1999 Kevin Aram "Marina" SP/IN

This 1999 Kevin Aram “Marina” is a spruce and Indian rosewood classical guitar in practically mint condition, with a warm, played-in voice.

A Lightweight, Punchy Aram

The lightweight build gives it a very “punchy”, yet smooth attack, with great balance and projection. The trebles are lyrical and the basses have a nice silky texture, and the sound is also very warm and loose, like a played-in, older Spanish guitar.

Details and Condition

The label names it “Marina” and is signed and dated 1999; the tuners are Rodgers. Condition is excellent – practically mint, virtually like new. Patrick Schettler plays Jorge Morel’s Sonatina on it in the video above.

In Orfeo Magazine

Kevin Aram is featured in Orfeo Magazine No. 11 – England (cover above, read it online), also available in print in the collected edition:

Orfeo Magazine 11–15 (print edition)

Kevin Aram: An English Master

Kevin Aram is considered to be one of the best makers in northern Europe and has made guitars for some of the most prominent players in the world, including Julian Bream. Working in North Devon, England, since 1991, he builds around twelve guitars a year and gives every one its own name – like Romanillos, usually a woman’s name – written by hand on the label beside his signature.

Torres, Hauser and Romanillos

His guitars are influenced by the work of Torres, Hauser and Romanillos, who helped him when he started building classical guitars. The sound is delicate and refined, although that is not to say that they don’t have great volume – but it is rather the quality of sound which is most noticeable. There is something very musical about these instruments which reveals itself in every note, and Aram’s guitars have warmth and charm and are beautifully made.