2004 Kevin Aram "Dylann" CD/IN

This 2004 Kevin Aram “Dylann” is a cedar and Indian rosewood classical guitar with a three-piece back – one of his occasional cedar tops.

Cedar and a Three-Piece Back

Although known primarily for his spruce instruments, Aram has occasionally made cedar ones, and this is as fine an example as we’ve seen, with a lovely three-piece back. The tuners are Rodgers, and the label names it “Dylann”.

Condition

Condition is excellent, with no cracks and no repairs – only moderate playing wear in the finish. Peter Fletcher plays it in the two videos above (Satie’s “Rêverie du pauvre” among them). Overall a lovely instrument from this fine builder.

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.