Skipper Custom Instruments

Custom Classical Guitar Photos

(click on any of the thumbs for a higher-resolution view)

Construction Photos

This classical guitar utilizes the basic design of a 1912 Ramirez, with a few additional applications I've learned in 26 years of lutherie. The top is Engelmann spruce, back and sides of beautiful flamed walnut. I used all-wood bindings and purflings; the colors aren't as vibrant as those using man-made materials, but they lend an aura that can't be produced any other way.

Any rosettes available for purchase don't exactly suit my fancy, so I made this one: it's a handmade wheat purfling surrounding a wood ring made from the walnut used on the back and sides.

Since the sides and top are thin, as they typically are on a classical guitar, and the top purfling will be wide, I used a laminated lining rather than a kerfed lining; this both contains the purfling and maintains structural integrity of the body.

The neck is attached to the body with both tenon and threaded inserts.

My "New Vintage" line of instruments incorporates carbon fiber reinforcing that is attached to and runs the full length of the fretboard, as can be seen in the photos below.

The French polishing procedure is a lengthy one, but worth the effort.