Ross Gutmeier Classical Guitar (2016)

Ross Gutmeier Classical Guitar (2016), made in Baltimore, MD, French polish finish, Walnut back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black hard shell case. Ross Gutmeier is a modern builder who effortlessly blends the traditional with the cutting edge, creating guitars drawing from the best of both 19th and 21st century ideas. Based in Baltimore, Gutmeier began building guitars in 1993; by 2005 he was attracting notice internationally specifically for modern double-top guitars, but he also builds more traditional instruments like this one, typically in the style of Santos Hernandez. This walnut bodied concert guitar was built in 2016 (it is marked 6/16 on the label). Unlike some other Gutmeiers we have encountered it is very traditionally styled model, forgoing a carbon fiber double top for the traditional solid spruce braced in the venerable light 7-fan pattern. This guitar does not feature the twin forward "Ruck Port" side soundholes Guttmeier often uses and also lacks a metal endpin. The most modern twist is a single dot marker on the side of the neck at the 7th fret. The neck is flat and wide with a stark shoulder and flat radius, as would be expected. Overall, this is an excellent and generally well-kept instrument for any serious classical guitarist, or a fan of Ross Gutmeier's work who wants to try something closer to tradition. It is beautifully crafted to a very high standard, with a superb and very powerful sound that never gets harsh or muddy even when pushed hard. The previous owner told us "Ross found a way to capture the traditional tone of the best classical guitars from the past with a modern approach to building that allows for exceptional balance and beauty of tone coupled with immense volume and projection." We couldn't have said it better!   Overall length is 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm.), 14 1/16 in. (35.7 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 5/8 in. (651 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/16 in. (52 mm.). This fairly contemporary guitar (built less than a decade ago) is in overall great shape with only light signs of play, just some scuffs and tiny dinks to the finish. There are a few dings as well in the back of the neck from use, nothing major or impeding playability at all. There is one very thin, small grain crack just left of center coming off the bridge which has been neatly sealed. The label inside shows some slight moisture damage, and the original owner reached out to Gutmeier himself to acquire a replacement label. This is in the case pocket and can be installed upon request. This fine playing and sounding concert guitar rests in a light but solid molded plastic travel case. Excellent Condition.