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2001 Shanti SC, Maple/German Spruce
Something you don’t see every day on the used guitar market: a Shanti—especially one in as fine a condition as this 2001 SC. Creamy Flamed Maple back and sides paired with a sunburst German Spruce top, bound in Rosewood and featuring Michael Hornick’s hallmark doves inlaid into the headstock and fretboard.
The tone has an almost vocal quality to it, with more overtones in the bass than you’d expect from Maple and a crisp and present middle register to flesh out big chords. Dialed in for fingerstyle, the setup is a quick one with a slightly wider nut; fingertips (or nails) really bring out the clarity and color for a lush response. A Venetian Cutaway keeps those upper frets from getting dusty, and the dark sunburst boasts a nearly flawless finish. The previous owner of this Shanti has taken wonderful care to keep the guitar pristine. Wrapped up in a Calton flight case, that comes as no surprise.
This Shanti is a deadly combination: simultaneously opened up and in impeccable shape.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.6250 in Nut Width 1.8100 in String Spacing 2.2100 in Woods Spruce - German, Maple - Figured 
1976 Henderson Dreadnought, Walnut/Appalachian Spruce
Our latest Wayne Henderson also happens to be one of the first! #35 was built all the way back in 1976, when Wayne was still working out of Rugby, VA. This Dread has been lovingly played for countless hours: run your hand along the neck and feel how the years have smoothed till it shines. The original owner came to Wayne with some Walnut that he wanted to be used for a guitar. Wayne agreed, and put it to use for the back and sides on this dread, as well as the neck, making this Wayne’s first Walnut guitar! Appalachian Spruce on top, herringbone trim, a V neck with rounded tip, and a slim 1.625” nut for deft lefthand work.
A well-played-in dread is worth its weight in gold; even more so with a Henderson. There’s no telling how many hundreds of hours this guitar’s been singing for, but our repair team went over it with a fine-toothed comb to make sure everything was on the up and up. With that clean bill of health in mind, we’re offering this Henderson Dreadnought as an incredible deal. Not only has it already been broken in, the Walnut gives the guitar a crisp, focused projection and midrange punch that sets it apart from other Hendos.
common misspellings: hendreson, hendersen, hendresen, wayn, waine, wain, dreadnaught, dreadnot, walnot
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4000 in Nut Width 1.6250 in String Spacing 2.1875 in Woods Spruce - Appalachian, Walnut 
2014 Somogyi OM, Brazilian Rosewood/Cedar
In what ways will the guitar’s sound change, given a different species of wood for the soundboard? Faced with one of the oldest questions in the business, Ervin Somogyi embarked on a project to build three guitars for a client in an attempt to answer that landmark question. In order to isolate the different tonal properties of Sitka Spruce, European Spruce, and Cedar, Ervin controlled for the other variables by using matching Brazilian Rosewood sets which were sequentially flitch cut from the same log, and using the same neck dimensions and scale length.
Once built, Ervin knew that a musician of a certain calibre would need to bend their ears to The Trinity in order to best glean the differences, if such they were, or their similiarities. Enter: Michael Chapdelaine, the only guitarist to win first place in GFA International Classical Guitar Competition and the National Fingerstyle Championship. Chapdelaine was so enthused by the prospect that he recorded a series of videos and an entire album worth of material highlighting the nuances of The Trinity, titled The Somogyi Incident (but there’s nothing incidental about the rigors of this project).
The Cedar OM, #455, was predictably the warmest of the three, but in addition to that warmth the bass and middle registers had a dark tinge that seemed to color the overall tone with a brooding, emotive force. Not as loud as the other two, #455 nevertheless had an easy projection and sustain. The treble overtones in particular were fat and lingering. The Sitka Spruce OM (#457) was drier than we expected, and that also meant that the bass response had an aggressive bark. The trebles cut very well, and boy would the Sitka top howl if you dug in with a heavier attack! Lastly, the European Spruce OM (#456) also featured a dry tone, but this one erred more on the side of breathy and mellow. While quieter overall when compared to #457, the European Spruce OM offered the best note separation of the three, and we found that the string-to-string balance was the best for fingerstyle arrangements in lowered tunings. The bass response was more focused and defined than the other OMs as well.
The Trinity, The Somogyi Incident, and our own videos stand as a unique opportunity to observe firsthand the particulars of these time-tested tonewoods from one of the world’s finest luthiers. Alas, the Sitka and European Spruce OMs have already found new homes! But the Cedar is still available.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.88 in Nut Width 1.81 in String Spacing 2.19 in Woods Cedar, Rosewood - Brazilian 
2016 Kraut 00 Pale Moon Ebony/European Spruce
00 #091 from Ray Kraut stands head and shoulders above the crowd. Impressive, considering its size. The 14-fret neck probably helps. It’s challenging to know what to do with this Kraut: it’s a 50/50 toss up between indulging its luscious voice or remarking upon its striking visual flair. Diospyrous Malabar is the name of the game. Excuse us, we meant Black & White Ebony. How about Pale Moon Ebony? Regular old Mahogany just doesn’t look the same after laying your eyes on this beauty. Those Pale Moons are dancing all across this 00, from the back and sides to the bridge, fretboard, headstock—even the fretboard binding. Ray paired all that flair with a creamy European Spruce top; that rich cream counts for both the tight-packed grain lines and its creamy bass response.
This 00 balances some hefty overtones with excellent note definition and separation, and an energetic response to even a light touch. Lots of guitars you can whale on them and get good projection, but only a few will give up serious volume with even a light touch. The way Ray voiced this 00? The latter camp.
Every detail smacks of perfection, from Alessi tuners to Alder Burl rosette. This Kraut quashes the competition every time.
Common misspellings: Kraot, Krat, Kroute, oo
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.7500 in Nut Width 1.7810 in String Spacing 2.2500 in Woods Spruce - European, Ebony - Pale Moon 
2017 Retrograde Guitars Corralitos, Flame Maple Laminate
We’re more than happy to announce our latest partnership with Glenn Nichols’ Retrograde Guitars, restoration maestro and electric guitar experimenteur! The curves of his Corralitos model are velvet smooth in hand-rubbed varnish and a dark burst, with McNelly Bliss humbuckers and wedge-adjustable bridge—and we haven’t started in on the tone yet, or the playability. Electric guitars don’t often come with such flawless fit-n-finish and appointments, but Nichols spared not one iota of attention in designing and executing this marvelously light electric to cover a wide range of musical territories.
Handmade McNelly Bliss humbuckers based on old PAFs, 1950s style wiring to maximize vintage flair, and Emerson pots for good measure. The body is finished with an oil varnish recipe originally designed for the Spruce masts of ships to maximize flexibility and durability; the neck is spirit varnished, feels warm and smooth to the touch. These choices came from Glenn’s myriad years honing his finish craft at Santa Cruz, Kenny Hill, and more recently with Bill Tippin. Spanish Cedar neck, blocking, and kerfing relieves the guitar of extra bulk (this electric weights in at a scant 5lbs 8oz), and the lively acoustic response of Nichols’ laminated Maple body translates delectably into the pickup tone. This Corralitos is your guide and constant companion for everything across the electric horizon.
If you want to read more about Glenn Nichols and his work, check out our latest conversation here: https://www.dreamguitars.com/dream-familys-newest-sons-glenn-nichols-corralitos/.
Common misspellings: glen nichols, glenn nichals, glenn nickles, glenn nikols, coralitos, corallitos, corrallitos, corrallittos, coralittos
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4000 in Nut Width 1.6880 in String Spacing 2.1250 in Woods Maple - Laminate, Maple - Laminate (back) 
Brand New C.F. Holcomb Kodiak, “The Tree” Mahogany
Our first resonator from C.F. Holcomb takes center stage (and our hearts) from the very first lick to the final ringing chord. There’s so much going on with this cut-above-the-reso, where to begin? How about Christopher’s novel use of “The Tree” Mahogany for a resonator body? We’ve seen Koa sets not a quarter as gorgeous, and somewhere Holcomb uncovered a slice of Cocobolo big enough for a one-piece neck—a standing ovation for his taste in woods.
Add to that a spider cone bridge with bone saddles, Lollar P90 (oh, yes indeed), Gotoh tuners, and a gorgeous headstock plate bearing Holcomb’s John Hancock. But let’s talk tone. This Holcomb Kodiak boasts a voice that is, truly, greater than the sum of its parts (and what fine parts they are): rich and colorful reso tone with the spider bridge, a fiery brand of warmth to light up the bass, and whip-crack trebles that soar when you give the Lollar some juice. National, eat your heart out. Please note, this Holcomb comes with a weeks’ supply of paper towels to catch any accidental tears of joy (also works for excess saliva).
Want to read more about Christopher? Check out our conversation with here: https://www.dreamguitars.com/c-f-holcomb-joins-dream-side/.
common misspellings: cf holcomb, holcombe, halcomb, codiak, kodak, resonatar, resonater, resanator
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5000 in Nut Width 1.7500 in String Spacing 2.092 in Woods Mahogany - The Tree, Mahogany - The Tree 
1973 Ramirez 1A #7166, Indian Rosewood/Cedar
This Ramirez 1A has had over four decades to open up–and it hasn’t wasted a second. Featuring some gorgeous Indian Rosewood for the back and sides and Cedar for the top, this 1973 Ramirez has stood the test of time and still manages to shine.
All that juicy Cedar warmth and opened up sustain dovetails nicely into a variety of genres, and the fact that it’s been freshly refretted and set up by our very own repair team means it’s ready for many more decades of music! This Classical is perfect for a serious student of the guitar: played in, set up like butter, with delicious string-to-string separation.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 26.1300 in Nut Width 2.1300 in String Spacing 2.2400 in Woods Cedar, Rosewood - Indian 
2010 D.L. Wilson D-28, Brazilian/Adirondack
Wayne Henderson’s righthand man and talented luthier in his own right, Don Wilson has carved out a name for himself with gorgeous flattops and mandolins. We’ve got a special treat here: Don’s first shade top dread! This 2010 D.L. Wilson could win awards on the quality of its Brazilian Rosewood alone, but Don paired all that gorgeous grain with a shaded Adirondack Spruce top, Herringbone trim, and soft V neck for the complete package.
The bass response is characterized by a focused warmth; the mids and trebles play nicely with each other and flesh out the voice great note definition. This is a guitar which begs to be played, and is a challenge to put back down thanks to a slick setup and slim nut spacing.
Don Wilson manages to coax extra sweetness out of the trebles so as to keep the tone smooth and delicious. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal for a Brazilian Dreadnought of this calibre.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4000 in Nut Width 1.6800 in String Spacing 2.1880 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
New Wilborn Lion Kathy McFarland Evans Memorial Fund, Koa/Redwood
In this Lion, Ben Wilborn offers up a small-bodied guitar whose Koa-and-Redwood frame contains a heady charge of projection, silky overtones, and a warm fundamental. An impressive guitar on looks alone (from the Abalone trim to the dark patina of the Sinker Redwood and Wenge headstock veneer), this Lion hits the right chord for inspiration at the drop off a hat with a delightfully responsive playability thanks to the short scale and Ben’s oval C shape neck. With features like a soundport and Ben’s forward-shifted upper bout for player comfort, this Lion further stands apart from the crowd, but feels intimate and familiar in your hands at the first pluck.
We’re offering this little beauty in support for the Kathy McFarland Evans Memorial Fund to benefit the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Kathy Evans was a public school teacher in Albany, California for almost twenty years who recently passed away after a lengthy battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Her memorial fund will benefit the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where several of Kathy’s students have been treated for cancer. 25% of proceeds from this guitar will be donated directly to the memorial fund. You can find out more information here: https://www.crowdrise.com/kathy-mcfarland-evans-memorial-fund.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 24.8750 in Nut Width 1.7500 in String Spacing 2.1500 in Woods Redwood - Sinker, Koa 
1995 Buscarino Cabaret, Flamed Maple/Engelmann Spruce
It’s always a pleasure to have one of John Buscarino’s Cabaret crossovers in the shop, and this Maple beauty from 1995 has had some time to open up for added warmth and sustain.
The neck profile errs on the side of a C shape, and the 1 3/4 inch nut will feel especially familiar to steel string players. A Venetian Cutaway keeps those upper frets from getting too dusty, and John’s early proprietary “Implant” pickup offers an excellent amplified tone with a built-in volume knob accessible by the soundhole. Weighing a scant 3lbs 11oz, this Cabaret crossover is certifiably effortless to play, and the Engelmann Spruce top lends a creamy flavor to the overall voice.
We’re hard-pressed to think of another nylon crossover we’d recommend more highly than a Buscarino Cabaret. Snag this one before it gets gone!
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5000 in Nut Width 1.7500 in String Spacing 2.2500 in Woods Spruce - Engelmann, Maple - Figured 
1890 Martin 1-26, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce
For this guitar, we have to go back all the way to 1890, when Franz Sulzner ordered a custom 1-26 from the Martin guitar factory. Documented on page 85 of Philip F. Gura’s “C.F. Martin and His Guitars,” this 1-26 appears with a note explaining Sulzner’s connection with the Martin business. This was to be a size 1 guitar, the largest that Martin built in the nineteenth century (“ladies guitars” and smaller came as 2s, 3s, and so on).
While a standard 26 style in many ways, this guitar was customized in the factory per Sulzner’s requests to include an Ivory-bound fretboard and fret markers. The Ivory bindings and “half herringbone” top trim are standard to the 26 style, but to our knowledge no others 26-style guitars from this period feature Ivory bindings across both the body and fretboard. Of course the friction tuning pegs are also Ivory, and the back and sides are Brazilian Rosewood. Adirondack Spruce on top.
Suffice it to say, this 1890 Martin 1-26 has no twin anywhere across the planet: a piece of history in a category to itself.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.9050 in String Spacing 2.3750 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian 
2013 Henderson Dreadnought, Mahogany/Appalachian Spruce
Whip cracking trebles and an extra dollop of woody warmth in the bass characterize the voice of this gorgeous 2013 Dreadnought from Wayne Henderson. Mahogany back and sides paired with an Appalachian Spruce shade top (check out the photos for a close up of the grain lines arcing through the stain), Wayne’s fiddle-style headstock, and a soft-V neck profile and slinky setup for easy playability.
Wayne’s tone is legendary and needs no repeating here, but we can say with confidence that this Mahogany Dread stacks up there with the best of them. It’s already opened up handsomely in just a few years, and it’s only going to get better. This is the kind of guitar you’re going to want to keep around you at all times, and it comes snug and safe in a molded TKL case with Henderson’s logo on the outside.
Common misspellings: wane, henerson, hendersen, hendreson, hendersn, dreadnaught, dreadnot, dreadknot
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4000 in Nut Width 1.7500 in String Spacing 2.1500 in Woods Spruce - Appalachian, Mahogany 
Brand New Lehmann Master Model 2000 Brazilian Rosewood/Sitka
Bernie Lehmann’s creations hold a unique corner of the already highly individualized world of modern lutherie. Not only does his Master Model 2000 feature a vaulted back (here comprised of Brazilian Rosewood ribs) and chip-carved appointments across a Sitka Spruce top, but it’s also got a bolt-on neck, grained ivoroid-bound soundport, and spirit varnished body. A blending of lute traditions with contemporary design that yields extra projection and colorful bass without deepening the sides to cavernous proportions.
Lehmann adds an extra dollop of juicy goodness to the trebles with the addition of a bone block on the bridge plate (which also serves to protect the plate from string wear); dovetails sweetly with a very articulate and balanced middle register. Fingerstyle machinations in standard tuning and beyond feel right at home, but the setup has enough give to allow for smooth transitions to and fro with flatpicking.
25-year-old Sitka Spruce on top, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides that Bernie’s held onto since the 1980s, and a slim fighting weight of 3lbs 13oz—our latest Master Model 2000 is in a class all of its own.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.7500 in String Spacing 2.2500 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Brazilian 
1997 Henderson Dreadnought, Mahogany/Appalachian Spruce
We can only imagine the hundreds of hours that have been poured into this knockout 1997 Dreadnought from Wayne Henderson. Figured Mahogany and Appalachian Spruce, thistle headstock, weighing in at a scant 3lbs 13oz—exactly 20 years old, and still crooning with the best of them.
The voice is full of the woody crackle you’d expect from Mahogany, and the middle register is crunchy and well defined. The trebles cut but aren’t shrill, and the bass is lively but plays well with the other kids on the fretboard playground. The slim neck carve makes for quick and easy playability, and the Appalachian Spruce top is responsive enough for fingerpicking after you’ve worn through all your flatpicks.
And make no mistake, this Henderson Dread start making your other guitars jealous because you’ll be playing it so much. It’s already opened up handsomely, and the tone will only continue to improve. According to the owner, Wayne only had two sets of this beautifully Flamed Mahogany, and this is potentially the only set that Wayne used to build.
common mispellings: hendreson, hendersn, dreadnaught, dreadnot, mahagony, mahogony
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4000 in Nut Width 1.6500 in String Spacing 2.9300 in Woods Spruce - Appalachian, Mahogany 
Brand New Bouchereau Mistral OM, Quilted Sapele/Sitka Spruce
The latest Mistral from Bouchereau Guitars has stolen our hearts, or at least our ears. Not only is this Mistral a knockout in Quilted Sapele and salvaged Sitka, it’s got the voice to match. The sensation of the glossy Mahogany neck like running your hands through silk.
An excellent choice for fingerstyle, our 2017 Mistral has an extra dose of warm riches in its middle register, which pair sweetly with a treble response that’s prone to overtones and a subtle blooming effect after the initial attack. Dropping down into DADGAD or beyond, the setup remains responsive; but there’s so much going on just in Standard you might never want to go anywhere else. The Florentine Cutaway and elevated fingerboard will appeal to players who aren’t afraid of exploring the upper regions of the fretboard. The neck profile is a faintly flattened C shape and joins the body at the 14th fret. Lightweight Schertler tuners, magnetic truss rod cover, bone nut & saddle—like we said, this Bouchereau aces both the visual and acoustic tests with flying colors.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4000 in Nut Width 1.7000 in String Spacing 2.1560 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Sapele