2000 Sebastian Stenzel CD/IN

This instrument, built by German maker Sebastian Stenzel, is very well-made in the traditional Spanish style of Torres. The body is compact but the sound is very big. It has crystal-clear trebles and tight, strong basses. This guitar has a vast range of modulation and sound colors and very good balance. Sound is rich and layered. Up front, there is a nice, crisp quality to the attack of every note which really helps give the instrument great clarity and separation. The "body" of the note that follows the attack is thick, full and "creamy" in character. So this combined sound has both big-bodied warmth and clear definition at the same time. Playability is superb, with excellent intonation - Stenzel uses the fret spacing techniques developed by engineer Ernst Frisch to provide the best intonation and playability possible. Materials are lovely including a rare, but highly-figured and colorful set of Indian rosewood for the back and sides. Being a second-hand guitar, it in excellent condition with no damage or repairs - only some finish touch-up done to fill in a small ding behind the bridge, and to smooth over some prior playing wear. For aesthetic and tonal qualities, this is a first-rate concert instrument.