2007 Dake Traphagen "35th Anniversary" SP/CSAR

This is a beautiful and meticulously-made guitar from one of America's most well-known luthiers, Dake Traphagen. For this limited run of only 8 instruments, built to celebrate 35 years of guitar making, Dake pulled out all the stops and used his best and oldest woods that he had been collecting for thirty-five years - some up to 275 years old. Detailing on this instrument is also exceptional - the rosette features elaborate and stylish marquetry, with an internal "rope" band as well as the use of mother-of-pearl inlays in place of a central mosaic. Additional MOP inlays in the tie block and a delicate, half-herringbone top purfling giving it a very elegant appearance. Tuners are Rodgers.

The sound of this instrument is as elegant as its appearance. It has a smooth, round and balanced tone, with a fat, almost "juicy" quality to every note. It has surprisingly quick response similar to the instruments of Miguel Rodriguez (of whom Dake is very fond). It is a fun guitar to play, and has great projection that could easily fill any concert hall. Being a spruce top, it has great clarity and separation between voices and at the same time retains a soft warmth at the center of each note. Playability and setup are very comfortable and the guitar is in excellent condition with barely any signs of having been played - only some minor wear in the finish on the soundboard and neck.

This is Dake Traphagen at his finest - an exceptionally well-made, great-sounding and beautiful instrument by any standard.