2017 Michael Thames "La Leona" SP/CO

This guitar was built by veteran US luthier Michael Thames, who has been building for over 40 years and over 950 instruments. Thames has been building variations on the famous "La Leona" Torres (FE 04) from 1856 - mainly with respect to choice of materials (the original is cypress back and sides) and tuning mechanism (the original has pegs). This version is made with an aged 30 year old spruce top, dramatic cocobolo back and sides (with contrasting sapwood flourishes) and Gotoh premium tuning machines. Thames also designed a bridge that is based on the original, but has an adjustable saddle hidden under the tie block which opens to allow for adjustment of the action. Like the original, Thames' guitar has a brass tornavoz, which seems to deepen the body resonance giving the guitar extra depth across all registers, but most notably "felt" in the basses, as well as additional sparkle in the trebles. Although a second-hand guitar it in great shape with only minor wear in the finish. Overall a very fine concert instrument.