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          Allan Beardsell has been concentrating on building guitars for 7 years, though he began making instruments in his teens. He wanted to play violin in a rock band.  so he built his first electric violin.  Later on, while working as a musician and a cabinet maker, he built an "f-style" mandolin, and then turned to acoustic and electric guitars.  Allan continues to draw on his years as a freelance musician,  keeping in mind the needs of the player as he designs his instruments.

         In recent years, Allan has worked closely with world renown veteran luthier Sergei DeJonge of Oshawa.  This association has helped Beardsell  hone his skills in traditional and spanish guitar making.  In 1999, Canada Council awarded Allan a grant to complete three new designs, using domestic woods and low enviro-impact finishes.  Although Allan specializes in acoustic and electric 6 string guitars, he has recently developed an exciting new prototype for a nylon string model.   He has also custom built mandolins, mando-cellos, half-size and tenor guitars, and 7 string guitars.
 
 

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        Allan has an eye for innovation and continues to apply new ideas whenever he can. His current designs are the culmination of  years of experimenting, following his intuition, drawing on tradition and keeping the needs of the player in mind.  For example, a Beardsell guitar will incorporate some, or all, of the following in its designs: a  low stress, ergonomic neck profile; easy access to upper fingerboard with conformed-to-heel cutaway;  sideports that offer full rich acoustic sound to the player  even in amplified situations; stiffer sides and liners for stronger projection; lattice braced top for evenness of tone and more transparent amplification;  a Laskin armrest of the player’s comfort; radial braced back for enhanced overtones; and a frequency-compensated bridge that  supports balance of tone. Allan’s goal as a guitar maker is to build instruments that are aesthetically pleasing, but above all a joy to play and a pleasure to listen to!
 
 
 
 

         Allan Beardsell has been a respected Canadian luthier for some time now, but it wasn't until relatively recently that I had the opportunity to experience his instruments for myself. The model "Style 4a" features spectacular figured maple back & sides, Sitka spruce top and a tropical mahogany neck.  The double side ports just blast the sound up to the player and out to the audience! Of course the Laskin Armrest (invented by renown luthier William Laskin) is not only easy on the eyes, but incredibly comfortable as well. The neck shape is quite asymmetric in shape and one of the most comfortable to play over long periods of time without fatigue. 

         This instrument has a completely unique voice. It reminds me a little of a highly refined Selmer jazz guitar, but with a good dose of flattop thrown in the mix. Very good cutting power and a nice glassy shimmer around each note. Just a joy to play all around!

      The 4G is essentially Allan's 4a body with a wider waist.  It is quite surprising how this instrument is fabricated from very traditional materials but possesses a dramatically unique voice.  Allan's trademark double side ports, flying struts, "Laskin" armrest, frequency compensated bridge and asymetrical neck shape are seamlessly integrated into his singularly unique body shape.  The fingerprints of a luthier with a spectacular imagination and a high degree of woodworking finesse are all over this guitar! 

      The Humphrey-like 14 fret neck joint is raised from the body and flared out from the cutaway for the best upper register access we have ever experienced!  The double side ports on this instrument do not seem to effect the frontal projection but allow the player to hear all of the subtle tonal nuances as well as get a sense of the power of this guitar.  The sculpted classical style bridge utilizes ivory pins rather than the traditional saddle and the bone nut is compensated for a noticeably improved intonation. 

       After you play this instrument, you quickly realize that the futuristic aesthetic of this guitar is entirely secondary to it's well thought out practical and functional design!

Welcome to the Twelfth Fret!