Chartwell Guitar

2002 John Price spruce and Brazilian rosewood lattice

Woods: spectacular rosewood back and sides with a braceless back. Likely Brazilian rosewood. Alpine spruce top with lightly braced carbon fiber lattice.  Mahogany neck. Nitro lacquer throughout.

Specs: 650mm scale, 52mm nut, 43mm string spacing at nut, 57mm at saddle. 4mm string height at bass 12th fret. Luthier case with hygrometer. Six hole tie block. Braceless back. Ample saddle and string break angle for future adjustment.

Condition: except for a tiny dent in the lower bout, mint. Remarkable condition. The rasqueado guard shows wear, but it is there to protect the wood, which it has done. Price’s nitro lacquer virtually guarantees care free handling and playing. Especially good for warm weather, as perspiration does not penetrate it.

Comment: this is my fourth John Price guitar and first spruce top. In comparing to the 2016 cedar here, there is no considerable difference in intonation.  The reason is all his instruments are noted for their treble side, which is bright and clear. In the hands of a player with good rest stroke technique, it mellows out. This guitar has a  deeper bass response.  Overall, this is an instrument with prodigious power and volume. It is substantially heavy and carries with that aspect a natural sustain, abetted by the light lattice bracing pattern. A remarkable guitar that appears and plays as new. I understand John has retired  from building.

For those who value the pedigree of a former owner, this was Jorge Morel’s guitar for a number of years, with which he toured and recorded.