2017 Richard Howell SP/MP

We consider Howell to be the best traditional guitar maker in Australia. His guitars are very inspired by Fleta, but after years of comparing them to original Fleta’s we’ve had, one can see that he has clearly established his own style and characteristics. And although Howell followed the basic Fleta design (9 fans, 2 upper harmonic bars and 2 lower harmonic bars), this guitar is the first we've ever seen that has more of a Torres/Hauser style bracing with 1 lower harmonic bar, 7 fans and a bridge patch. Also, the mother-of-pearl inlays in the wings of the bridge suggest a decorative "tip of the hat" to Torres. This is also the first maple guitar we've ever seen from Richard (to be precise it's Bosnian birdseye maple), even though we've been dealing his instruments for over 40 years! Indeed Richard was the very first luthier GSI took on for US representation when we opened our doors in 1983 so we have a longstanding fondness for his instruments, and this is by far the most unique and one of the most beautiful we've seen from him. And it lives up to same standard of his best work, featuring one of the most beautiful finishes in the world - warm and lustrous, and very similar to the violin-style varnish of Fleta. And it has the Richard Howell sound, deep, earthy and harmonically rich quality of tone but with perfect separation between voices and great balance. This guitar is in amazing, practically "like new" condition. Overall a stunning instrument in every way, very delighted to have it on offer!