2017 Thomas Norwood "Torres" SP/MP

Thomas Norwood has been building guitars out of his atelier in Paris for over 35 years. Born and raised in Pasadena, CA, Tom moved to Paris in the mid-70's after he fell in love with the city during a bicycle tour through Europe. For several years Daniel Friederich has been recommending Tom's guitars to GSI and so on a trip to Paris in 2010, we were able to meet him and see the guitars he builds. Tom loves to make instruments based on historical guitars, and in the past we've had instruments from him based on Manuel Ramirez, Domingo Esteso and Santos Hernandez. This is the first we've seen of a "Torres" and it is spectacular. Lightweight in build it is incredibly energetic and very friendly to the players hands. The sound is immediate, really jumps out of the box with minimal effort from the player and the sound itself elegantly captures the old-world charm found in great Torres guitars. Although a second-hand guitar, it is in excellent condition with only modest signs of use. Fitted with old-school wooden pegs, the head is finished in oil and really grabs the pegs, making them extremely easy to use. Overall a gorgeous instrument with great style and huge, charming sound.Photos of this guitar during construction.Orfeo Magazine #7 - French School Luthiery