1990 Jeffrey Elliott SP/AB

This 1990 Jeffrey Elliott is a spruce and African blackwood classical guitar made in Portland, Oregon, by the American maker who built guitars for Julian Bream.

A Rare Jeffrey Elliott at GSI

Jeffrey Elliott's 12-year wait-list has been closed for many years now due to the overwhelming worldwide demand for his instruments. So we are always pleased when we have the rare opportunity to offer one of his guitars here at GSI. His aesthetic (both tonally and visually) is unmatched and in our opinion, this instrument is an example that confirms his reputation as one of the most unique, classy and timeless of contemporary luthiers. Elliott's work is extremely refined and all matters of detail are perfectly executed.

African Blackwood, Spalted Maple and a Nod to the Stars

This guitar features gorgeous and aged materials, including European spruce for the soundboard and rare but very precious African blackwood for the back, sides and head overlays. The neck is of Honduran mahogany in one single piece, including the heel joint and block. Maple, holly and CSA rosewood have been used in the purflings, and it has some lovely "Pacific Northwest-style" spalted maple used for the end inlay and central band in the rosette in place of a traditional mosaic – and if you look closely, you'll notice some small, circular brass inlays, which are Jeff's "tip-of-the-hat" to the awe and wonder he has experienced while contemplating the beautiful space images of stars being born from giant galactic nebulae. The custom Rodgers tuning machines have Jeff's proprietary sideplate design. As we've mentioned many times in the past, Jeff's guitars feature distinguishing aesthetic characteristics in the headstock shape, extremities of the custom Rodgers tuners and even in the label artwork, which to our eyes resemble the maple leaf, symbolic of this guitar's birthplace in the Pacific Northwest.

The Grandeur of Hauser, the Voice of Elliott

The sound of course is lush and full, with great clarity in all voices – it has the grandeur and presence of the Teutonic style of Hermann Hauser I (indeed this guitar was constructed with the same bracing design as Andrés Segovia's 1937 Hauser), yet also carries the distinct sound of its builder at the same time. It is no wonder that his clientele have included the likes of Julian Bream, Marcelo Kayath, Ralph Towner, Leo Kottke and Jonathan Leathwood, just to name a few.

Like New, With Jeff's Personal Warranty

Although a second-hand instrument, it is in excellent, like-new condition – it was recently "touched up" by Jeff himself. As with all Elliott guitars that come through our doors, Jeff always extends his personal warranty to the new owner.

Orfeo Magazine No. 10 - West Coast Luthiers

Jeffrey Elliott: Classical Guitar Maker in Portland, Oregon

Jeffrey Elliott is a luthier based in Portland, Oregon, with a career spanning almost six decades. Born in Chicago and raised in Detroit, Michigan, he began playing classical guitar at the age of 16, then turned to performing folk music while majoring in Fine Arts at Michigan State University. He discovered his passion for guitar making in 1964, when he visited the workshop of Richard Schneider, and just two years later he started a six-year apprenticeship there. In 1973 he moved to Portland, where he lives with fellow luthier Cyndy Burton.

Guitars for Julian Bream, Ralph Towner and Leo Kottke

Jeff has built guitars for some of the top guitarists, including Julian Bream, Ralph Towner, Marcelo Kayath, Leo Kottke, Jonathan Leathwood, Ekachai Jearakul and Earl Klugh. He has also restored guitars by Antonio de Torres, Francisco González, Manuel Ramírez, Santos Hernández, and Hermann Hauser I and Hermann Hauser II. A longtime member of the Guild of American Luthiers, he has written for American Lutherie magazine, lectures widely, and organizes Portland's annual Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibition.