2003 Richard Howell CD/IN

We consider Howell to be the best traditional guitar maker in Australia. His guitars are very inspired by Fleta, but after years of comparing them to original Fleta’s we’ve had, one can see that he has clearly established his own style and characteristics. It has great volume, like the Fleta, but has a darker voice, sounding more cello-like. We have often thought that this is the best guitar in the world to play the Bach cello suites. Using almost no power tools, Howell manages to produce one of the most beautiful finishes in the world - warm and lustrous, and very similar to the violin-style varnish of Fleta. They are also a pleasure to play and a wonderful complement to the brighter, spruce-top guitars from Germany and England. This particular guitar is in excellent condition with no damage or cracks, etc., only some minor playing wear.