 "TORRES" MODEL This is a small bodied guitar, measuring 356mm across the bottom bout, closely modelled on the work of Torres. Antonio de Torres (1817-1892) is widely acknowledged as having established the essential constructional features of the modern classic guitar. The big sound of these guitars belies their smaller size and is very focused. They have tremendous projection. "ARAM" MODEL This model has been developed in response to the need for a larger bodied guitar though, at 365mm across the bottom bout, it is not large by today's standards. For this guitar I usually use a European Spruce top but I have used Western Red Cedar Yugoslavian Fir, Yellow Cedar and Engelmann Spruce. The most popular choice for the back and sides is Indian Rosewood though I often use other timbers, alone and in combination, as with the Torres model. The neck is Brazilian Cedar and features a 'V' joint at the head. The sound of this guitar is very open with excellent string balance. It projects very well but also sounds very clearly to the player making it an excellent instrument for both the professional concert performer and the serious student. My method of construction is to prepare three guitars at once but to only assemble one at a time, enabling me to focus entirely on that instrument. The total construction time including polishing is spread over a 2½ to 3 month period. I keep a large stock of timber and most of what I am using now was purchased ten or more years ago. The use of certain techniques to "test" the guitar during the building process ensures that my guitars, whilst light in construction, are extremely reliable. At the time of writing, I cannot remember the last time a guitar was returned for a crack or structural repair. It was certainly over seven years ago. I am very proud of my work and I feel there are very few things left in this world that are made in the way I make my guitars. |
I build two basic models of guitar. Variations on these themes can be ordered to suit yourself. Scale lengths, fingerboard widths, neck dimensions, decorations and timber types can be infinitely varied.
The jumping off point for the development of this guitar was a 1943 Herman Hauser measured by my pal Jeff Elliot of Portland, Oregon. Herman Hauser (1884-1952) was a German maker who, being influenced by the guitars of Torres and Manuel Ramirez, produced some of the finest classic guitars of this century.
The fingerboard is Ebony and, whilst the standard scale length is 650mm I have successfully used longer lengths. Fingerboard width at the nut is 52mm and at the twelfth fret 62mm. The string spacing at the bridge is 60mm. Each rosette is again individually made and the woods used complement the purflings and bindings.
In addition to the above two models I make Flamenco guitars, Requintos, 7, 8 or 9 string guitars and 6 string bass guitars.