RARE 1989 Michael Menkevich Custom 10-String Classical Harp Guitar, Spruce/Brazilian, w/Case

RARE 1989 Michael Menkevich Spruce/Brazilian 10-String Classical Harp Guitar w/Hardshell Case
Scale Length: 650mm; Nut Width: 76 mm; Overall Length: 42.5"; Serial #: 143

Up for consideration is a Custom 1989 Michael Menkevich 10-String classical harp guitar, with a Spruce soundboard, Brazilian Rosewood back/sides, S-bracing, and a hardshell case. This guitar is #143 made by Philadelphia luthier, Michael Menkevich, who is now retired from guitar building, but still has a strong reputation for his classical guitars as well as his historic reproductions. The Brazilian back/sides set was one that Michael purchased from Martin Guitars. The guitar uses his custom S-shaped fan braces, which are unique to him as far as I know, and the guitar has a wonderful, warm and clear sound, with excellent string separation and voice clarity, good volume and projection.

The guitar has had three owners over the past 35 years. It was a custom order in 1989 for author Howard Wallach, and was later owned by David Barfield, Director of Guitar Houston, and since 2010 has been owned by Len Verrett of Early Romantic Guitar. It was made with a nut width of 76mm -- which is a bit smaller than the Ramirez standard of 85mm, but this would be ideal for players with small to medium-size hands and/or those with long, narrow fingers. The original owner had the guitar neck altered to be deeper and rounder, as most modern 10-strings have a thin, flat neck. The neck work was done by lute-maker and restorer, David Brown, and the neck was re-finished in black. The guitar uses 'cut tuners' as two sets of 6-string tuner sets have been cut down to form the 10-string tuners. Some of the rollers have developed cracks over the years, but they are still serviceable. Also, 2x strap buttons have been added. The guitar is still in good, playable condition with no structural issues, but it does have several scratches and dings from 35 years of use. The guitar is a beautiful-sounding, professional concert instrument, and comes with a hardshell case.

PLEASE CHECK OUT our other Reverb listings for more unique guitars, as well as our Flickinger TwinFlicks preamp and other Pro Audio gear -- and we are the world's leading manufacturer of 10-String Classical Harp guitars -- with over 500 Bartolex, Milagro, and Cathedral multi-string guitars sold during the last 18 years. Thanks for shopping with Cathedral Guitars / Flickinger Audio!