Here I find myself admiring the talent and creativity of the masters, Torres and Ramirez. Much has been contributed to Classic Guitar by these Master luthiers. In my experience, the combination of Rosewood and Cedar provides a very pianistic sounding guitar. I like to experiment with other woods though and have found that the less dense the wood used for the body is, the more mid-range is present giving the guitar a sweeter sound. Using Mahogany rather than Cedar for the neck, although heavier, will enhance the sustain of the trebles.
European Spruce is certainly my favourite top and difficult to get, but the sound is more focussed than its “American brother” Engelmann Spruce. I have used Sitka and Red Wood. Each provides different characteristics of sound; more suitable for players that have a strong “attack”. Bracing can be based on the patterns of Hauser/Ramirez and Torres, or as an alternative, I have a bias for the more modern lattice bracing. It has less character but allows more range and freedom to the guitar.
My scale length of preference is 650mm, but I have built from 635 to 670 depending on the musician’s hand size and playing style. There are several innovations I like to include on my guitars: Raised adjustable necks, 12- or 18-hole tie blocks and, for additional playing comfort, the Laskin arm rest (used by permission from William Laskin).
Pictured here with friend and artist KASIM, upon receiving his classical guitar 'Lakadema'.
