn’t be happier with the results! This 000-12 Fret has an easy richness across all the registers which translates into lush arrangements for fingerstyle and fat, juicy solos with a flatpick.
Cocobolo is always gorgeous, but the set for this back and sides is another order of magnitude, and is offset by curly Koa bindings and a celtic knot inlaid into the heel cap. For the Tunnel 13 Redwood top, Mike added an ultra-thin lamination of Spruce to strengthen the Redwood and allow the braces to be measureably lighter–the result is a Redwood top which approaches Spruce in its projection! Add to that a 12-fret neck for even more warmth, and you’re looking at an instrument which plays effortlessly and with a knack for dynamic, full technicolor arrangements.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.9 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Redwood - Tunnel 13, Rosewood - Cocobolo 
Add to Compare2017 Maingard Nylon Crossover, Brazilian Rosewood/Italian Cedar
Crossover guitars span a wide range, from nearly traditional classicals to very contemporary designs which borrow heavily from the steel string world. We’ve got a 2017 Crossover from Marc Maingard that errs on the side of the latter, with a C-shaped neck, radiused fretboard, Florentine Cutaway, arm and rib bevels, and a relatively slim nut (48.4mm). As such, this gorgeous Crossover is exceptionally easy to play, and the combination of Brazilian Rosewood and Italian Cedar makes for a warm, enveloping voice.
The body itself is slim, and with the cutaway and bevels this Maingard is refreshingly accessible to a variety of players. We’re talking about a guitar that weighs 4lbs soaking wet; rich and easy is the name of the game.
Other keywords: africa, african luthier, mark maingard, xover, nylon string guitar, crossover classical
SOLD Read moreScale Length 26 in Nut Width 1.906 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Cedar - Italian, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2008 Blanchard ClassiCool, Madagascar Rosewood/Engelmann Spruce
A guitar that bridges the gap between flattop and classical with easy playability, rich bass, and gorgeous curves: our 2008 Blanchard ClassiCool. Mark Blanchard is one of our longtime builders, and this beautiful nylon crossover of his is done up with Madagascar Rosewood for the back and sides, an Engelmann Spruce top, and all the creature comforts you could ever want.
Playability is the name of the game. Mark added an armrest to the bass-side lower bout, which frees up your arm from the top so it can vibrate more freely, and diagonal to the armrest you’ll find a Venetian Cutaway to keep the upper frets dust-free. The neck is slim for a nylon string with 1 7/8” at the nut and 2 5/16” at the saddle, and the profile has the C curve of a steel string, but here it’s been flattened out just a smidgen along the center to feel comfortable for both nylon and steel players. Additionally, the fretboard has a gentle radius to it that’ll keep your left hand deft and happy. The voice has plenty of velvet in the bass and mids, and the trebles have an extra helping of crispness that really cuts through the mix.
Easy as cake on the hands, and decadent to the ears: the Blanchard ClassiCool crossover.
Other keywords: nylon-string, classical guitar, nylon string guitar, crossover classical
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.87 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Engelmann, Rosewood - Madagascar 
Add to Compare1976 Lipton C, Brazilian/Spruce
A piece of resonance history, folks, that’s been around the block a time or two since the 1970s—and it’s still kicking with the best of them. Walter Lipton brought this gorgeous Model C to life all the way back in 1976 with gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides and Spruce on top, and adorned it with his inlay and marquetry skills, impressive even then. The guitar has certainly been played in and out something fierce, but our repair team has gone over it with their fine-toothed luthier’s comb (available now at StewMac) and made sure everything was stable and shipshape. While they were at it, they refretted the board, so it feels and plays like new, but with the impressive patina of age and hours of use. Lipton’s C is the equivalent of an 0000: lots of bass response and projection, but the trebles really take the cake for their crispness and how easily they cut through the mix.
This is a great opportunity to pick up a piece that others have done the extensive work of playing it in and opening it up. There aren’t many Walter Liptons lying around, and for good reason!
Other keywords: oooo, mop, mother-of-pearl, engraving, inlay, lutherie, luthier
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.44 in Woods Spruce, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1994 Lowden O-38C, Brazilian/Cedar
If there were more guitars like this Lowden O-38C in the world, entire economies would suffer from folks skipping out on work to stay home and play music. Luckily for our society at large, we have only one such Lowden in the shop (at the moment). This is a beautiful example of how rich and nuanced Brazilian Rosewood can be, and how a big-box guitar can be voiced for a quick response and crisp attack. If you dig in a bit, this Lowden has impressive reserves of sheer volume without flattening the tone and making mush of your music.
This Cedar O-38C has been very well taken care of, and is ready for heaps more action. The setup is nice and easy, and there’s still lots of life left in the saddle. Kudos to the previous owner for being such a thoughtful custodian—it’s rare to see a guitar in such fine shape after being played for over two decades.
Other keywords: george lowden, lowdon, o38c, o38, o-38, 0-38, 0-38c, jon gomm, fingerstyle, dadgad
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.156 in Woods Cedar, Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare1980 Petros 12-Fret, Rosewood/Cedar
It’s incredible to see the strides made in contemporary lutherie these days. Builders are churning out such resonant pieces of art: there’s a plethora of great guitars to play with. To us, though, there’s something special when you come across a builder’s early work, and discover how well their guitars blossom and open up over time. When we landed this 1980 12-Fret Petros, that’s exactly what we found. Rosewood back and sides paired with Cedar on top, and a striking one-piece Indian Rosewood neck with a 12-fret body join—aged to perfection over the past four decades with some righteous finish checks for vintage vibe, and an played-in voice to match.
This early Petros has opened up handsomely, such that the mids are crisp and woody, and the trebles cut right through the mix. Quite loud, and quite powerful, this Petros has a lot of tones that remind us of the vintage scene. We just refretted the board and dialed in the setup, so we’re happy to report this guitar is in stellar shape to keep on cruising.
Other keywords: bruce petros, fingerstyle, flatpicking, ceder, ir, handmade guitars
Add to Compare2017 Maingard 000, African Blackwood/Italian Spruce
Marc Maingard’s guitars feel like instant classics in your hands. We’ve got a lovely 000 12-fret of his in right now that’s got all the familiarity of an old friend, but in a practically new package. Fresh out of 2017 with looks to spare and a lovely combination of African Blackwood and Italian Spruce, this Maingard is an effortless player, and the short 24.75” scale makes short work of Open G and Open D. Fingerstylists, step right up!
Gorgeously appointed in a multitude of geometric shapes, with dual arm and rib bevels for player comfort, and a Florentine Cutaway for all-board access, this Maingard 000 is a powerhouse itching to be played.
Other keywords: south africa, african lutherie, luthier, mark maingard, ooo, ooo-12 fret, 12 fret
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.75 in Nut Width 1.78 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Blackwood - African 
Add to Compare2010 Brondel Essential A2, Walnut/Cedar
Laurent Brondel’s “The Essential” A2 pulls off what so many guitarists crave, but so few find: a dynamic instrument that’s equally at home with picks as fingertips. Walnut back and sides paired with a Cedar top and appointed in a minimalist style, this 2010 A2 offers a pleasing mix of crunch in the bass and juicy definition in the trebles. This guitar projects handsomely, and we tested that while covering up the soundport to make sure we weren’t fooled.
In size, Brondel’s A2 is a 14-fret 000, and this one lives up to the dynamic potential of that workhorse size with a lightweight build. We’re quite impressed by just how many musical directions you can take this Brondel.
Other keywords: A-2, ceder, 14 fret, ooo, Maine, lutherie, luthier
Add to Compare1995 Froggy Bottom B12 Brazilian/Adirondack (Red)
Michael Millard outdoes himself yet again: this 1995 B12 is a cannon with strings. The classic combination of Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce works its usual magic here, giving the voice expansive depth and a fiery projection–but with a 12-fret neck, this B12 has a sweet little warm patch in the mids that balance out the tone. If you’re looking for a Froggy Bottom that is quick and responsive like a teenager on their third cup of coffee in the morning, this Froggy is practically calling your name.
Fingertips or flatpicks, the projection remains impressive, the voice vigorous and expressive. We put this Froggy through the ringer of altered tunings, and it handled each like the champion that it is. Decked out with some gorgeous Abalone across the fretboard, rosette, and back strip, this B12 also has a Mammoth Ivory heelcap scrimshawed with an owl in flight; when you add that to the Flamed Maple bindings, you’re looking at a tall glass of water on a hot summer’s day, if the glass was Adirondack and the water was Brazilian.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.16 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
Add to Compare2005 Tippin Crescendo, Cuban Mahogany/Adirondack Spruce
It’s guitars like this 2005 Tippin Crescendo in Cuban Mahogany and Adirondack Spruce that gets us going in the morning. A livewire of a guitar that practically hums all by itself in the case, this gorgeous piece of luthierin’ by Bill Tippin is a dangerous player. Not only is the setup glassy and smooth, not only do the treble strings cut like a freshly honed knife, not only does it handle picks and fingertips with aplomb—this Crescendo does it all with style. And clarity. And that delicious dry crunch you find in a really good Mahogany-and-Adirondack guitar.
Take it down to altered tuning town, and this Tippin croons like the natives. Flatpicking fiddletunes in standard feels just as easy. Honestly, it’s baffling how much musicality Bill can pack into a single guitar. This is one you won’t want to miss.
Other keywords: mahagony, adi, red spruce, maple, fingerstyle, contemporary guitar
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.344 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Mahogany - Cuban 
Add to Compare2017 Greenfield C1, Indian Rosewood/Alpine Moon Spruce
From the man himself: “My name is Michael Greenfield and I am passionate about tone. Great tone. FAT tone. I believe in squeezing every last molecule of tone out of my guitars.” Michael, we believe it. This practically new 2017 C1 Classical is a heady brew of energetic trebles and chocolaty rich bass notes—and this Greenfield still has more waking up to do. Indian Rosewood and Alpine Moonspruce never looked so good. Not only has Michael managed to build a guitar that’s complex and dynamic right off the bench, he’s done so with a number of creature comforts to keep the modern player happy.
Ebony armrest, elevated fingerboard, 12-pin bridge, and the pièce de résistance: a fully adjustable neck that can be tweaked on the fly, at full tension. All it takes is one twist of a hex wrench at the center of the fretboard extension and the action will glide up or down as needed. The neck carve retains the traditional Classical D shape, but Michael’s added some contemporary curves to the cheeks that are easy on the hands, and very familiar to a steel string player. Simply put, this Greenfield C1 means business. By the sounds of it, business is good.
Other keywords: green field, canada, lutherie, luthier, concert classical, moon spruce, ir, neck angle
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.625 in Nut Width 2.1 in String Spacing 2.29 in Woods Spruce - Moonspruce, Rosewood - Indian 
Add to Compare2006 Ehlers Prototype, Claro Walnut/Adirondack Spruce
We love getting unique pieces in like this 2006 prototype model from the late, great Rob Ehlers. 16 inches across the lower bout makes this a full-grown guitar, and the voice has matured nicely over the past decade or so. Claro Walnut back and sides are paired with master grade Adirondack Spruce on top and a chunky, soft V neck.
With the added space of its lower bout, this Ehlers prototype has a big bass response that’s anything but boomy. We found fingerstyle and flatpicking both worked equally well, which isn’t something we find too often. Rob’s attention to detail is something to see. Fit and finish is excellent, right down to the micro ledge routed along the perimeter of the bridge. That’s the kind of painstaking detail we love: tasteful, well-executed, not distracting. The instrument is in incredible shape, especially when you consider its age.
Other keywords, bob ehlers, ehlers guitars, sj, small jumbo, lutherie, luthie
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.35 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Walnut - Claro 
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 Compare2014 Froggy Bottom P12, Bastogne Walnut/Adirondack
A Parlor done right: our 2014 Froggy Bottom P12. We can describe the voice in three words: smooth, velvety, and clear. In spite of its slender dimensions, this P12 has a lot of volume packed away, and it takes minimal effort to access that projection. An easy player for sure. Bastogne Walnut back and sides with some figure, Adirondack Spruce on top (a Froggy Bottom staple), bound in Curly Maple and adorned with an Abalone frog at the slotted headstock.
The overtone levels are just perfect to give extra lushness to feather the trebles without overpowering the voice. This Froggy is four years old, but looks practically brand new; it’s like getting a new Froggy without the new Froggy price tag—a smart choice for a sharp Parlor package.
Other keywords: froggybottom, michael milard, p-12, bastonge walnut
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.75 in Nut Width 1.813 in String Spacing 2.313 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Walnut - Bastogne 
Add to Compare2003 Circa Dreadnought, Cocobolo/Adirondack Spruce
Now that’s what a Dreadnought is supposed to sound like! This incredible beauty from John Slobod comes to us from 2003, serial number 0004. We’re happy to report the past 15 years have treated it well. John’s trebles are three parts glass and two parts razor; clean clarity that cuts through the mix. The Cocobolo back and sides are straight-grained and chocolate-dark, and we think that’s part of the reason the bass response is so rich yet balanced. Of course, Adirondack Spruce on top with a light sunburst. Slobod’s guitars are some of our all-time favorites, and this 2003 Dread is right up there at the top of the list.
The V neck flattens out a bit as you approach the heel block, and elsewhere an 28-style appointment package sets off the vibrant hues of the Cocobolo and burst. Waverly open back tuners in true Americana fashion, and great playing shape from toe to tip. This is the kind of Circa you write home to the folks about. It’s a game changer.
Other keywords: dreadnaught, cocabolo, cocobolo rosewood, rosewood, adi, johnslobod
Here’s an additional demo with Paul at the helm: https://youtu.be/RwkaNssKUgM
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.81 in String Spacing 2.22 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Cocobolo