Classical Guitars

The tone produced by a classical guitar is a result of the player's technique as well as the tonewoods and construction methods used by the builder. In general, you will find my classical guitars to have a rich, even tone with a great deal of sustain, where the bass end does not overpower the treble. When building a classical guitar, I am concerned more with clarity of notes than with producing an extremely loud instrument. My guitars are light weight and very responsive. Subtle changes in right hand attack are easily detected in the dynamic response of these guitars and changes in right hand position allow the player to experience a wide range of tone color.

Neck dimensions and final set-up of the instrument are very important considerations in producing a guitar that is comfortable and enjoyable to play.

The relatively simple soundhole rosette, unadorned peghead, and uncomplicated bindings give the instrument a unique and modern look. A more traditional mosaic rosette is an available option. The final choice of tonewoods used depends on the aesthetic and tonal requirements of the player.

(Click on any of the thumbnails below to see the full-size photos.)

Small classical 50 year old Brazilian rosewood back and sides Engelmann spruce soundboard Spanish cedar neck, 51mm wide at the nut Ebony fretboard, 65cm scale Brazilian rosewood bindings and rosette Sloane tuning machines Lower bout width:   35.4cm (just under 14") Depth at the tail block:   9.6cm

Concert classical Indian rosewood back and sides Western Red Cedar soundboard Honduran mahogany neck, 52mm wide at the nut Ebony fretboard, 65cm scale Brazilian rosewood bindings and rosette Sloane tuning machines Lower bout width:   37cm (just over 14 1⁄2") Depth at the tail block:   10.2cm

Small classical 5 piece Bigleaf maple back and sides, separated by thin strips of ebony Engelmann spruce soundboard Honduran mahogany neck, 52mm wide at the nut Ebony bindings Ebony rosette with sterling silver lines Schaller tuning machines Ebony fretboard, 65cm scale Lower bout width:   34.8cm (about 13 3⁄4") Depth at the tail block:   10cm

7 string cutaway Cocobolo rosewood back and sides Engelmann spruce soundboard Honduran mahogany neck, 58mm wide at the nut Ebony fretboard, 65cm scale Flamed koa bindings Zebrawood rosette Cocobolo peghead veneer Gilbert tuning machines Lower bout width:   36.6cm (about 14 7⁄16") Depth at the tail block:   10cm

7 string cutaway Cocobolo rosewood back and sides Engelmann spruce soundboard Honduran mahogany neck, 54mm wide at the nut Ebony fretboard, 65cm scale Flamed koa bindings Flamed koa peghead veneer Lattice-braced soundboard Gilbert tuning machines Lower bout width:   36.6cm (about 14 7⁄16") Depth at the tail block:   10cm RMC Pickup System

8 string classical Brazilian rosewood back and sides Engelmann spruce soundboard Honduran mahogany neck, 64mm wide at the nut Ebony fretboard, 65cm scale Flamed koa bindings and peghead veneer Gilbert tuning machines Lower bout width:   36.6cm (about 14 7⁄16") Depth at the tail block:   10.2cm

Kasha-style classical Engelmann spruce soundboard Cocobolo rosewood sides Redwood back Honduran mahogany neck, 52mm wide at the nut Ebony fretboard, 66cm scale Gilbert tuning machines Lower bout width:   36.6cm (about 14 7⁄16") Depth at the tail block:   10.2cm

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