Wolfgang Jellinghaus was born in 1951 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. Wolfgang has now begun a new line of instruments under his name.
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. Additionally, it is built with a lightweight lattice-braced double-top (nomex inbetween spruce on the outside, cedar on the inside) system for the soundboard. 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 and it 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 and the shorter scale length - this one at 640 mm. Additional features include an armrest for the right arm and 20th fret. Overall a very impressive concert guitar, particularly at this price point. Although built in 2019, it does have some playing wear in the finish, which is reflected in the price for $500 less than one in brand-new condition.
