1986 Cynthia H. Burton "Melissa" SP/MH

This 1986 Cynthia H. Burton "Melissa" is a spruce and quilted mahogany classical guitar made in Portland, Oregon, in October 1986 by the luthier who has long worked side by side with Jeffrey Elliott.

Cyndy Burton and Jeffrey Elliott in Portland, Oregon

Cynthia (a.k.a. "Cyndy") Burton lives and works in Portland, Oregon, with her partner Jeffrey Elliott. Although in recent years Cyndy has focused on doing the French polishing on Jeff's guitars, she built guitars under her own label for nearly 30 years after several years of study, including attending the famous José Romanillos masterclasses in the 1980s.

A Torres/Hauser Design with a Chip-Carved Rosette

This guitar is as meticulously built as any guitar by Jeff (who is famous for his exacting and precise woodworking skills) – and quite similar in design, based almost entirely on the Torres/Hauser design of symmetrical fans and bridge patch. It even has the beautiful chip-carved rosette, which provides a lovely three-dimensional relief in place of a traditional mosaic. Materials are stunning, including a beautiful set of quilted mahogany for the back and sides, and the custom tuners borrow her asymmetrical head shape at the wings.

Sound and Playability

Sound is as exquisite as its appearance – silky trebles, smooth, sturdy basses and perfect balance and separation between voices. This is a real "Rolls Royce" of a guitar – an absolute delight and joy to play, with a smooth neck shape that is easy on the left hand (shorter scale as well) and a quick response that is easy on the right hand. Overall a very refined, extremely elegant instrument in every way.

A Rare Cynthia Burton Guitar in Amazing Condition

It's in amazing condition – no cracks or repairs. Cyndy's guitars almost never appear on the market, so this is a very rare opportunity to own a fantastic example of her best work.

Orfeo Magazine No. 10 - West Coast Luthiers

Cynthia H. Burton: Classical Guitar Maker in Portland, Oregon

Cynthia H. "Cyndy" Burton is a classical guitar maker based in Portland, Oregon, where she has shared her life and workshop with Jeffrey Elliott for decades. After several years of study – including the celebrated masterclasses given by José Romanillos in the 1980s – she built guitars under her own label for nearly 30 years.

Working Alongside Jeffrey Elliott

Cyndy no longer builds guitars of her own; today she works mainly on the French polishing of Jeff's guitars. Her own instruments share the precision and refinement of the Elliott workshop, and they very rarely come up for sale.