2013 James White "Calliope" SP/HR

Born in Hillsboro, Oregon, luthier James White settled in Teton Valley, Idaho, where he builds guitars. His original training in lutherie was with Jeffrey R. Elliott for two and a half years, and included not only guitar construction but training in repair work as well.

This instrument is based structurally and dimensionally on a 1943 Hauser I instrument that was completely measured by Jeff Elliott several years ago during a restoration project. The aesthetic details are entirely those of James White, including the unique mosaic rosette, headstock shape and other details. Top is Engelmann spruce and is French polished, back and sides are of Honduran rosewood (known also to be a favorite wood of Miguel Rodriguez Jr.) and finished in lacquer. Tuners are by Alessi. It has a big, broad, very deep sound with ample volume for virtually any solo, or ensemble concert setting. It also has great balance and clarity across all registers.

This guitar has been named "Calliope" after the muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology. Her son Orpheus was regarded by the ancient Greeks as greatest of all poets and musicians and it was even said that his lyre playing and singing could charm the birds, fish and wild beasts, coax the trees and rocks into dance, and divert the course of rivers. James White told us that it is extremely unusual for him to name his instruments like this so we hope that the future owner of this guitar is able to tap into the same font of inspiration in performing on this guitar as its luthier did while building it.