2011 Ashley Sanders #51 Cedar/EIRW - Australian Luthier Lattice Braced Classical Guitar

2011 Ashley Sanders #51 Cedar/EIRW

Australian Lattice Braced Classical Guitar

- Scale: 650mm

- Nut Width: 51mm

- String Spacing: 44mm at nut and 59mm at the bridge

- String Action at 12th fret: 3.5mm for low E and 2.7mm for high E

- Top: Western Red Cedar

- Bracing: Balsa Carbon Fiber

- Back/Sides: East Indian Rosewood

- Neck: Brazilian Mahogany

- Fingerboard: Ebony

- Bridge: East Indian Rosewood

- Head Plate: East Indian Rosewood

- Weight: 4lbs 12oz (or about 2.15kg)

- Case: Visesnut Premiere (Pearl Black) with black case cover

- Strings: D'Addario EJ45

I've purchased this guitar couple of years ago in need of a louder guitar. The guitar already had good amount of signs of use (small dings, blemishes, streak on finish, etc.) when I purchased it, but I have taken care of it as best as I can (always keeping humidity around 50% inside the case) while playing it extensively past two years. There are a several streaks/lines on the finish that were already there when I got the guitar (I tried to capture in some of the photos) that’s only visible from certain angles but there are no cracks or damages to the wood itself.

There are two things to keep in mind:

- I have installed a permanent clear golpeador (tap plate). The sound/volume hasn't really changed other than maybe slightly lessening the boomy bass from before.

- There are couple of square transparent thin surfaces that I've installed on the sides of the guitar for suctions cups of guitar support (Neck-Up support) to protect the finish. They are not too obtrusive aesthetically, but they are there and I wouldn't recommend trying to peel it off.

Things I love about this guitar:

- The sound of this guitar surrounds the people in front. It has very full and rich sound with good amount of variety in tone color and sustain. It is great for small concert halls without any amplification. (There aren't any classical guitars that don't need amplification in a large hall). The lower action and the neck shape makes it very comfortable to play as well. Overall, this is a splendid guitar of high quality for performance.

Two main reasons I am selling this guitar:

- Firstly, it is a bit heavy. I thought I wouldn't mind heavy guitars but I don't think I quite enjoy the weight of it. It does feel quite secure and grounded and when you're playing but it is a bit heavy for me still.

- Secondly, while I love certain sounds and characteristics of this guitar, I think I prefer the feel and sounds of traditional, lighter guitars more.

Honestly, if this guitar was lighter with same sound quality, I would not sell it; but some things have to be sacrificed.

From what I know, Ashley Sanders makes only a few guitar per year, and they are not as easy to find, and from what I can tell from the guitar, his craftsmanship is very careful, clean and well-thought out.

I hope the Youtube video gives you a rough idea of its sound.

Photos updated on 26 April 2024.

I cannot lower the price lower than $4500 as that would be too much loss for me considering its original value ($6000+).