2024 Wolfgang Jellinghaus "Signature CD/CD" CD/ZR

This is Wolfgang Jellinghaus' "Signature" model which has a variety of modern features, even though some of these are rooted in the deep traditions of the past. For example, take the floating fingerboard - the fingerboard is not attached to the soundboard at all, freeing this often under-utilized part of the top to vibrate freely and contribute to the overall sound - this is an idea inspired by similar systems from the old Viennese style instruments, most notably those of Stauffer. Internally, the bracing system is designed to help move sound into this area of the upper bout - the lower harmonic bar is open on either side of the rosette, and there is no upper harmonic bar at all - so the sound moves easily and efficiently from the bridge area all the way into the uppermost reaches of the top, utilizing most of the soundboard for production of sound. The two outermost fans continue on into the upper bout and they are joined by an additional strut on either side of the upper bout. Sides are rigidly reinforced with a layer of cypress to keep most of the vibration focused on the top, and not lost to the sides. Volume is therefore huge on this instrument, also in part due to the lightweight lattice-braced double-top (nomex inbetween two pieces of cedar) system for the soundboard. The guitar is also incredibly easy to play - partly due to the immediate responsiveness requiring little effort from the right hand, but also due to the sleek, easy neck shape for the left hand. Additional features include an armrest for the right arm and 20th fret. Features a new rosette and striking ziricote for the back and sides. Overall a very impressive concert guitar, particularly at this price point.

Wolfgang Jellinghaus (1951-2024) was born in Dortmund, Germany. His father, Walter Jellinghaus, was himself a guitar maker and naturally introduced the craft to Wolfgang at a young age. In 1978, Wolfgang opened a retail music shop called Musik Jellinghaus GmbH and in 1983, he became involved in manufacturing and so created Martinez Guitars, designing their first line of guitars. In 2003, production of Martinez Guitars was moved to China with Wolfgang's assistance. In 2013, he sold Musik Jellinghaus GmbH, and set up an independent workshop in China, building guitars under the name "Milestones of Music", a small boutique traditional workshop that specialized in making high-quality guitars in the style of such great historical makers as Lacote, Torres, Hauser and Ramirez, among others and later, developed a new line of instruments under his own name.