2015 David Schramm "Lattice" CD/PF

California luthier David Schramm (also a player) has owned several Smallman guitars over the years. His lattice guitars are therefore very close to the Smallman design and David has built around 100 of them. So although not a literal copy of a Smallman, David says that as a luthier might build a fan-braced "Torres" style guitar, he has done the same here by building a lattice-braced "Smallman" style guitar. Like Smallman, the guitar has an adjustable neck which allows the action to be raised or lowered without having to replace or adjust the saddle. This allows the player to experiment and fine tune the action to their desire without having to take the guitar to a luthier. Also like Smallman, the sides are 3mm thick and of 5-6 layers of laminate, as is the back, but with 9 laminates of hardwood veneers, thicknessed to about 6-6.5mm. The top is 1mm thick, with lattice bracing of balsa. Naturally such construction yields a guitar with increased power and projection - forcing nearly all vibration to the soundboard to maximize power. Where Schramm departs with Smallman is in the actual sound itself - David has a personal style of sound that favors lyrical trebles, balance across all registers (Smallmans tend to be bass-heavy) and a plump, "wide" quality to every note while retaining excellent clarity. The top is finished with a single coat of lacquer that has been rubbed out with steel wool, lacquer back and sides with a rosewood armrest. Although this is a second-hand guitar, it is in virtually like-new condition with almost no signs of prior use.