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2025 Marc Dickinson “Cosmic” SP/IN AVAILABLE NOW at guitarsalon.com
Catherine Huo performs J.S. Bach's "BWV 995: Prelude – Très Vite" on 2025 Marc Dickinson guitar
Description
This 2025 Marc Dickinson "Cosmic" is a classical guitar with a spruce top and Indian rosewood back and sides, made in Ardmore, Oklahoma, with a rosette based on Marc's own photograph of the globular cluster Messier 13.
The "Cosmic" Design: Messier 13 and "Diffraction Lines"
Marc is primarily interested now in astrophysics and is deeply inspired by astrophotography. The rosette design for this guitar was inspired by one of his own images of a great globular cluster known as Messier 13. He has also developed purflings for the top, head veneer and rosette using diminishing pointed purflings running counter to each other – what Marc calls "diffraction lines", like the starburst lines seen in many images from the James Webb telescope. This is also our first guitar from him to feature these "cosmic" elements in the bindings and heel cap – something very unique!
Meteorite Fret Markers
He also made the fret dots with small brass rings filled with meteorite shavings from the Brenham meteorite – another very tasteful "cosmic" detail! The combination of these elements is beautifully and tastefully executed, giving the guitar a very unique and personalized appearance.
Traditional Construction and Sound
Other than this very individual "cosmic" aesthetic, the build of the guitar is solidly traditional, with a Hauser/Torres-style fan bracing system for the top. Marc laminates both the sides and linings, which adds stiffness and mass that enrich both sustain and volume, especially noticeable on the top strings. The sound is harmonically quite thick – the body of each note has an almost "smoky" quality from the richness of the overtones – yet the clear attack of every note provides excellent definition, so the sound is both clear and warm at the same time. It has plenty of power, clarity, openness and separation to fill a concert hall, but also a beautiful voice that makes it hard to put down. Overall an excellent and beautifully made concert instrument by any standard.
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!
Feel free to contact us with any questions. It’s what we’re here for!
