Chartwell Guitar

2013 Dake Traphagen Conservatory model

Woods: East Indian rosewood back and sides and western red cedar solid top. Handsome figured maple binding, inlaid purfling pattern, intricate rosette, inlaid pattern back center strip. French polish shellac throughout.

Specs: 650mm scale, 52mm nut, 43.5mm string spacing at nut, 58mm at saddle. Travelite rigid foam case with interior hygrometer (an excellent case). Five fan traditional design.

Condition: very good. A scattering of nail marks and one small top dent on treble side. String dings by treble strings at tie block. Two minor areas of shellac clouding on back. Otherwise, the finish has its original gloss and presents well.  The setup is original and string height normal.

Comment: although Dake’s double tops are as good as any being built today, his traditional solid top fan braced guitars have a unique following with those who have a chance to play them. Color and nuance, a particular voice, a certain auditory “something” that evades vocabulary is the signature sound I hear and appreciate. The trebles with normal tension nylon strings have plenty of energy and push back against right hand attack, just as they should. Metallic emphasis is candy hard and wonderful; a rest stroke over the sound hole is divine. Otherwise a well balanced guitar where the treble side stands out better than in some of his bass heavy double tops. This is an exceptionally easy guitar to play–light in weight and quick in attack.

This is his Conservatory model, but the number of custom details mentioned above show it was clearly upgraded.  I doubt there is any measurable difference in playability and performance from his $9k top of the line guitar. For a buyer who seeks the Traphagen sound who doesn’t care to spend extra for Brazilian rosewood and high end tuners will find this instrument to be just the ticket.