Classical Guitars

Bouchet (1898-1986) was an artist/teacher who began playing guitar in 1932 and made his first one in 1946. In the 70's, he worked with Marin Montero and together they made a few guitars. His instruments were greatly admired and played by Alexandre Lagoya, Ida Presti, Emilio Pujol, and Julian Bream. Over a period of about 30 years he only made 150 guitars. Ray Courtnall, in his book, The Master Makers and their Guitars, states that "Bouchet's guitars are noted for both their considerable volume their superb sustain, as well as their aesthetic beauty. These rare instruments are now extremely valuable and are virtually impossible to obtain." This is one of those and it is sensational! Click here to view guitar.

Another perfect guitar from the builder I can't get enough of and can't keep in stock. Always balanced, focused, full of colors and very easy to play. Click here to view guitar.

This gorgeous guitar has a German Spruce top and very old, rare, highly figured Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. Scale length is 650mm's. In this guitar, Bob wanted to replicate the essence of the guitars made by Santos Hernandez in the early 1900's. The top on this one is quite thin (2mm's and less) and the bracing is a Torres fan, with a treble bar to stiffen up the notes on the first string. There is an oval shaped "sound port" cut into the upper left side, which allows trapped sound to be freed from the guitar's upper bout. Finish is hand rubbed French polish. Tuners are Gotoh Professional, Hauser style. This guitar was completed in January of 2008. Dr. Stephen Robinson (Stetson University) borrowed this guitar from Bob in February 2008 and played it in 15 concerts throughout last year. Bob is now offering it for sale. The sound of this guitar is loud and clear. The trebles are bright. The action is fairly low and comfortable. Click here to view guitar.

This is another exquisite guitar from the workshop of Bob Desmond. It's his "Pearl Beauty". Scale length is 650mm's. Bracing is traditional Torres fan bracing with open cross bars, upper and lower. Tuners are STERLING SILVER with mother of pearl buttons, custom made by David Rodgers in England. This guitar is adorned with hand cut mother of pearl inlay, reminiscent of a guitar made in the early 1900's by Miguel Rodriguez senior. The voice of this guitar is loud and open, but also has a nice warmth. Action is very comfortable. The guitar is entirely finished in French Polish. It is in PERFECT CONDITION, even though it is a few years old. It has never been owned. Click here to view guitar.

Very good to excellent condition with some nail marks. Pictures to follow.

Beautiful sweet sounding with clarity , brightness,and Hauser depth of sound. In the January 2008 issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine, there is a 6 page article about Hauser guitars. Click here to view guitar.

This guitar has tremendous punch because of the redwood and the nitro cellulose lacquer used for the finish on some of the 60's and 70's concert guitars. Hauser I began using nitro cellulose varnish, which at that time was a new technique. Hauser II continued this, improving upon it and Hauser III and IV are still using both n.c. hand polish and French polish. After Hauser III tested with players, 80% preferred n.c. finish because many say, "it sounds better". The look is shiny and the sound is very modern with 5 fan bracing, very different from many of the other Hausers, but the balance and accuracy are very evident. This is a DYNAMITE concert guitar. It's explosive, yet lush and sings! It was used in concert early May 2009 and everyone raved about it. This is one of the best guitars I've had. Previously owned by Sergio Abreu. Click here to view guitar.

Santos Hernandez (1873- 1942) is among the greatest Spanish builders, known primarily for his flamenco guitars. This is his greatest flamenco guitar, called "Bon Bon", which he built for himself. THIS IS AN HISTORICAL ONE OF A KIND.

In October 1991 The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in conjunction with the Museo Municipal of Madrid, published a book called "La Guitarra Espanola, showing a collection of special and outstanding Spanish classical and flamenco guitars from the 18th to the 20th century. If you were lucky enough to have seen this exhibit and even luckier to have bought the book, turn to page 176-177. If not, click on the link to see pictures. THIS IS THE GUITAR. It's still very much alive and was played in concert on several occasions by the former owner Virginia Luque.. Click here to view guitar.

This is one of the few he made with sapwood and brazilian sides. It has a slightly raised finger board and has some wear but if you love the sound, you don't notice. It's very impressive; one of the exceptional ones. Click here to view guitar.

This is a beautiful small guitar with a big sound. At the nut it's 51mm, 3 3/4 sides & 38 1/2 " long, lower bout width is 14". It's perfect for someone with small hands or someone who doesn't want to work too hard. It looks brand new and has Rodgers tuners. Click here to view guitar.

Tom's guitars are a favorite of Angel Romero. They're bright, bold, and perfect for a concert audience. Click here to view guitar.

It's a difficult choice between a spruce and a cedar Marty guitar. How lucky I am to have one of each. This is really a dynamic instrument with all the attributes of a concert guitar: powerful basses and silky trebles. Click here to view guitar.

This is a spectacular instrument with the most sought after Rio rosewood back. Don't be fooled by the date. Simon has just put a new top on and says, "It is in effect, a new guitar." It has Gilbert tuners and a truss rod to avoid neck bowing. You have no doubt heard about the Marty sound. It is powerful yet warm, perfect for recording and concertizing. He has a long waiting list and they don't come by often. Click here to view guitar.

I love guitar labels and this one is a prize. It's signed, stamped and even has his picture on it. It's a little longer scale length, has clear scratch plates, a repaired crack from the rosette to the bridge, some scratches on the face, clean back and a boomy sound that could be for classical or flamenco. There is something very charming about this instrument. Click here to view guitar.

This guitar looks like new, although it's been played by a very careful guitarist & is opened up It's full of color & richness & a pleasure to play. Click here to view guitar.

Daryl Perry is an award winning luthier who had guitars displayed at the Canadian national museum. This is not only a beautifully crafted guitar, in the Torres-Hauser-Romanillos style, but it also has the balance and clarity that make for both a professional and intimate sounding instrument. It's easy to play, but not easy to come by. I've been wanting to have one for quite some time. Don't pass this up, I didn't. Click here to view guitar.

This is lattice braced with domed top, even volume and sustain, lots of color and brightness. You can't beat the price. Click here to view guitar.

I'd like to welcome a fine builder from Devon with a low introductory price. This guitar features the unique Riddell fan bracing system and arched back which provides superior clarity and intonation throughout the guitar's range. The 1st grade European spruce top has a glorious resonance and the coca-bola produces even sweeter, more colorful tonal qualities then Brazilian rosewood. It has Van Gent tuning machines and 53mm nut. "This is a guitar lovingly handcrafted for a guitarist, by a guitarist." Click here to view guitar.

It's here and it's fantastic. The sound is vibrant and alive, with or without covering the holes. I can't decide which I like best. These are very rare and very much in demand. Click here to view guitar.

A Ruck is a Ruck is a Ruck. It doesn't matter which year. I hardly ever saw one I didn't like. This one I love. It almost sounds as good as the new one above. It has a slightly raised fingerboard and Sloane tuners. It also has tremendous focus and clarity and easily a concert instrument. Click here to view guitar.

Introducing Arnoldo Salguero who was trained by Arturo Sanzano (master luthier for Jose Ramirez for 21 years). This is a very colorful guitar with a sweet but strong projection. Easy to play and easy to listen to. Alot of sound for this low introductory price. Click here to view guitar.

Although there are 2 repaired hairline cracks, the basses are extraordinary, the trebles are singing, and the price is right. Click here to view guitar.

Torres model. ALL ORIGINAL. I have never seen one without any cracks until this one. The sound is pure, balanced, and old world. Click here to view guitar.

It's finally here, but not for long or you can get on his 15 year waiting list. The sound explodes in your hands. What a guitar! Many of the top guitarists, such as John Williams, Ben Verdery, and Nick Goluses put down their Fletas and are now playing Smallman's. Click here to view guitar.

LTD. EDITION VELAZQUEZ'S
These are once in a lifetime. The only four made by the great luthier and son. It has been my honor and pleasure to know this family and to represent them with these exceptional guitars. Manuel is 92 and this will probably be his last endeavor. If you act quickly, you can own a part of guitar history, one of these prized instruments can be yours.

Each is named after his 4 children. I have Graciella and Maria Eugenia here. Both are made with the finest spruce and brazilian woods; are elegant and graceful to see; and are brilliant, responsive, and easy to play.

Click here to view Graciela guitar.
Click here to view Maria Eugenia guitar.

A new one from "the Maestro". I watched him build it for me. He's amazing and so are the guitars. The woods, the sound, all as beautiful as ever. Click here to view guitar.

This bear claw (hasselfichte spruce) darkened top is exquisite. All woods are very old and in excellent condition. The neck is narrow and very easy to play. The sound is of old world clarity and sweetness, with balance and unlimited projection. Click here to view guitar.

The Estrella and the Rafaella were made under the supervision of Manuel when he moved back to Puerto Rico. All of these that I've had, have the Velazquez sound of beauty, whether made by him or supervised by him. This one also has Lansdorfer tuners. This was a special order guitar because of the spectacular woods and Landsdorfer tuners. Click here to view guitar.

Except for a repaired lower bout back crack, it's all original with Lansdorfer machines. If you can't afford a Hauser 1, but want the same clear, bright sweet, warm sound, the 50's and 60's Velazquez's are it. Not to mention, that one day they'll be as valuable. Click here to view guitar.

John was apprenticed to Andrea Tacchi and his guitar reflects Tacchi's elegant and somber aesthics. It's beauty is enhanced with Alessi tuners. This is a replica of an Enrique Garcia: lightly built, responsive, well balanced with wide color range. He also makes replicas of the other "old masters: Bouchet, Simplicio, etc. Click here to view guitar.

Flamenco Guitars

This rare old flamenco guitar with the beautiful label was made by a Granada builder 50 years ago. Outside of a front seam crack below the rosette and a long back crack along the back seam, both hairline and both repaired, it's in very good shape and sounds like a guitar played by gypsies. Click here to view guitar.

Even in this condition it sounds like "flamenco puro". I have an offer of $20,000 and will accept bids. Otherwise, I'll have the work done. This is a past life regression, I just love it. Click here to view guitar.

Except for a hairline crack below the 6th string, it was hardly played, so the condition is fine. It has tuning machines, original case and bill of sale. Click here to view guitar.

Excellent except for a hairline crack on the back post. The golpeadores are white. I don't have pictures but we all know what it looks like.