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Bryan Sutton is a friend of our shop and visits when he’s playing in town. He’s been here when we had one of these Banjo Killers that he inspired and it’s obvious he’s very proud of them. Dana Bourgeois delivers nicely here with a large guitar that sounds crisp and articulate (and never the least bit tubby). The figured mahogany sides and back deliver some punch and warmth, and the silky Sitka Spruce offers up just enough sparkle and shine. This is a rare guitar as they made only a few. She’s extremely playable and always great fun to pick up.

George Lowden is well know for his work with the Walnut and Cedar combination. He’s able to coax a big, punchy yet warm voice from this duo. This O-35C features a gorgeous Walnut back and is set off by the 35 stylings which include a bound and bordered fingerboard and tri-color wood perflings on the body.

For those who love a rosewood OM (and don’t we all?), here’s a fantastic Tippin. OMs are one of the most versatile models out there, offering balance, power and comfort. The word is out on Bill Tippin and he is now building for top players like our own Al Petteway and Paul Heumiller, as well as Peter Calo of Carly Simon’s group. This one has a dual source B-Band pickup and a Calton Case. This is a great opportunity for the player seeking a traditional OM built to the highest standards at a very fair value.

Maybe it’s the Italian Spruce speaking, maybe it’s Dake’s experience building highly sought after classical guitars… but this lovely dreadnought is really getting to me. Balance, nuance, warmth, articulation, crispness… it’s got it all. Dake Traphagen has miraculously straddled several categories with this rare find. She’s easily one of the best strummers in the shop — push as hard as you want and there’s not a hint of harshness. Dig in all the way up the neck and there’s not one note that doesn’t ring true. Drop the pick and go fingerstyle to be rewarded with warmth and woody overtones. This one is a real prize.

Here’s a classic dread design from English Luthier Patrick James Eggle. This Skyland model is named for a town near us here in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Where the Blue Ridge and Blue Grass are part of the culture. The Adirondack top is lovely with wide grain at the edges and the Indian Rosewood body is framed out in beautiful curly Koa trim. The voice is traditional with clarity and punch.

Tony Vines found some beautiful Honduran Rosewood, put it together with a rich-looking Redwood top, and out came a guitar with lots of spank and sparkle. This baby’s got great balance and rich tone. The side soundport give the player a little more of the sound. The Honduran has great figure and lovely sapwood drama. The Redwood top has lots of medullary rays and is well quartered for tone.