TogaMan Guitars Bistro Model 2011 Natural Finish Bowed Guitar

The item for sale is an early 2011 Bistro model guitarviol hand-built by TogaMan Guitars.  The guitarviol is an instrument out of time, harkening back to the fifteenth century viola da gamba and the Stauffer arpeggione of the 1800s, but with the advantages of modern guitar luthiery techniques.

Commonly remarked as THE bowed guitar, the original Bistro model by Jonathan Wilson was an early incarnation of an instrument now heard on film and television scores throughout the cinematic world. This instrument was among the first four created in the line.

In terms of sound and playability, the guitarviol combines the lush tones of a concert level classical guitar with the articulation of a cello. Depending on the control of your attack, it can evoke a weeping viola or a chaotic sci-fi horrorscape. In Jonathan's own words, "This instrument has a wonderful growl!"

The walnut neck feels incredibly smooth and allows for easy access to every area of the fingerboard. The body was recently refurbished by Jonathan, using his updated back bracing methods, as well as being fitted with the new ViolGlide carbon fiber scalloped fingerboard that cuts down on string wear, while allowing for incredibly expressive accents and glissando. A new spartan-style tailpiece was also cut for this instrument. 

This early model uses the "leg-peg" approach to aid in playing position.  A small wooden post is screwed into the base of the body which is held behind the knee, allowing you to play the instrument without it resting awkwardly against your body. 

The top has a small heart-shaped walnut ornament that can be easily removed. It was put in place in 2011 and you can see the original wood color underneath. It has aged beautifully, both in appearance and sound quality. I had also added a strap pin at the heel and often used it in a standing position for live gigs with the other end of the strap anchored by a hex bolt screwed into the leg-peg hole (included.) 

There is a custom ordering page for guitarviol cello strings found at Strings by Mail. You can use any comparable cello strings or even flat wound guitar strings in a pinch, but the Helicore strings sing when bowed. I've experimented with every kind and these are the best strings I've tried.

I recently upgraded from the LR Baggs Lyric pickup to The Realist Cello pickup. David Gauge has spent years perfecting the technique of amplifying acoustic bowed instruments and this is the best on the market in my opinion.  The body is still routed for an input jack should you decide to revert back to the Lyric (included.)

This instrument (featured in the YouTube link ) has appeared on countless stages, alongside artists like Karsh Kale, Tony Grey, Hidayat Khan, and Ike Willis, to name just a few. It can be heard in many film and television documentaries as well as over fifty recordings for artists across every genre.

I have dedicated an immeasurable amount of time developing my own approach to the instrument and still play a custom electric guitarviol by Jonathan. (No, you can't have it.) This instrument doesn't get the attention it deserves given my schedule, and it needs to be played. If you have checked out GVs before, you know the demand is incredibly high and the waiting list is long.

I will be including a student level cello bow and rosin cake, although I do recommend upgrading to a more professional bow once you begin to develop a facility for the instrument. There are few resources available for learning to play this niche but expressive instrument, and I will be more than happy to teach you what I've learned either via Skype, email, or in person if you are local, as well point you in the right direction in finding on-line resources. That's included in the price. For life. No kidding.

A form fitting, sturdy case is also included.  I prefer local pickup, but if you cannot pick the instrument up in person, it will be shipped in its case inside a foam filled shipping crate to reduce vibrational shock. Shipping costs will add roughly $150 to the cost. I really really want you to try it in person though.

Thank you for checking out this rare and beautiful instrument.

Specs:
Scalloped CF fingerboard
21" scale length
Woods: Sitka spruce top and walnut back, sides, neck
Tuners: Locking tuning machines
Nut: 1.75" width
Electronics: Realist Cello Pickup by David Gauge, body routed for internal pickup
Approximate instrument weight: 3.5lbs
Includes:
Student cello bow and rosin
LR Baggs Lyric pickup
Hex bolt for guitar strap