2024 Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist - Adirondack Spruce & Nicaraguan Rosewood #1214

The 2024 Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist presented here is a breathtaking example of modern lutherie elevated to the level of fine art. Built with a master grade Adirondack spruce top and a striking set of Nicaraguan rosewood for the back and sides, this instrument embodies the tonal power, refinement, and visual poetry that have made Kevin Ryan one of the most respected builders in the world of contemporary acoustic guitars. From the moment the first note rings out, it becomes clear that this guitar is not simply built to be admired. It is built to inspire.

Kevin Ryan’s journey as a luthier spans more than four decades. Based in Northern California, Ryan began building guitars in the early 1980s and quickly distinguished himself through a relentless pursuit of tonal innovation and ergonomic design. His instruments are known not only for their breathtaking craftsmanship but also for the groundbreaking technologies he has pioneered. The Innovation Suite found within this Nightingale Grand Soloist reflects that legacy. Ryan’s EO bracing and acoustic honeycomb construction contribute to remarkable responsiveness and projection, while the A5 “Racing Stripe” kerfed liner adds structural stability and visual elegance when viewed inside the body. The Ryan Micro Adjustable truss rod system allows precise setup control, and the titanium bridge pins enhance clarity and sustain. Paired with the comfortable Ryan ergonomic bevel with flutes, the result is an instrument that feels alive in the player’s hands while remaining effortless to play across its 25.7 inch fingerstyle scale length.

Visually, the guitar is extraordinary. The master grade Adirondack spruce top glows with natural warmth, framed by an elegant ebony binding theme and brilliant blue paua purfling that traces the soundboard, back, and sides in shimmering color. A sequoia bark rosette encircles the soundhole, accented again with blue paua, offering an organic texture that complements the pristine spruce. The Nicaraguan rosewood back displays rich chocolate tones and dramatic grain patterns, highlighted by a contrasting center strip that draws the eye along the graceful curves of the Grand Soloist body and its soft Florentine cutaway.

Perhaps the most captivating artistic element comes from the legendary inlay master Larry Robinson. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern guitar ornamentation, Robinson’s work has adorned instruments for decades and is prized for its storytelling and intricate detail. On this Nightingale, he has created a mesmerizing custom White Tigers motif across the fretboard and headstock. The images appear almost alive, formed from luminous shell that shifts and glows under light. The tiger’s gaze from the headstock is especially striking, framed by blue paua purfling and the Ryan “R” logo rendered in blue paua with MOP MicroPearl accents. The artistry continues throughout the instrument with blue paua fretboard purfling with MOP MicroPearl, matching headstock purfling, and a finely detailed truss rod cover bordered in blue paua.

Hardware is equally refined. Gotoh Super 510 gold machine heads with ebonoid buttons and an embossed Ryan logo provide precise tuning stability while complementing the guitar’s luxurious visual palette. The instrument’s 1.75 inch nut width and 2.25 inch bridge spacing make it exceptionally comfortable for fingerstyle players, encouraging nuanced articulation and dynamic control.

Weighing just 5 pounds 3 ounces, this Nightingale Grand Soloist feels remarkably alive and resonant. It was showcased at NAMM 2024, where it drew admiration not only for its sonic capability but also for the rare collaboration between Kevin Ryan’s engineering brilliance and Larry Robinson’s legendary artistry.

Housed in its custom Calton flight case, this guitar stands as a remarkable meeting point of innovation, tone, and visual storytelling. It is an instrument that rewards both the eye and the ear, and one that reflects the very highest level of contemporary guitar making.

Other specifications include:

• Master Grade Adirondack Spruce Top
• Nicaraguan Rosewood Back & Sides
• Florentine (Soft) Cutaway
• Ebony Binding Theme
• Blue Paua Soundboard, Back & Sides Purfling
• Blue Paua Fretboard Purfling with MOP MicroPearl
• Blue Paua Headstock Purfling with MOP MicroPearl
• Sequoia Bark Rosette with Blue Paua Purfling
• Blue Paua "R" Logo with MOP MicroPearl
• Blue Paua Truss Rod Cover Purfling
• Larry Robinson Custom White Tigers Fretboard & Headstock Inlays
• Gotoh Super 510 Gold Machine Heads with Ebonoid Buttons and Embossed "R" Logo
• Innovation Suite (Ryan Ergonomic Bevel with Flutes, EO Bracing, Acoustic Honeycomb, Ryan Micro Adjustable Truss Rod System, Titanium Bridge Pins and A5 "Racing Stripe" Kerfed Liner)
• 1.75" Nut Width
• 2.25" Bridge Spacing
• 25.7" Fingerstyle Scale Length
• Custom Calton Flight Case
• Showcased at NAMM 2024
• 5 lb 3 oz
• 1214