FEATURED GUITAR 4.08
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Style 8 Slope Shoulder 12 Fret
The more guitars I build the more excited I get,
mainly because there is always another opportunity
around the corner to make something different. I make
sure that each guitar is an individual. No two are
alike, and I like it that way. At least you know you
are getting a one-of-a-kind instrument. With this
guitar, I feel I especially hit a new stride with my
finish techniques.
Musical instrument finish has always been a mystery.
The finish can make or break an instrument. It's
called finish for a good reason. For years now I have
been trying to perfect the finish for my guitars. I'm
sure it will be a lifelong journey, but with this
guitar I found a formula I am very pleased with both
visually and sonically. It's a combination of
centuries-old varnish recipes I have been studying.
Most guitars I make are Larson-inspired aesthetically.
Although the Larsons never made a slope shoulder
guitar, it's interesting to see what one might have
looked like. You will notice that based on the design
techniques I use, the soundhole is in a much different
location from a comparable Martin style guitar. Also,
the complimented scale length puts the bridge in a
location on the top that we like to call the "sweet
spot".
Visually this is a very striking guitar. Sonically
it's like a cannon. Huge sound indeed. Brazilian
Rosewood back and sides with premium aged Adirondack
soundboard and bracing. Fit with a 1-13/16" width at
the nut adds to the fingerstyle appeal of this
instrument. The owner seems to concur. Read this
testimonial for yourself.
I am the client that Frankie alluded to AND I just
picked-up one of his stellar guitars, a 12-fret slope
shouldered dreadnaught in Brazilian Rosewood & 125
year-old Adirondack.
The “final” guitar is a beauty indeed in Frankie’s
antique, or as he calls it, violin finish. Prior to
picking her up I commented that if she sounded half as
good as she looked I would be satisfied customer. He
assured me, however, that she sounded even better than
she looked. He was absolutely correct, it’s a CANNON
with bass response that resonates to your core and
string separation/clarity like I’ve never experienced.
If it sounds this good new, imagine what she’ll sound
like when she fully opens up!!!!!!!!
I will soon return to my homeland, England, and look
forward to meeting fellow acoustic blues, rag and folk
players and spreading the word about Frankie Montuoro
and the spectacular instruments he imagines then
delivers!!!!!
Cheers,
Nigel
Thanks for looking
Frankie Montuoro
4.08 |