The Belle Epoch

 This is my tribute to the legacy of the classical guitar as created  by Antonio de Torres in Spain during the mid-nineteenth century………A time that could be known as “La Belle Epoche”  or “the good time”  for  guitar design.  This traditional design features time revered methods of achieving the romantic Spanish sound.  In addition, I have compiled data available in Sheldon Urlik’s book “Fine Spanish Guitars” of measurements from  65 Classical and Flamenco guitars from the most famous master luthiers of all time.  The result is the Belle Epoch guitar, designed and standardized from that data to recreate  what I think of as  the “World Guitar” and an important historical icon.

 To be sure there are my own subtle  ideas employed to help this guitar be powerful enough for the concert setting,  but the objective is to showcase the shimmering tonal palette of the Torres /Hauser  tradition.  This is the guitar for the interpreter who wants the feedback of a lively, resonant instrument.  Full mitered purflings w/Ebony bindings and my own design “Spirit Path” rosette after Native American artforms -  $3200

 For a unique but historically appropriate instrument, choose European curly Maple for the body and Italian Spruce for the soundboard ( no exta charge).  A wonderful sound!

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