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Frank Montuoro has worked on guitars used by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Peter Frampton to name a few. [learn more]

 

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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