2008 Bernd Martin "Exposition" SP/CSAR

In 1976, German-born luthier Bernd Martin moved to Granada, Spain to master the art of guitar making. He apprenticed in the workshops of Antonio Durán and Jose Lopez Bellido, and also received the tutelage of Eduardo Ferrer. Bernd was the first (of many) non-Spaniards to establish himself as a guitar maker in the city of the Alhambra, with a workshop in the Albayzín district. In 1999 he won first prize in the “Concurso Nacional de Lutheria” (National Luthiery Competition) organized by J. L. Romanillos. GSI is pleased to be the exclusive US representative for Bernd Martin and his son Lucas Martin.

This guitar was made in 2008 but not made available to the public until now. It is featured in the 125 page book "Guitarras del Imperio" (in English and Spanish language) which features 25 historic instruments from Pages to Hauser, Santos to Bernd Martin! A copy of this book will be included with the guitar. For this guitar, Bernd chose his best materials, including the use of snakewood for the fingerboard and inlay material. Soundwise, it has the trademark qualities found in Bernd's best instruments - a strong fundamental at the center of each note surrounded by very controlled overtones. This produces a clean and precise clarity of sound, with deep resonance supporting each and every note. Response is immediate across all registers and the liveliness of the guitar makes it a breeze to play on both the left and right hands. Overall an extremely impressive instrument and fine example of this luthier’s best work.