FREE SHIPPINGDon't be afraid to make me an offer. After all, what is the worst that can happen?This is a replica of the 1890 Torres SE146, which was one of the last dozen or so instruments built by Torres before his death.
As with my other Torres replicas, I have tried to use the proper materials and dimensions of the original as well as details like the distinctive Torres pointed heel block to neck join and ivory-capped (old piano key) tieblock. For this instrument I used torrefied European spruce for both the soundboard and the fan bracing; birdseye maple for the back and sides; Brazilian rosewood for the headplate, bridge, bindings, and veneers for the purfling and rosette. The fan braces were prepared in a rounded profile, measuring ~7mm wide and 2.1-2.2mm in height, tapering in length from the back of the bridge to their ends, and scalloped 25mm from the brace ends closest to the soundhole - similar to the brace dimensions detailed on the plans for the 1888 SE114 drawn by Jeffery Elliott. The side thickness varies between 1.0 and 1.3mm, the back thickness ~2.0mm and 2.4mm, and the soundboard in the lower bout varies from ~2.1mm to ~1.65mm. The box produces a resonance between F# and G. It is a cannon!
The rosette, while typical Torres style with a central "ears of wheat" motif, bands of black (Brazilian rosewood), maple, and green, the use of dyed red veneers that Torres used late in his career, made this a striking rosette. The same dyed red veneer is also found in the purfling around the top.
The 12th fret action is currently set at 3.6mm and 3.3mm respectively (E6, E1) with plenty of saddle to adjust lower if desired. For information about the building of this instrument (and it's fitted "coffin case"), please visit the News and Events tab, "Current Projects" on my website gourlayguitarsdotcom, or you can link to my website from my Reverb storefront.
The handmade wooden "coffin" case is comprised of 1/4" quartersawn figured makore, with a tapered insert on the top of 1/4" Baltic birch plywood faced with birdseye maple veneer. I used padauk bindings with maple veneer purfling all around and paduk, maple, and Brazilian rosewood veneers to set off the birdseye maple on the top. I applied 3-5 coats of Waterlox satin oil finish and polished it to a soft satin sheen with 0000 steel wool. The case interior is padded/fitted to the instrument and lined with green crushed velvet.
The overall case dimensions are as follows:
Length - 42"
Widest point - 16"
Narrowest point - 5"
Overall height - 5 5/8"
In the accompanying video, Michael Cruz performs Andrew York's "Home" on this instrument.
Specifics:
- Torres medium-bodied plantilla (lower bout 342mm) with 5 fan braces
- 650mm scale - 50mm wide at nut
- Torrified (roasted) European spruce soundboard and fan braces
- Birdseye maple back and sides
- Brazilian rosewood bindings, headplate, bridge and backstrip
- Spanish cedar neck
- Gabon ebony fingerboard
- Handmade Torres replica rosette
- Rubner "Artisan Series" tuners with simulated ivory buttons and dots
- Entire instrument is hand finished in French polish of shellac
- Guitar will be shipped in its custom fitted Makore (African cherry) and birdseye maple "coffin case"
