This is a fantastic guitar from Vladimir Druzhinin, who currently lives and works just outside of Moscow, Russia. Just a look at this instrument reveals a very tasteful and skillfully executed style that is highlighted in his classic rosette, elegantly carved headstock and beautiful selection of materials – including a quarter sawn spruce top and a striking set of African rosewood used for back and sides. This guitar is his latest design, which includes features invented by Vladimir's good friend and mentor, Timofey Tkach, who is considered the top teacher of lutherie in Russia and is highly respected for his deep knowledge of all the various designs and structural details of a vast number of historical and contemporary builders. For this guitar, Vladimir has gone back to the work of the "First Madrid School" for a re-evaluation of several details primarily from the Manuel Ramirez shop. Specifically by implementing a symmetrical design of the top. Over the years, Vladimir has been discussing and sharing ideas with Timofey, and in 2022 he started applying Timofey's above-mentioned design in his instruments. The overall goal of these changes to the design is to improve the sound potential, but without sacrificing the natural timbre and color of the sound. Vladimir published an article (written by Vladimir and Timofey) that describes all of this in greater detail (links available below).
In addition to revisiting the "historical" approach, Vladimir also applies his scientific knowledge to his craft – in addition to his music degree, he also has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in physics what allows him to better understand the nature of the sound production. His main aim with this approach is to make the top, back and sides vibrate in coordinated resonances, equaling and balancing their contribution in sound production to produce great dynamic efficiency, color and balance that results in a solid, focused and brilliant sound. Also in the spirit of these early Spanish masters, the guitar is lightly and efficiently built, with very focused and fast attack to every note. Quality of sound is beautiful - singing and lyrical trebles with smooth, lush yet firm basses. Volume is excellent for any concert setting - either solo or with an ensemble. We are very pleased to be working with this fine maker as his exclusive representatives in the USA and believe his unique approach creates a beautiful, nuanced and highly satisfying instrument to both player and listener alike.
Photos of this guitar taken during construction
Featured Article: "The Evolution of the Classical Guitar & the Issue of the Longitudinal Coupling in the Design of the Soundboard"
Featured Article: "Reproducibility and evaluation of the result in the Spanish Classical Guitar Making" by Druzhinin & Tkach.
