2006 Dake Traphagen "35th Anniversary" SP/CSAR

This is a beautiful and meticulously-made guitar from one of America's most well-known luthiers, Dake Traphagen. For this limited run of only 8 instruments, built to celebrate 35 years of guitar making, Dake pulled out all the stops and used his best and oldest woods that he had been collecting for thirty-five years - some up to 275 years old. Detailing on this instrument is also exceptional - the rosette features elaborate and stylish marquetry, with an internal "rope" band as well as the use of mother-of-pearl inlays in place of a central mosaic. Additional MOP inlays in the tie block and a delicate, half-herringbone top purfling giving it a very elegant appearance. Tuners are Rodgers.

The sound of this instrument is as elegant as its appearance. It has a smooth, round and balanced tone, with a fat, almost "juicy" quality to every note. It has surprisingly quick response similar to the instruments of Miguel Rodriguez (of whom Dake is very fond). It is a fun guitar to play, and has great projection that could easily fill any concert hall. Being a spruce top, it has great clarity and separation between voices and at the same time retains a soft warmth at the center of each note. Playability and setup are very comfortable and the guitar is in excellent condition with barely any signs of having been played.

This is Dake Traphagen at his finest - an exceptionally well-made, great-sounding and beautiful instrument by any standard.