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
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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.
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Soundboard Choices:
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Purfling Design
Standard Options with No Charge: Multi-layer Wood laminate (B/W/B)
Custom themed wood: $225-and up
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Body Contour Options
Rounded cutaway: $400
Arm bevel: $500-$750
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Bridge Design Options
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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
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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
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Peg Head Shape Options
Snake Head or Vintage Tapered Square: No Charge
Slotted Head Stock: $350
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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