Classical Guitar

Time may change some construction methods but the most important element in building a great sounding instrument is attention to the details!! Always striving to learn more and improve your instruments has to be the goal. We continue to gain more knowledge about acoustics and physics that the Masters of the past didn't possess but the craftsmanship they employed will always be the secret to making fine instruments.

I still use the traditional Spanish Method of building the guitar face down on a Solera and it is constructed free form. Using an Outside Mold is the preferred method for building steel string guitars. One method is not necessarily better than the other. I learned the Spanish Method but saw some advantages to the Mold as well so I have combined the two.

On a trip to Spain, I was able to observe the traditional Spanish builders first hand and learn everything I could. What I found was surprising! Most of the high quality Master shops are still one man operations working in small narrow buildings, using mostly hand tools. As I stood and watched I thought this isn't much different from my little shop back in Atlanta.

My soundboards are European Spruce from the high Alps of Switzerland, Strong Sitka Spruce from the steep slopes of Alaska or the Canadian Rockies. Western Red Cedar grows the best in the Western United States. The Hardwoods for the backs and sides come from exotic places like Africa, South America and Australia. I am careful to not use endangered species and my wood suppliers are very careful about where they buy their logs. Many of the species of trees that have been found in other parts of the world are now grown on managed plantations in other parts of the world where growing conditions are favorable.

I build guitars by hand using the finest materials from all around the world and a blend of old world traditions and modern technology in my construction methods.

The Classical Guitar as it exist today has been around for about 200 years. The size has increased in an effort to produce more volume to fill larger concert halls but the basics design is the same. I still build my classical guitars using the old Spanish method. The bracing patterns that I use are variations of Robert Bouchet or Torres fan brace patterns. The Torres has that very distinct Spanish sound while the Bouchet pattern has a little sweeter tone. I have also had good results with a radial bracing pattern that has a very focused refined sound. The choice of wood is a customer option. Solid East Indian Rosewood is what I use for the back and sides on my standard guitars. Other wood options are available and some have an additional charge.