2005 Gregory Byers SP/CSAR

Greg Byers is one of the most established US luthiers, having been working for nearly 40 years. Several notable players have concertized and recorded on Byers classical guitars, perhaps most famously, David Russell for his album of the music of Torroba. This guitar was built in 2005 and is in pristine condition with only some minor wear in the finish. It features an asymmetrical 6 fan bracing system with treble stiffener, giving it an open, loose and warm quality to the tone. Playability is excellent, it has an elevated fingerboard fitted with a fret extension of 22 frets on the top string - all the way up to a high D natural! The set-up is perfect and concert ready. Materials are beautiful including a gorgeous set of CSA rosewood with some lovely patterns in the grain. Greg's inlay work is beautiful - most notably his use of alternating leaves and ears of wheat in his purflings found in the central part of the rosette, back seam and head strip. Tuners are Rodgers. Beautifully built, this is a perfect instrument for a recitalist looking for great projection and ease of play.

Orfeo Magazine No. 10 - West Coast Luthiers