2008 Christopher Dean SP/CSAR

This highly regarded British maker builds an instrument strongly rooted in the northern European style. Strong influences from the French school can be identified in this guitar, including use of the "Bouchet" brace, which passes under the bridge, acting as a sort of see-saw, which improves dynamic range, tone color and sustain. Sound is plump and fat yet very clear - this is the perfect instrument for the player looking for a loose, warm spruce top with plenty of volume and projection. Great attention has been paid to craftsmanship and aesthetic touches, and the instrument is fitted out with a fine set of Rodgers tuners. Condition is very good with some signs of slight play-wear and a small ding behind the high-e string at the bridge. Top concert players of Dean guitars include Tillman Hopstock, Simon Dinnigan (video featured below) and Eleftheria Kotzia, among others.