After five years of exclusively making violins and violas it took a request from a fine young guitarist to coax me out of guitar building retirement, and I am glad he did — it was an invigorating project. In contrast to my previous work, which was quite traditional, this guitar features several modern innovations:  elevated fingerboard, dual carbon fiber rod reinforced neck, a sound port and laminated sides. I also  redesigned the neck block for a light and very stiff connection of the neck to the body, while simultaneously allowing the upper bout of the guitar more freedom to resonate.

 

Win one for modernism. I am pleased with the tonal presence of this instrument:  crystalline clarity,  singing trebles, distinct, lush basses, and plenty of volume. And it appears this guitar will be accompanying its new owner to the Yale School of Music graduate program in guitar performance.