Maestro Raffles IR CSB Double Top 2015

Started in 2004 by Hozen, Maestro Guitars is a small workshop in Singapore of highly-skilled luthiers that believe in bringing the best out of every single build; no shortcuts and no compromises. The tonewoods they use are kept and seasoned naturally to achieve the right moisture content and are hand-selected based on responsiveness, stability, and aesthetic value. Bridging tradition and innovation, Maestro guitars feature Carbon Fiber Reinforced necks and are the first of their kind to have boutique features such as Soundports, Beveled Armrests and Double Top soundboards available off-the-rack.

But what truly makes these instruments exceptional is Hozen's commitment to hand-voicing. Learning from Ervin Somogyi, he is able to carve his own approach to voicing in order to bring out his signature sound: Responsive, rich in projection and full of character. This 2015 'Raffles' model is built with Indian Rosewood (IR), a Cutaway, Soundport & Bevel (CSB) and a Double Top made of Sitka Spruce with a Nomex Honeycomb layer.

Don't be fooled by its age or price point, because this guitar is extremely clean and also looks incredibly fancy. The inlays, the bindings, the purflings and the entire construction in general are done in a fashion that most big brands could learn something from. Its sound is also very unique; boasting the openness and dynamics of a typically 'European' style guitar, all whilst having the directness and punch of an 'American' style guitar. It's rich in tone and very three-dimensional, giving everything back (and more!) that you put into it. 

photos of: Actual Instrument