Brian Cohen, Guitar Maker

I became a professional guitar maker in 1972, and am now the longest-established independant classical guitar maker in the UK. As well as classical guitars I make many other types, including flamenco, requinto, multi-string, steel string 'acoustic' guitars, archtop Jazz, as well as historic reconstructions. 'Special commissions' are welcomed. (Member of the Crafts Council Selected Index.)

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Instruments for Sale

I do have some guitars in stock for sale: some new, some pre-owned older master guitars and some rare antique guitars too- enquire please. I also look to buy outright fine master guitars- contact me with what you have for sale please.

Louis Panormo: London 1850.

A good guitar by Louis Panormo, dated and labelled 1850, bearing serial number '1978' inked on the label. Address given as 31,(inked in) High St Bloomsbury etc.Carved 'P' on upper harmonic bar. Good overall playable condition, this is the top model offered by Panormo, ie soundhole with mother of pearl diamonds, m.o.p decorated bridge, 4 piece dark chocolate coloured back, ribs ensuite, fully purfled. Original set of engraved tuners by Baker, all fully working. Original strap button inset into tail block, with large mother of pearl dot. (There are no pins in the back as can be often seen in earlier models.)

Condition:

Table: Uncracked, with no repairs, but has been re-polished at some point. Photo shows light strip of wood on treble lower bout, this is not a patch or insert, this is simply a change in the colour of the wood, and as stated the table is undamaged, and retains full thickness throughout.There is a corresponding lighter segment on the bass side, but less obvious. This is where the wood changes from earlier heartwood growth to later younger growth, and is just a feature of this particular piece. Original bridge, all pins present, although some are later replacements. No distortion or sinking. Action perfect.
Ribs: Matching dark chocolate coloured, both with fine some hairline cracks, repaired and stable. Ribs re-polished, and stable.
Back: 4 piece, bookmatched from same wood as ribs, only one very fine crack on one section, repaired and invisible, and some cupping at the joins. All intact, and the back has 3 bars (earlier versions had 2 only)
Neck: Cedar, undamaged, hardly marked, with fret markers at 5th and 7th fret.
Head: Figure maple, in perfect condition, with a good set of engraved Baker tuners, all working well, with M.o P buttons.
Fingerboard of ebony, slightly curved, and original bar shaped frets. Action good, fully playable.
The case, in good condition, is a typical contemporary wooden example fitted for the guitar, painted black, and bears some very old travel labels, including one from W E Hill and Sons, and shipping labels to Bombay (specifying Baggage in the Hold!)

All in good, largely original condition, very playable, a perfect opportunity to acquire a good rare top model Panormo. They do not come along in this fine state very often, and are rapidly going up in value.

Dimensions:

Photos: Click here

Price:

Enquire. Subject to approval from executors, and includes original wooden case
Price excludes freight, taxes etc. and VAT ( VAT zero rated if exported from EC, packing free, freight charged at cost- (ParcelForce, FedEx, or UPS)
The guitar can be sent out for approval, for a 48 -hour period after receipt. However, all freight charges, inwards and outwards, must be borne by the client, import duties may be levied in some countries, and for the USA the 'Lacey Declaration' has to be complete in addition to any CITES permit needed. Payment must be in full in advance, and evidence provided of insurance for the journey. For these additional services, a charge will be made. Funds will be refunded in full, provided the guitar arrives back in the shop in the same condition as when it left. If these conditions are not met, then the guitar will be considered 'Sold'.

I invite you to take a 'virtual tour' through my website, which is continually under construction and renewal, and I welcome any comments you may have about the site. Not all links and pages are active, but I hope to complete the site soon.

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