G W Barry Classical 1996 (consignment) SOLD


Comments An extremely rare classical guitar, handmade by G.W.Barry in 1996.

Gordon Barry routinely built classical guitars when he worked with Larrivee guitars in the late 70s and early 80s. Since then he has built hundreds of steel string guitars but this privately commissioned classical guitar is a truly special instrument!

Jean Larrivee apprenticed with Edgar Moench and passed his knowledge on to Gordon. I spoke with Gordon about this guitar. He has a clear memory of the building process for this guitar:

“It was a privately commissioned piece… and after some discussion we arrived at the particular wood choices that make it a very versatile classical guitar.

This guitar is built in the Moench style; a five fan brace system with dovetailed neck which pays homage to the Germanic luthiery tradition by virtue of its overall design, volume and note definition.

I had noticed ,over the years, that the classical guitars that I was most often impressed by usually had maple necks. The mass of the maple neck reduces sound dispersion out of the box. Coupling this with a cedar top retains the lushness of the romantic or Spanish guitars.

This guitar was my first example of the “Laskin” armrest design executed under approval and generous direction of Grit Laskin. Coincidentally it was also my first time use of my proprietary rosette mosaic which incorporates the Moench green tile blocks indicating luthiery lineage.

Adjustable truss rod, Irving Sloane tuners and Nitro finish finished it off… I believe that I applied the finish during a full moon in an ancient Mayan cornfield.”

This wonderfully lush sounding classical has the balance and clarity typical of the big, powerful “Spanish” sound. It features the oh-so-comfortable Laskin-style arm rest.

Excellent overall condition with only minor cosmetic surface wear and dings. Comes with a black hardshell case.

Serial Number n/a
Pricing $3299.00 CAD with case. SOLD
Neck Flame maple neck with ebony fretboard, 650mm scale, 52mm nut width.
Body Cedar top, Indian rosewood sides and back, Laskin style arm rest.
Finish High gloss finish with a couple of small dings on the top.
Hardware/electronics Sloan tuners with ebony buttons.


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