Guitar Models
Signature
Signature modern aesthetic elements which include the “new waves” rosette design
Traditional
A more traditional Aesthetic with mosaic rosette and classical detailing
Spartan
A concert guitar with simplified aesthetic elements
Four Bracing Patterns
For Traditional and Spartan Models:
Open Harmonic Bar: This is a 7 fan design inspired by the work of Jose Romanillos and Jeffrey Elliott. This design maintains a lyrical and singing character to the notes with lots of color and a refinement to the overall sound. I mainly pair this design with spruce tops. This design has a brighter character to the bass notes which is great for implied melody lines in the bass in early music, etc.
Asymmetric: This design is an asymmetrical 6 fan bracing taking elements from many Spanish inspired designs; imparting a rich and lyrical tone, especially in the first position, with character and greater overall darker tonality. Beautiful character but a little bit less sustain in the upper registers than some of the other deisgns. I often pair this design with cedar tops.
For Signature Models:
Wood Lattice: This design incorporates an expanding wood lattice that emphasizes a bit more midrange saturation and a consistent response from the 1st position up to the highest notes. These guitars tend to have a deeper and lower resonance and are really quite fun to play while projecting a rich and colorful sound. The right hand feel is a bit loose like some more lightly built traditional guitars but with an even and big attack throughout.
Floating Tie: This design is a modified fan braced design that is paired with stiffened sides to produce a guitar with strong sustain and clarity with great projection for stage performance. Notes contain more high frequency content and sustain than the Lattice design. It maintains some of the traditional tonality of a 7 fan design while increasing response in the higher positions. This design has a controlled sustain that can handle being driven.
Additional Details
The most important aspect of building a guitar is understanding what the needs of the player are. To achieve the desired look, sound, and feel means that no one detail should be overlooked. Please feel free to contact me to discuss options and pricing.
DESIGN
There is an understanding of the past and look to the future in the work I do. Guitar designs that range from the traditional to the modern are taken into consideration if the end result creates the look and sound desired. My work is usually a little bit of both. I have built copies of historical instruments as well as my own designs that incorporate modern materials and techniques.
FINISHING
I prefer to french polish instruments but back and sides can be lacquered for greater durability. I will also lacquer the tops of instruments per request. French polish is a labor intensive finish which adds cost to the instrument but it is sonically wonderful and environmentally friendlier than a water based or nitrocellulose lacquer finish.
Standard with any instrument are Gotoh 510 Machine heads or equivalent and a hard shell case. French polish on the top is standard on all instruments. There is no charge for custom scale lengths and custom nut width or spacing. I can cut 632, 640, 645, 650, 655, 660 and 665 mm scales. There are an almost infinite number of options but a few common ones with prices are listed below.
Additional Options Pricing
Choice of European Spruce, Engelmann Spruce, Western Red Cedar, Redwood $0
Sound port is +$150
Sound port with magnetic cover +$350
20th fret +$100
Arm bevel or rest +$500
Subtle doubled binding thickness at lower bout for larger rounding where arm rests +$200
Cutaway +$600
Elevated fingerboard +$400
Upgrade from a Standard plywood case to a Visesnut Active Series case is +$500
East Indian Rosewood Back & Sides $0. Other woods are individually priced based on grade and figure, etc
Other Machines (Rodgers, Gilbert, Scheller, etc) are available to order
Upgrading Spartan model from matte lacquered back & sides to gloss +$300, and upgrading to complete french polish is +$700
Deposit and Payment Info
Please note: A non-refundable deposit of 10% is required. Payment in full (plus the cost of shipping) shall be required in advance of receiving your guitar. After you receive your guitar you have 7 days to determine if it is right for you. If you are not completely satisfied you may return it for a full refund (less deposit). However, return shipping is your responsibility and I may also deduct from your refund an amount commensurate with any damage incurred while it is in your possession. Your guitar is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship up to 5 years after your purchase. If in those 5 years your guitar develops a problem that is not due to neglect, trauma, or considered reasonable wear I will repair it at no cost. I cannot warranty against damage caused by extremes in temperature or humidity or natural disaster.
Highly customized guitar builds will require a 50% non refundable deposit and will not be eligible for the 7 day trial period.
Please inquire about student and professional discounts