2020 Vladimir Druzhinin CD/AR

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 cedar top with an abundance of “aguas” and a striking set of African rosewood used for back and sides. Years ago, Vladimir started to explore what he calls the "symmetric classical construction" starting with the work of Hermann Hauser I's structural designs from the 1930s. Like Hauser from this period, Vladimir has taken a similar approach to his work, by assimilating the work of the early Madrid school (Manuel Ramirez, Santos Hernandez, Domingo Esteso, etc). With this guitar, Vladimir continues to refine his structural design, and has slightly re-arranged his fan bracing positions and bevels compared to his previous instruments. He also used a solid beech lining instead of cedar kerf as well as bevels on the ‘under-rosette’ plates. Vladimir is constantly refining his design, partially with a scientific approach – 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. Although "used", this instrument is in excellent, almost 'like-new' condition with almost no signs of prior use. We are very pleased to be working with this fine maker as his exclusive representatives in the US and look forward to many more of these great guitars in the years to come.