For over the last 40 years, Greg Brandt has been building nylon string guitars right here in Los Angeles. His style is very traditional inside the box and as Greg says - "Hauser and Torres would be right at home looking inside (solid wood, fan braces, etc.)." But Greg does try to push the boundaries a bit when it comes to cosmetics with the use of non-traditional rosettes and some other design elements, as can be seen in this guitar, with his use of assorted circular patterns (also known as "Brandt's Bubbles" - see article below) of dyed burl inlaid both inside (and outside) the rosette and tie-block. To match this detail, he also has several fret dots done in the same style as well as a customized set of Graf tuners using circles/bubbles in various shades of blue and green. Lastly, there is a VERY subtle detail in the colored purflings of the top and rosette - on the treble side, they are green and as the purflings move to the bass side, they "transition" to blue. The "bubbles" in the rosette and tie-block do the same color transition as well. Very unique!
Soundwise, this is a bold guitar with a big sound, very resonant with singing overtones and great projection. Basses are big yet beautifully balanced with the thick, velvety trebles. Overall a solid instrument for virtually any musical setting - whether in live venue or in recording studio. Of interest, over the years Greg has supplied the Hollywood film industry with several of his instruments, and they can be heard on many motion picture soundtracks including "Goodfellas," "The Straight Story," "Blade Runner," "Field of Dreams," "Godfather 3," "Seabiscuit," "The Mexican," "Cars," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "Ratatouille," "Tangled" and "Toy Story 3". Although a second-hand guitar, this instrument is mint, in absolutely like-new condition. Includes a custom-fit Hoffee carbon case with case cover. Overall a unique and modern look, tastefully blended into the frame of a powerful and versatile traditional classical guitar.
Greg Brandt review in "Classical Guitar Magazine"
