Handmade Guitars by Bob Gramann
It's about the sound.
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I've
been playing guitar
for over 40 years. I first built a guitar in 1992 from a kit. The
result was so satisfying that I had to build another, and then
another, and so on... Now I'm constantly watching out for neat wood
to make into guitars. My delight in the results of careful thinning,
bending, and finishing fine woods has grown with every guitar.
Most
important is achieving such a rich, full sound that it is loud enough
for performances without amplification. Amazingly, even tiny
adjustments can enhance both tone and volume, producing a responsive
instrument that feels good to play. Building these "live"
guitars has become almost an obsession. Any idea for a new feature or
an improvement means I have to build a guitar to try it out. I build
only a few instruments each year, so I have always tried to build
something I would want to play. So far, I feel successful. And, I
feel honored by the great players that have bought my instruments.
For some time, there has been a buzz among luthiers that Osage Orange (and its South American relative Fustic) is a sound-alike replacement for Brazilian Rosewood. I have now built a few guitars with this wood and make the claim that it sounds better. These guitars have a well-balanced and rich tone. Because of the rarity of this wood in guitar sized chuncks, and because of the difficulty in working it, I charge a little more for these guitars.
I have decided to name my guitar models after rivers in Virginia to make them easier to discuss.
Currently, I have these guitars available for sale. Prices start at $2300. Cutaways, fancy trim, and exotic woods cost more. But, don't let the price scare you away. I have a small number of these instruments that I am quite willing to bargain on.
| Tom Russ, who owns one of my guitars, wrote a book about playing and comparing guitars Four Guitars (More or Less). It's a good read for someone who enjoys fine guitars. |
Rappahannock
The Rapphannock has a body size very close to a Martin OM/000. Scale length, nut width, and body depth can be customized. It is available with or without a cutaway. This is currently my favorite size to play. It gives a rich tone with good projection and is not so large that it is difficult to reach around. These are great sounding guitars. All listed below have a 24.9" scaleBob Gramann
122 Laurel
Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
(540)
898-0611
bob@bobgramann.com
visits since 7/1/10
1/19/12
