Coming Soon: A New Guitar by Ariel Ameijenda — Torres SE 81 Copy with Cypress

We have exciting news for fans of historically inspired classical guitars: Uruguayan master luthier Ariel Ameijenda is currently building a new instrument for GSI, and we can't wait to share it with you.

Those of you who remember Ariel's previous guitar for us will know exactly why we're so thrilled. That instrument was a meticulous copy of Torres SE 81 — a remarkable guitar with a story as compelling as its sound. Six years ago, this previously unknown Torres surfaced in a home in Uruguay, still bearing its original nut, machine heads, and much of its original varnish. Italian luthier Gabriele Lodi, who carried out restoration work on it, described SE 81 as one of the most well-preserved Torres guitars he had ever encountered. Detailed plans were drawn up and left with Ariel, who was immediately inspired to build a copy for us.

The result was extraordinary — warm, resonant, and brilliantly clear in the trebles, with the kind of played-in depth you rarely find in a new instrument. Ariel followed Torres' measurements so faithfully that his replica even matched the original in weight. It was, by any measure, a landmark guitar.

Now Ariel is returning to the same blueprint — but with a new voice. While his previous copy featured birdseye maple for the back and sides, this new instrument will be built with cypress — giving it a new character.

Browse the sneak peek gallery below for a first look — and don't wait too long when it arrives.