The instruments that I play

It has been said that we live in the second golden age of guitar building, and I am inclined to agree. The craftsmanship and innovation in modern guitar making is truly remarkable. There are amazing instruments available today at all price points, from large production facilities to solo luthiers building ten guitars a year.

I am lucky to own a few nice instruments, which inspire and bring me joy every day.

2008 Alberico OM, "Swannanoa" - Sitka Spruce/Indian Rosewood

This guitar is my number one. If the house was on fire I would grab this one first. It is made by Vancouver Island based luthier Fabrizio Alberico. It is his interpretation on the classic OM shape, being just slightly larger and deeper. To me this gives it a touch bigger bass tone and response, while still being super comfortable to play.

This instrument has a Sitka spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, and cocobolo binding and headplate. The neck is mahgony with an ebony fingerboard. The scale length is 25.5 inches, with a nut width of 1.75 inches and bridge spacing of 2.25 inches. It has Gotoh 510 tuners, and a dual source pickup system consisting of a McIntyre Feather and DPA mic both wired to a stereo endpin jack.

For my tastes, this is the consummate fingerstyle instrument. It is articulate, balanced, and responsive, with great note separation and clarity. One frequency does not overpower another. It has just the right amount of overtones. The intonation is great up and down the neck. I have had a few folks tell me it is the most in tune guitar they have ever played. The neck is a comfortable C shape.

Here are some pictures of me with it over the years. It is funny to see the guitar when I first got it, the top was almost white. Now almost twenty years later it has mellowed to a deep golden color.