2018 Jochen Rothel SP/MP

As is typical of this makers work, this guitar was built with a level of workmanship and attention to detail that is hard to surpass, and an elegant appearance that is near perfect. The mosaic from the rosette is inlaid on either end of the tieblock - a tip of the hat to Romanillos, whose influence is noticeable. The spruce top is extremely stiff and perfectly quarter-sawn, and the guitar is quite light in weight. The old Bosnian maple used for the 3-piece back and sides is simply stunning. Tuners are made by Klaus Scheller in Germany. The tone is steady and clear in all registers, and very well balanced. It has a punchy, immediate response with a plump and juicy quality to every note - up into the trebles. Jochen likes to build his instrument with a low body resonance which gives the guitar a slightly darker dimension to each note. Additionally the maple adds a nice warm "glow" to the sound which takes away some of the edginess heard in rosewood. With a highly refined sound, excellent volume and sustain, this guitar has it all.