| We are in the middle of another Golden Age of
guitar building. I really believe that there has been no other time
in history where the steel string guitar has enjoyed so much innovation
by an ever-growing population of very gifted luthiers. There is an
open-mindedness with regards to design details and exotic tonewood use
that has been spearheaded by a handful of builders ... one of the most
noteworthy of which is Sergei de Jonge.
There is no questioning the fact that Mr. de Jonge
is one of the pioneers of innovations such as the side port and double-top
concept and has been a major influence to both players and builders with
regards to expanding exotic tonewood acceptance. The instrument I
am featuring today is a perfect case in point.
This stunning sounding guitar was made by Sergei
as a "show guitar" and incorporates a striking set of Pomelle Quilt Bubinga
and many of the advances in construction techniques that is the foundation
of de Jonge's considerable reputation. Of course one of the
first things your eye is attracted to is the custom inlay work executed
by Mark Kett, as well as the abalone shell top & rosette perimeter
... but the real story with this instrument is the top. |
