2023 Marc Dickinson "Cosmic" CD/IN

This 2023 Marc Dickinson "Cosmic" is a classical guitar with a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Ardmore, Oklahoma – the first of Marc's guitars to come to GSI.

Our First Marc Dickinson Guitar

We had seen some of Marc's recent work and finally had the opportunity to acquire this instrument, which we were extremely impressed with. Its rosette was inspired by one of Marc's own astrophotographs, of the globular cluster Messier 13 (see more of his astrophotography), and the purflings of the top, head veneer and rosette use his "diffraction lines" – diminishing pointed purflings running counter to each other, like the starbursts seen in James Webb telescope images. Beautifully and tastefully executed.

Construction and Sound

The build is solidly traditional, with a 7-fan Hauser/Torres-style bracing system for the top, and laminated sides and linings that add stiffness and mass for richer sustain and volume, especially on the top strings. The sound is harmonically thick, with an almost "smoky" body to each note, yet the clear attack gives excellent definition – clear and warm at the same time, with power, openness and separation to fill a hall.

Marc Dickinson: Physicist and Guitar Maker

Marc Dickinson is a classical guitar maker from Ardmore, Oklahoma. He has multiple advanced degrees in science, including an M.Sc. from the Colorado School of Mines and a Ph.D. in physics from Texas Christian University. His strong scientific background – and particularly his interest in astrophysics and astrophotography – has a great influence on his designs: "cosmic" touches appear in his headstocks, purflings, labels and rosettes.

From Part-Time Builder to Full-Time Workshop

Marc has been building guitars for about 20 years, mainly part-time at first. We first met him about 10 years ago, when he was able to show us his 16th guitar. In 2019 he finally settled into a full-time workshop, where he has since been able to devote himself wholly to building classical guitars. In 2023 we reconnected and were immediately impressed with the fit, finish, style and sound of his latest model – and so began placing orders with him. In fact, we happily became Marc's exclusive dealer for all his instruments!