The Twelfth Fret ~ Since 1977 ~

Posts Tagged independent luthiers

William ‘Grit’ Laskin

William 'Grit' Laskin

William Laskin has earned international renown in part due to the startling visual impact of the graphic inlay work that highlights his instruments. Departing completely from traditional guitar aesthetics, he has pioneered such diverse and unusual materials as azurite, coral, camel bone and Tahitian black pearl. He has the uncanny ability to breath life into his subjects using unconventional acid oxidizing techniques. His fluid images are modern, almost surrealistic. His stimulating inlay seminars have attracted artisans from across the continent. In 1995 Larry Robinson wrote the definitive book on inlay, featuring Laskin’s work.

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Harrison GB Custom “Blister” Maple SOLD

Harrison GB Custom "Blister" Maple   SOLD

What can I say…… he’s done it again! Master Luthier Douglas Harrison builds some of the best jazz guitars guitars in the world, and this new GB Custom is no exception. Its “Blister Maple” top is simply mesmerizing. I was in love with this guitar before I had even played it!

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G.W. Barry Concert Model: Ziricote/ Engelmann/ Snakewood Sold

G.W. Barry Concert Model: Ziricote/ Engelmann/ Snakewood Sold

Sometimes a luthier has to throw everything he’s got at a project … every tasteful aesthetic upgrade, that top he has been saving for a decade, the very best exotic set of back & sides, absolutely everything learned in the last 25 years of professional building … the whole enchilada. Sometimes the sound of a guitar such as this falls short of expectations. In this particular case, it has produced the best instrument to date from the already very impressive track record of veteran luthier G.W. Barry!

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G.W. Barry OM: Bearclaw Spruce & Brazilian Rosewood Sold

G.W. Barry OM: Bearclaw Spruce & Brazilian Rosewood Sold

Don’t get me wrong … I am all for the new innovations that private luthiers are incorporating into their guitars these days. Bring on all of the built-in bevels … put as many ports as you can possibly squeeze in and inlay it to within an inch of its life … I LOVE that kind of creativity and forward movement in the evolution of my musical instrument of choice. But I have to admit it is also nice to see a veteran builder make an instrument that quietly stands on its own … to be judged as a musical tool based solely on sound & playability.

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G.W. Barry Concert Cutaway: Bearclaw Sitka & Flamed Brazilian Rosewood Sold

As a luthier, more often than not, your sound evolves very slowly over the course of your career … so slowly, that it is sometimes difficult to notice. But every once in a while a new building concept solidifies in one instrument and your tone jumps to a new level. This is one of those guitars.

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Alexander James “Ursa” Maple Guitar SOLD

Alexander James "Ursa" Maple Guitar SOLD

Alexander James is without a doubt one of the most talented young luthiers I have ever met. Based out of Peterborough Ontario, Alexander builds exquisitely well crafted electric guitars, 100% by hand. His passion for wood selection can be seen by taking a glance at any of his instruments.  They really are works of art.

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THE TWELFTH FRET

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