2019 Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist - Engelmann Spruce & Figured Mango #960

The 2019 Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist stands as a refined expression of modern lutherie, where artistry, innovation, and tonal sophistication meet without compromise. Built by Kevin Ryan, founder of Ryan Guitars and a builder with decades behind the bench, this instrument reflects a lifetime spent chasing the edge of what an acoustic guitar can be. His small-shop approach and relentless curiosity are on full display here, resulting in a guitar that feels as responsive as it is visually striking.

At its core, this Nightingale pairs a Master Grade Engelmann Spruce top with beautifully figured Mango back and sides, a tonewood choice that deserves real attention. Mango brings a unique voice to the table. It sits somewhere between koa and mahogany, offering a warm, rounded midrange with a touch of natural compression, balanced by a sweetness in the high end that never gets brittle. There is a subtle airiness to its response, making it exceptionally rewarding for fingerstyle players, especially when paired with the dynamic sensitivity of Engelmann spruce. The result is a guitar that responds to the lightest touch but still has enough headroom to carry a room when pushed.

Visually, this Nightingale is nothing short of breathtaking. The Ebony binding theme frames the instrument with understated elegance, while Blue Paua purfling traces the soundboard, back, sides, and headstock in luminous detail. The rosette is a work of art in itself, combining Blue Paua with Black Tahitian Pearl and a Blue Paua outer circlet, creating depth and movement that shifts with the light. The Blue Paua “R” logo, accented with MOP MicroPearl, and the matching truss rod cover with its Corona motif, tie the aesthetic together with precision.

The collaboration with inlay master Larry Robinson elevates this guitar into a different realm. His custom floral wreath fingerboard inlay is intricate without feeling excessive, showcasing the hand of a true master. Robinson’s work has long been regarded as some of the finest in the world, and here it complements Ryan’s design philosophy perfectly. This is what happens when two craftsmen at the top of their game work in sync. Even the Deco bridge wing inlays carry that same intentional artistry, adding cohesion without distraction.

Beyond its beauty, this guitar is packed with Ryan’s Innovation Suite, a collection of features that genuinely enhance performance and comfort. The ergonomic bevel with flutes makes long sessions effortless. EO Bracing and the Acoustic Honeycomb construction contribute to its remarkable responsiveness and sustain. The micro-adjustable truss rod system allows for precise setup control, while titanium bridge pins and the A5 “Racing Stripe” kerfed liner push efficiency and resonance even further.

The 25.7 inch fingerstyle scale length, 1.75 inch nut width, and 2.25 inch bridge spacing create a platform that feels purpose-built for articulate, expressive playing. Every note blooms with clarity, and complex voicings remain separated and musical. Despite all of its power and sophistication, the guitar remains incredibly lightweight at just 4 pounds 10 ounces, reinforcing its lively, immediate response.

Housed in a custom Calton flight case, this Nightingale Grand Soloist is more than a high-end instrument. It is a complete statement piece, built at the intersection of engineering, artistry, and musicality.

Other specifications include:

• Master Grade Engelmann Spruce Top
• Figured Mango Back & Sides
• Ebony Binding Theme
• Blue Paua Soundboard, Back & Sides Purfling
• Blue Paua Headstock Purfling
• Blue Paua Rosette with Black Tahitian Pearl Purfling & Blue Paua Outer Circlet
• Blue Paua "R" Logo with MOP MicroPearl
• Ebony Truss Rod Cover with Blue Paua Corona with MOP MicroPearl
• Blue Paua Truss Rod Cover Purfling
• Larry Robinson Custom Floral Wreath Fingerboard Inlay
• Deco Bridge Wing Inlays
• Gotoh Super 510 Black Chrome 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
• 4 lb 10 oz
• 960

For more information on the Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist, please contact us.