The Classical guitar:
The beauty of the classical guitar has captured both listeners and players since it was first created. The instruments I create are carefully crafted to capture that beautiful old world sound and combine it with the requirements of today's concert artist, without compromising the sound quality. This is an extremely difficult task but one that makes the whole process worthwhile.
Most good classical guitar makers have been influenced in some way by the techniques and designs of the great Antonio Torres. Many have succeeded in making louder classical guitars than Torres, but none have really improved the actual quality of the sound. Most makers who make very loud instruments do so at the detriment of the sound quality. My classical guitars are based on the designs and principles of Torres, Hauser , Santos Hernandez , Fleta and other great masters. It is their influence and my skills as a contemporary luthier which combine together to bring you guitars that are unique in today's world of the classical guitar.
Let me make this very clear at the outset- I do not make copies of the guitars of the masters. I base my instruments on the qualities found in the instruments of the masters and strive to enhance these characteristics with the characteristics required for a modern concert guitar.
I have classical guitars for sale that will suit most players. These range from less expensive student instruments to fabulous concert models. I can assist you in choosing a guitar that is right for you if needed and ensure that the instrument you choose will give you pleasure and joy for many years to come.
The materials chosen for these instruments is of the highest quality found anywhere in the world today, as is the workmanship. All guitars are guaranteed. My aim is to produce as many high quality hand made instruments as I can and to improve each and every guitar in some way so that my path is for ever forward moving. I welcome comments by the players and the listeners as these are the people that hear, play and evaluate my guitars and their comments lead me to improvement.
My prices are kept as low as it is possible for me to produce concert quality hand made guitars. For the discerning student with a limited budget I make a Conservatorium model guitar . You will find that this particular model is superior to anything else available in the market place today.
Each concert guitar is meticulously French Polished unless requested otherwise by the customer. This is the traditional French Polish, NOT the modern version which may be sprayed of applied over a coat of epoxy filler as is common today. I will sometimes use Nitrocellulose Lacquers on the backs and sides of some instruments if requested by the customer. The top of the guitar is always French Polished , with either Orange or Blonde shellac, depending on the aesthetics required to suit the instrument. Orange shellac is slightly harder and more durable than Blonde shellac, but blonde shellac looks better on spruce top instruments. French Polishing is an art form that is gradually finding its way back into the world of high quality guitars. It really is the only option for hiqh quality guitars, even with its shortcomings.
Caring for your instrument is a subject that is often overlooked by owners. I attempt to cover as many areas as possible on the site that will help you, the guitarist to look after and maintain your valuable instruments.
I also have a comprehensive section on tuning and compensation as it applies to the classical guitar. For those of you that are interested in why your guitar sometimes plays in tune and sometimes not, this section is for you.
