2007 David Rouse SP/IN

A 2007 classical guitar by David Rouse, with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in England – impeccable workmanship from one of the best English makers.

In the video above, Scott Morris gives a lesson on Matteo Carcassi's Étude No. 3, playing this guitar.

A Lightly Braced English Guitar

Rouse keeps the top as lightly braced as possible for maximum freedom of vibration, and uses two wooden supports between back and top for added strength (see photo). The materials are superb, and the guitar is fitted with Alessi tuners.

Sound and Playability

The sound is huge, with a nice color palette – textured, with ample overtones yet excellent clarity and balance. The neck is very easy and slender. Suitable for any size hall, and a wonderful recording instrument.

David Rouse: Master of the English Classical Guitar

David Rouse is, in our opinion, one of the best English guitar makers. He began building guitars professionally in 1991, after four years studying instrument making in London, and later taught guitar making at London Guildhall University, where his students included Jake Fuller. His workshop is at Parndon Mill in Harlow, Essex.

Lightly Braced Guitars with a Singing Voice

Rouse aims for guitars that are both powerful and graceful, subtle and strong – with clarity, balance, consistency and separation. He keeps his tops as lightly braced as possible for maximum freedom of vibration, and adds two supports between top and back at the neck end to make the neck–body junction strong but light. His guitars combine impeccably clean workmanship with a textured tone that blends the Spanish and Northern European styles.