Models
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Please Note: the models specified below are not necessarily the only possibilities available. (Any list implies that the guitars can only be made to these specifications). However, it is always possible to take elements from one model and apply them to another, in order to meet the needs of the player. The list below is intended as a guide only, to give an overview of the sort of variety I offer. I do not work on a production line, each guitar is treated as a 'one-off' creation, and the specification list below is intended as a model guide only. Body shapes, scale lengths, type of tuners, cases etc, types of finish etc can be interchanged and price-specific. A guide- price list will be added soon, to give an idea of how each change would affect the pricing overall. Please ask via e-mail for any options, pricing etc.
The models currently on offer are:
Model 'B'
A new model for 2008, and has a few unique features- the main difference in this model is the 'bent and dropped’ table in the upper bout- this is to facilitate ease of access to the upper fret positions, similar to that of a cello- This feature requires a completely different assembly method, and results not only in improved access for the player, but stiffens the table very significantly at the weakest point, ie the area around the soundhole, by forming a ridge right at the central axis, similar (but in reverse) in fact to a Neopolitan mandolin, or a renaissance ‘Chittara Battente’. This feature improves clarity, and increases tonal projection- The fundamental air resonance of the guitar is also raised. Structurally, the string angle in relation to the bridge and table remains exactly the same, ie string tension in relation to the table is lateral in direction. ( NOTE: other guitars which appear to be of a similar design, notably those of the late Tom Humphries, have a string tension which pulls up on the table in an acute manner, whereas the ‘Model B’ does not-) The tension and pull on the table remains identical to the conventional guitar design, and the string ‘feel’ under the right hand remains the same. My design developed in 2008 is unique, and is protected by Design Right 2008, and for the reasons already stated represents a significant difference to all other designs. This model can also feature an adjustable neck, similar in design to the original mechanism by Staufer.
Also available on this model is an armrest-(optional) carved from cocobolo wood, and fits by means of 3 recessed Allen head set screws (key provided). Internally, there are 3 specially made brass collars, which in turn are affixed to the ribs via 3 light cedar spreading bearers, designed so as to distribute any pressure evenly across the rib, and not cause a ‘point load’ on the rib. The rest may be removed, to reveal a conventional guitar profile- Arm rests may be modified and carved to the players own specification, on request.
Photos of the Model B may be seen in the gallery section.
Model 'T'
This is the traditional Torres /Hauser type guitar- I have constructed over 300 examples of this type of guitar since 1972. Lightly built, in the Spanish style, based on many researched examples including some from my own collection, and especially the famous 1940 Hauser 1 guitar ex- Rose Augustine, now in the ownership of Julian Bream. The copy commissioned by Bream in 1991 was based very closely on this guitar, as were the 7 other guitars Bream later commissioned, the last being made in 1996. Available in various materials, most commonly Indian Rosewood with a spruce table, but other wood options are possible. Scale length is 65 cms. ( Other scale lengths are possible, ie 64 cms, 64.5 cms in models shown below. which have slightly different body shapes.) Head joined by tapered V join, and Rodgers tuners fitted as standard. Case supplied- choice of either Hiscox, Calton or Accord.
Link to a Youtube video, played on one of my traditional model guitars dated 1995, in a superb performance by Thomas Konigs, of Germany : Enjoy!
Model 'A'
Newly designed model available since 2002, 65 cms scale length, body shape Hauser 1, along with a little influence of Manuel Ramirez, with the internal top bracing being in an 'A' frame design. This makes for a stiffer and brighter tone which some players find preferrable for modern concert conditions. This model is usually made in Indian Rosewood with Cedar table, but other combinations are possible. Head joined by tapered V join, Rodgers tuners are fitted as standard. Case supplied- choice of either Hiscox, Calton or Accord.
Model 'T 1935'
This is a traditional model guitar, based closely on a Hauser 1 made in 1935, formerly in the collection of Victoria Kingsley, who purchased the guitar from the maker. This guitar was measured and examined closely while in her possesion, and many succesful examples have been constructed over the years. In every respect identical to a model 'T' above, i.e. a typical and traditional light Hauser 1 type model , the main difference being a smaller body and a shorter scale length at 64 cms, making it ideal for anyone with a smaller reach, but still maximising the tonal possibilities. Offered usually in Indian , Spruce table, option of simple or multiple bindings and purflings, and either Rodgers or Alessi tuners, and a fitted case by Hiscox, Calton or Accord . Prices according to specification.
Model 'T 1935 plus'
A traditional model guitar, based closely on a Hauser 1 made in 1935, formerly in the collection of Victoria Kingsley, who purchased the guitar from the maker. This guitar was measured and examined closely while in her possesion, and many succesful examples have been constructed over the years. In every respect identical to a model 'T' above, i.e. a typical and traditional light Hauser 1 type model , the main difference being a slightly longer body and a scale length at 64.5 cms, making it ideal for anyone with a smaller reach, but still maximising the tonal possibilities. Offered usually in Indian, Spruce table, option of simple or multiple bindings and purflings, and either Rodgers or Alessi tuners, and a fitted case by Hiscox, Calton or Accord. Prices according to specification.
Model 'S'
The 'studio' model guitar, based on a Torres model dated 1882, the original formerly in my collection, 65 cms scale and minimal decoration- Best materials are used, these being Indian Rosewood and Spruce table, with Alessi tuners. Rosette design is to a special design, and single bindings of a light coloured wood, of either lacewood, holly, maple or satinwood. No purflings on back or ribs, with a single inlay on the table. Head is joined by traditional scarf, and finish is varnish with a matte finish on the table, with oil finished back and sides. The idea is to make a fine playing guitar, in every way as good as the higher specification models but with the price kept a low as possible by minimizing on the additional decoration and tuners. In many respects, this is the true Torres model guitar. Case supplied- Hiscox.
'Acoustic' guitars- (well all guitars are acoustic, but you know what I mean!)
Steel strings, based on Martin 000 designs from the 1930's, 12 or 14 fret neck, suitable for finger style playing. Rosewood, ( options are maple, koa or other woods), Spruce, Alessi tuners in a slotted headstock, custom inlays to order, cellulose lacquer or oil finish, adjustable neck angle and action height, these are amongst the finest steel stringed guitars available today. Custom made, so no specific measurements can be given here. Enquire. Case supplied- Accord, but depends on shape.
Flamenco guitars
Traditional cypress bodies, peg heads with pegs handmade in the studio, with spruce table, with minimal decoration. Model based on traditional flamenco guitars, one of the finest I have owned was by M Rodriguez Snr. 1954, and also a fine Santos Hernandez from 1912, and my flamencos are based on these guitars. Very light, percussive, and authentic. Includes case by Hiscox, Calton or Accord
Archtop Guitars
Carved, maple body, spruce top, very traditional styling with all fittings handmade in the art-deco style. Enquire.
Other models on offer include
- 19th C reconstruction, either Panormo model , Lacote model or Staufer model
- 8 or 10 string guitar
- Requinto
- ‘Alt ‘ guitar
Custom models
It is possible to 'mix and match' various elements from various models, in order to lower costs- for example, you could opt for a Model T '1935 plus' but opt for a varnish finish back, ribs, french polished table, and a head 'scarf join' as per model S, to keep costs down. These are custom-made guitars, tailored to the players needs. I am not a production line, and not confined to defined model limitations as any model 'specification' implies, I tailor each guitar to the player's specific needs.
Woods
Select various traditional materials offered, usually Indian Rosewood, Maple, Spruce, Cedar, and various selected English and European hardwoods.
Options- (to be completed)
Cases- (to be completed.) Cases can be supplied via mail order or from the shop, in stock are Hiscox, Calton, BAM and Accord
Prices- (to be finalised )- prices vary according to specification.
Opening times and all contact details, directions etc. on our 'Contact' page. Visitors welcomed, but strictly by appointment only.
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