2005 spruce/Indian classical

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This guitar's top is German spruce cut 17 years ago from the famed Schwarzwald (Black Forest). It is straight-grained, 11-16 grain lines to the inch, and has amazing cross-grain "silk" (impossible to photograph), no hazelfichte figure. Back and sides are very dark 26-year-old Indian rosewood. The bindings are curly black walnut. Rosette and purflings are handmade by me entirely from the side-grain edges of various veneers, and include a new design that I call "spiral ribbon." Finish is high gloss French polish throughout. Scale length is 650 mm, nut width 53 mm. Nut and saddle are compensated for each string individually. The guitar is set up with a medium action. Tuning machines are bronze Sloanes with black real mother-of-pearl buttons.

Indian rosewood back/sides with curly walnut binding, spiral ribbon purfling
The sound of this instrument is complex. It is one of the loudest guitars I've built, with instant response to the touch. It has a slightly shallower body than I usually build, dimensioned like a Hauser or Romanillos, resulting in very focused lyrical trebles with sweet harmonic overtones. Basses are deep, almost aggressive. The sustain is impressive, and there is a great range of color and dynamic response.

2005 spruce/Indian rosewood classical