Luthier Allan Bull classical guitar cedar & tiger myrtle wood

Allan Bull is making classical guitars in Tasmania Australia. His guitars are true ‘Australian-style’ guitars and have all the features of Australian guitars. Heavy body, arched-back very thin top. However his guitars present some unique innovations which as a result increase string separation, big voice, and warm tone!

Here is the spec of standard concert guitar features borrowed from Allan’s website:

The lightweight soundboard is braced in an asymmetrical grid layout for responsiveness and evenness of support across the guitar’s range with high structural integrity.

Standard thickness back and sides are reinforced with additional laminations and the back is arched and brace less. The light weight, compliant soundboard is joined to the rigid sides and back with solid quarter linings to maximise sustain and projection.

The neck is slim (21 to 22mm thick including fretboard) and is profiled for ease of playing. The shaft is supported by the neck block/cradle which extends to the first transverse brace for neck joint rigidity.

The length of each string is individually compensated at both nut and saddle to counter the effects of fretting and travel stretch and ensure accurate intonation on all strings at all points of the scale.

The fretboard is elevated above the soundboard to provide improved access to the frets beyond the body join.

The armrest removes the damping effect of the forearm on the soundboard and aids player comfort.

There are a number of important characteristics which I build into my guitars.

Clarity and tonal responsiveness – each guitar must possess a clear and distinct voice but must also respond readily to the player’s efforts to shape its tone. String separation is important;

• Accurate intonation – the scale is fully compensated so that the instrument plays in tune on all strings at all parts of the fretboard;
• Power – strong projection without sacrificing tonal quality;
• Sustain – to allow the playing of slow passages with ease;
• Ergonomics – a slim neck with the fretboard elevated above the soundboard to improve upper fret access;
• Structural integrity – avoidance of bridge rotation and soundboard deformation in the upper bout.

For more information, contact us by using the form below or call us at 0033684784569