Huss and Dalton TD-M Custom 2011

2011 Huss and Dalton TD-M Custom

This is a killer H&D dreadnought that was custom ordered from the Staunton shop in 2011 and built to the first owner's exacting specs. It has some unique features that set it apart from other TD-M models, making it truly 1 of 1. You won't see another H&D like it anywhere.

The top is Italian Alpine Spruce, a spruce varietal considered a premium all-around choice for acoustic soundboards that is renowned for its balance of warmth, clarity, and dynamic range. The sides and back are all-solid sinker mahogany from an old-growth tree salvaged from the bottom of a South American river.

Sinker mahogany is a rare tonewood consisting of old-growth logs recovered from riverbeds, where they were submerged for over a century after sinking during 19th-century transportation. Compared to standard mahogany, sinker mahogany offers a warmer, richer midrange with deeper complexity and extended sustain, though its attack is slightly softer as notes bloom rather than spike. It is highly prized for flatpicking, fingerstyle, singer-songwriter styles, and studio recording, providing a woody texture and balanced clarity that standard plantation-grown wood cannot match. Due to the finite and declining supply of these salvaged logs, sinker mahogany instruments are extremely limited and command a significant premium, with prices often exceeding $4,000 to $8,000 depending on the model and specific wood characteristics.

As for this specific instrument, it is an absolute CANNON; literally the loudest dread I've ever heard. Each note is clear as a bell and full of character, with none of the aggressive brightness sometimes associated with high-end larger acoustics. The guitar is in great shape, with no cracks or separation, no lift on the frets, and no repairs ever done. It has been consistently humidity-controlled, both by the previous owner and for every second that I've had it. There are some typical 'character marks' in the places you would expect, but all are difficult to see in a photo and in real life without closely looking for them. These include a tiny surface scratch on the lower soundboard, some light belt rash on the back, and a few shallow indentions here and there on the underside (where it would sit on your lap during play), but nothing at all that affects the play or sound. I am very protective of my guitars in general, so for a 15 year old guitar, it is in fine shape.

For what it's worth, I am only selling because I have the beginnings of arthritis in my fretting hand and want to switch to a short-scale acoustic. I will miss this guitar A LOT, but will be thrilled to put it in the hands of a new connoisseur who will appreciate it.