2015 Matthew Chaffin SP/MP

A 2015 classical guitar by Matthew Chaffin, with a Carpathian spruce top and birdseye maple back and sides from Michigan – braced with a seven-fan pattern after Torres.

Michigan Birdseye Maple

The dramatic birdseye maple of the back, sides and head veneer had been in Matt's possession for about ten years and came from a Michigan supplier – a native wood of Matt's home state. The top is braced with a seven-fan design similar to Torres, and the rosette has elongated diamonds of maple and mahogany, which Matt tells us are quite tricky to make.

Sound and Playability

The sound is firm and refined, clean and stable, open and charming – with real volume when pushed and excellent balance between bass and treble. The smooth neck and easy action make for long, comfortable playing.

Matthew Chaffin: A Michigan Maker in the Spanish Tradition

Matthew Chaffin is an American classical guitar maker based in Orion, Michigan, a fourth-generation woodworker in a family line that began with his great-grandfather's fine furniture. For more than two decades he has studied the construction methods of the great Spanish makers – above all Antonio de Torres, Santos Hernández and Domingo Esteso – and he builds his guitars entirely by hand, often with turn-of-the-century tools he restores himself.

Light, Responsive and Lyrical

His aim is a lightweight, responsive and lyrical guitar with a classic, understated look – firm and refined in sound, at times reminiscent of a Hauser, yet open and charming and happy to be pushed hard, with excellent balance between bass and treble and a smooth, comfortable neck. GSI is his only dealer in the USA.