This is one of the five similar guitars we made in 2019 to investigate perceptions of different tonewoods. We kept hold of it for a year before selling it as it was such a good benchmark of what we were doing at the time. It's now come back to live with its parents while searching for a new home.

Gorgeous, very rare Vanuatu Blackwood back and sides. I love this timber, it's very similar to Koa although nobody seems to agree on its proper name. I've tried to find more, and it's proved impossible, so this will be your last chance. If I could make more, they would be very expensive.

The Cedar top is evenly grained and evenly coloured, a just about perfect match for the back and sides, which have mellowed rather nicely over the years. In all that time, the owner hadn't changed the strings once and it still sounds glorious. (We've changed them now!)

The long scale 12 fret neck puts the bridge in the best possible position, and the cutaway keeps the best fret access. A beautiful, laminated neck with carbon fibre reinforcement and truss rod adjustment through the soundhole. Pearl diamond inlays on a 45mm wide fingerboard. Rosewood bindings and marquetry purflings.

It's a development of ideas that I've been trying with several professional players, and we really want to make more, but using readily available timbers. It sounds wonderful. Loud and very even.

This guitar is in perfect condition, it's not often I can honestly say that. The frets show slight signs of use, but by the time you buy it, they won’t!

For Sale at £6,400 - SOLD