2013 Sebastian Stenzel CD/CSAR

This instrument was built by German maker Sebastian Stenzel. It is the first classical guitar of his we've had that has a completely new type of soundboard which Stenzel invented two years ago. It has traditional fan-bracing, just as Stenzel uses on all his guitars, but the soundboard itself was subjected to a treatment that improves certain properties of the wood. As a result, most aspects of the sound quality are enhanced, which is why Stenzel calls the soundboard "Enhanced Wood". Compared to his conventional soundboards, which he continues to make as well, there is a greater dynamic range, both on the high and on the low end, the sound is still easier to modulate, and the attack is faster, but not percussive. For a cedar guitar, the brightness and separation in all ranges is remarkable, and the overall responsiveness will delight even the most sensitive player. Its emphasis is on radiance and balance, a pure concert guitar with long sustain. 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 for this particular guitar are stunning. For aesthetic and tonal qualities, this is a first-rate concert instrument by any standard.