2003 Gary Southwell "A-Series" SP/IN (ex Scott Tennant)

In addition to this well-known Hauser model, Gary Southwell has also built a wide variety of other historical copies including instruments modeled on Torres, Panormo, Stauffer, Lacote and Scherzer. He also builds a unique model of his own design, which he calls his "A-Series" and this guitar we have here is the "classical" version of this model (he also offers this steel-string and archtop jazz versions). Although Gary's design is strikingly modern with its sleek architectural curves and angles, it is actually inspired by the Viennese tradition, especially the instruments of Stauffer. Stauffer-inspired features include the use of a geared mechanism in the heel of the neck which allows the player to adjust the action using a clock key. Also like Stauffer, Gary uses an asymmetrically shaped headstock that in itself is a work of art. It also features a fingerboard design that "floats" above the soundboard, allowing the wood of the guitar to vibrate more freely without the fretboard muting the top. Many professional players have concertized and recorded on this model including Tom Kerstens, David Starobin and Scott Tennant. In fact this very guitar was originally owned by Scott Tennant, who used it to record the Matthew Dunne piece "Gypsy Flower" with the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet on their album "LAGQ's Guitar Heroes" which won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album.

Craftsmanship is superb, materials are first-rate and not a single detail has been overlooked. Although now over a quarter of a century old, this guitar is in fantastic condition with very little signs of prior use and of course no damage or repairs. It also comes fitted with an under-saddle piezo pickup system with quarter-inch jack/endpin for easy amplification. The guitar sounds fantastic un-amplified - it performs tremendously acoustically which is how Scott Tennant performed with it live and in studio, but the electronics may be welcome for the gigging guitarist looking to plug-in when needed.

Gary Southwell is regarded today as one of the most established of the British builders. He trained in the early 1980s, primarily in furniture making and in historical (pre-Torres) instruments, and in 1983 set up his own workshop in Nottingham specializing in and becoming a leading expert in 19th century guitars. Additionally, since 1995 Gary has become well-known for his Hauser model, many which were built for Julian Bream - to quote Gary directly: "I have worked closely with Julian Bream on this Hauser design since 1995, experimenting and refining certain aspects. We have been particularly interested in the tuning of the front, back and body chamber; examining their relationship to each other and how that affects the tonal quality of the finished guitar. This has enabled me to successfully produce a sound reminscent of the original Hauser guitar." In addition to Julian Bream, Gary's impressive list of clients includes the likes of Paul Simon, David Starobin, Sting, David Tanenbaum, Scott Tennant and John Williams, to name just a few.