Kevin Aram (born 1949) is an English classical guitar maker in North Devon, considered one of the best makers in northern Europe; Julian Bream played his guitars, and every Aram has its own name.
Kevin Aram at a Glance
- Born: August 13, 1949
- Workshop: North Devon, England (since 1991)
- Influences: Torres, Hauser, Romanillos
- Models: the “Aram” model (after Hauser) and a Torres model
- Bracing: Jeffrey Elliott’s open harmonic bars
- Output: about twelve guitars a year; over 400 classical guitars
- Known for: named guitars, oil finish, delicate and refined sound
- Played by: Julian Bream (“La Canción”, 1986, and “Myrtle”, 1988)
- In print: Orfeo Magazine No. 11 (England)
An English Maker in the Spanish Tradition
Aram began by repairing and selling electric and acoustic guitars; since moving to North Devon in 1991 he has concentrated on classical spruce-top guitars in the Torres and Hauser tradition, with José Romanillos helping him in his early years. He builds two models – the Hauser-inspired “Aram” model and a Torres model – both small-bodied, which he finds gives better projection and balance, braced after Jeffrey Elliott’s system of open harmonic bars, with Torres-style three-arched headstocks. For many years he has finished his guitars in oil rather than French polish. Their sound is delicate and refined, but with great volume behind it; it is the quality of sound that is most noticeable, a musical character that reveals itself in every note. Basses are strong and tight without being boomy, trebles smooth and bright without being metallic. He uses superb materials – dramatic rosewoods, bearclaw spruce, satinwood and maple – and, although known primarily for spruce, occasionally builds cedar tops. For fun he also makes flamenco, steel-string, electric and even cigar-box guitars.
Every Guitar Has a Name
Every Aram carries its own name, written by hand on the label in quotation marks beside his signature and the year – “Zenobia”, “Marina”, “Moonbeam”, “Nancy”. His early labels show calla lilies above his name; from the early 2000s he used a cubist-style drawing of a guitar. His best-known customer is Julian Bream, who bought “La Canción” in October 1986 and “Myrtle” in 1988, played both in concerts worldwide and recorded his Catalan folksongs on “La Guitarra Romántica” with “Myrtle”. In 1998 Aram built “Reba” for GSI, a flamed-maple guitar based on an 1889 Torres.
Kevin Aram in Orfeo Magazine
Aram is one of the English makers featured in Orfeo Magazine No. 11 – England, which you can read online; the issue is also available in print in the collected edition Orfeo Magazine 11–15:
Kevin Aram Guitars at GSI
Many Kevin Aram guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kevin Aram?
An English classical guitar maker, born in 1949, working in North Devon since 1991 and considered one of the best makers in northern Europe; he has built over 400 classical guitars.
Why do Kevin Aram guitars have names?
Aram names every guitar he builds; the name is written by hand on the label next to his signature.
Did Julian Bream play a Kevin Aram?
Yes – he bought “La Canción” in 1986 and “Myrtle” in 1988, and recorded on “Myrtle”.
What influences Kevin Aram’s guitars?
The work of Antonio de Torres, Hermann Hauser and José Romanillos.
