Classical Options

Once you have decided on the body shape that best suits your needs, it's time to dissect the entire instrument into all appointments. Below is listing of all important measurements pertaining to how the guitar is built and parts that will determine your customized instrument.

Scale Length

The length of the string from nut to saddle plays an important role in how the guitar plays, reacts to the soundboard, and how the string will vibrate. The longer the distance, the tighter the string gets, more pressure on the soundboard, and smaller the rotation of the string. So, vis versa the shorter the scale length the slacker the string will become, less pressure on the sound board, and larger the circle of rotation of the string. As guitar makers we have settled on a number of scale lengths that are the standards used across the industry, now I do offer a number of less common measurements that fill a void for players that need something not generally available from production instruments.

Classical/Flamenco Scale Lengths: 635 /640 /650 /655 /660 /670mm

Body Design

Soundboard Choices

The face of the guitar sets the tone signature of the instrument. Aside from the body shape nothing else influences the sound texture of your instrument like the soundboard. In general, we use a softwood conifer lumber of the highest quality. Now it is possible to use hardwoods like Mahogany, Koa, or even Walnut- to make a steel string guitar. But most musicians will appreciate a quicker louder instrument made with a Spruce or Cedar, they also will live a longer more predictable life span. Below is the list of woods that I offer in a selection of grades, and explanation of the sound associated with each one.

Soundboard Choices:

Engelmann Spruce: AA - No Charge AAA - $150 Master Grade - $350

Italian Spruce: AA- $80 AAA- $150 Master Grade- $400

Port Orford Cedar: AAA - $400

Western Red Cedar: AA - No Charge AAA - $150 Master Grade - $250

Redwood: AA - $120 AAA - $275

Backs & Sides

Just as the foundation holds up a structure, the back/sides of the guitar provide the support to produce sound. Most all are hardwoods and if your eyes desire something beautiful, this is where it goes. From dramatically figured woods to subtle Mahogany there's a tonewood to appeal to everyone.

Back & Side Choices

Padauk- Quartersawn: N/C

Wenge- Quartersawn: N/C

East Indian Rosewood- Standard Grade: $150 Premium Grade: $300

Palo Escrito- Straight Grained: $150 Figured: $350

Guatemalan Rosewood- $350

Cocobolo- $500-$1000

Madagascar Rosewood- Standard: $300 Premium: $700

Brazilian Rosewood: $1200 and Up

Bracewood

Just like the girders or I-beams of a bridge, the braces are how an acoustic instrument supports the movement of sound through the body.

Sitka Spruce- standard option: N/C

Italian Spruce- $100

Glue Options

All Classicals feature Hide Glue bracing construction

Rosette

1/4 Multi Layer Wood: N/C

Wood radial 1/2" w/laminate: $225 add 3/32 abalone: $90

Traditional Mosaic Choices: $100 and up

Neck Joint Style

Standard Option: Hot hide glued Dovetail

Spanish Heel Traditional: $350

Binding Design

Standard Options with No Charge: Maple/Indian Rosewood

Upgrade of $140: Flamed Maple/Bloodwood/Wenge

Upgrade of $225: Ebony/BZ Rosewood/Flamed Koa/Mitered B-W-B

Purfling Design

Standard Options with No Charge: Multi-layer Wood laminate (B/W/B)

Custom themed wood: $225-and up

Body Contour Options

Rounded cutaway: $400

Arm bevel: $500-$750

Bridge Design Options

Body Finish Options

Satin Nitro Cellulose Lacquer: No Upcharge

High Gloss Lacquer: $400

Spirit Varnish soundboard: $400

Neck Design

Neck Material

All classical necks are constructed from fine Spanish Cedar in the traditional 3-piece scarf practice

Fingerboard Material Options

Standard Option w/No Charge: East Indian Rosewood

Indian Ebony: $30 Premium Black: $60

Madagascar Rosewood: $30 Premium: $60-$100

African Ebony: $50 Premium Black: $100

Cocobolo: $30

Ziricote: $40

Brazilian Rosewood: $75 Premium: $200

Peg Head Shape Options

Snake Head or Vintage Tapered Square: No Charge

Slotted Head Stock: $350

Peg Head Wood Options

Standard Option N/C: East Indian Rosewood

Ebony- Standard Grade: $20 Premium Black $40

Madagascar Rosewood: $25 Premium figured: $50

Brazilian Rosewood- veneer: $75 Solid Wood: $150

Ziricote: $20

Cocobolo: $20