Classical Guitar Options
Below are a list of options available along with the additional cost for each. Non-standard dimensions are not considered an option and will not incur additional cost but may require a larger deposit if they deviate too far from the norm.
| Classical Guitar Options | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
Back & Side Wood Combinations |
|
| Brazilian rosewood - with either spruce or cedar top | $2000 |
| European maple - with Engelmann spruce top only | $1000 |
| Macassar ebony - with western red cedar top only | $1000 |
| Madagascar rosewood - with either spruce or cedar top | $500 |
| Cutaway | $500 |
Tuners |
|
| Sloane - bronze leaf or stippled | none |
| Alessi | Current price |
Custom Fitted Cases |
|
| Cedar Creek | current price |
| Kakura | current price |
Guitar Back and Side Wood Combinations
Only perfectly quarter sawn Brazilian rosewood is used in the shop. This cut of Brazilian rosewood is very difficult to find today and when found it is very expensive, hence the premium. Quarter sawn wood is the most stable cut and most suitable for a guitar. With any other cut of Brazilian the chances of trouble from cracking are far greater and therefore should be avoided.
The European maple is jewel-like in its appearance. These guitars are rapidly becoming the most popular. The combination of look and top notch sound make them irresistible. There are two design schemes that are used with the maple guitars, one uses chechen bindings and bridge, the other bocote. Sound wise they are the same the difference is in the look. The chechen is sort of a golden greenish yellow and this combination with the maple is more subtle than the bocote. The bocote is darker greenish brown with some yellow for a higher contrast look. With age the bocote will go to a deep golden brown.
The Macassar ebony is such a striking look and topped with western red cedar produces a very rich, warm, sound with exceptional clarity. Pear wood goes very well with this kind of ebony and is sometimes used in the rosette and the purflings. The side laminations are also pear wood on the Macassar ebony guitar. The ebony guitars pictured in the gallery have rosettes with an Amboyna burl center ring and the pear wood Greek motif in its center. Typically the bindings on a Macassar ebony guitar are of Gaboon ebony. This combination is very striking and produces a true concert quality sound.
The custom cases are built by the manufacturers to the exact specifications of my guitars. Both brands are high quality cases. The Kakura cases are of coarse waterproof.
