Canadian luthier Martin Blackwell has earned a very strong reputation for building contemporary concert guitars that combine exceptional craftsmanship with innovative acoustical design. His roster of young competition-winning players and established concert artists who are playing (or have played) his instruments is quite impressive. While rooted in the traditions of fine classical guitar making, Blackwell continually refines his construction methods to maximize responsiveness, projection, and tonal richness. This 2026 concert model showcases his latest work, featuring a European spruce double-top soundboard built around his proprietary hybrid Nomex/balsa core, paired with beautifully quartered Indian rosewood back and sides. Complementing the design are an elevated fingerboard for effortless upper-register access, a side soundport that enhances the player's listening experience, and a comfortable 640 mm scale length that provides an exceptionally relaxed feel.
Visually, the guitar strikes a beautiful balance between elegance and restraint. The finely grained spruce top is framed by figured maple bindings, while the deep reddish-brown Indian rosewood displays perfectly quartered grain and remarkable visual consistency. Blackwell's striking mosaic rosette provides just the right amount of ornamentation, and every detail—from the sculpted headstock and ebony appointments to the flawless finish—reflects the precision of an experienced master craftsman.
As previously mentioned, the heart of the instrument lies in Blackwell's unique hybrid Nomex/balsa double-top construction. Rather than relying solely on a Nomex core, his design combines Nomex with balsa to achieve an ideal balance of stiffness, damping, and elasticity. The result is a soundboard that delivers the lightning-fast response and effortless projection. The guitar speaks instantly under even the lightest touch, making it incredibly easy to play with minimal effort. The 640 mm scale length further enhances the playing experience by reducing left-hand effort without compromising tonal authority or projection. Combined with the elevated fingerboard and side soundport, the result is an instrument that feels exceptionally comfortable while providing the performer with an intimate connection to its rich and highly responsive voice.
