1993 Michael Thames No. 190 CD/IN

This 1993 Michael Thames No. 190 is a cedar and Indian rosewood classical guitar from the Russell Cleveland collection.

“The Land of Enchantment”

Its early label reads “Michael Thames – The Land of Enchantment – New Mexico”, with his signature, the number 190 and the date May 1993.

Sound

The sound is very rich and plump, yet with great balance and clarity between voices. It has noticeably great sustain, particularly in the trebles, and excellent projection for the recitalist in the concert hall.

From the Russell Cleveland Collection

This guitar comes from the Russell Cleveland collection.

Michael Thames: Half a Century of Guitars in New Mexico

American luthier Michael Thames built guitars in New Mexico for more than half a century – first under the label “The Land of Enchantment”, then in Taos and, from the mid-2000s, in Santa Fe – and by 2018 he had made over 1000 instruments. His numbered labels carry his family crest and signature. He has recently retired and now lives in Thailand.

Historical Replicas and Experimental Designs

Thames built a great variety of instruments: traditional concert guitars and flamenco guitars, historical models after René Lacote and Antonio de Torres, and experimental designs of his own, such as guitars with a brass or carbon-fiber tornavoz. For him the most important quality in a great guitar was the attack and ease of response, and his guitars are known for a big, robust and lush sound.