The philosophy of  the luthier Gregory Byers

Greg Byers is an American luthier based in California who is considered by a large number of concert classical guitar players as one of the best American luthiers of his generation. His classical guitars have been played by famous players such as David Russell.

Gregory has been very much inspired by luthier Jose Romanillos. Here is what he says about him: ‘Romanillos is a wonderful and deeply spiritual man. He showed me that luthery is more than just gluing sticks together. Inspired by the greatness of both his artistry and spirit, I found my calling as a luthier. He gave me reason to think my life’s work could touch the creative, the mystical, and the rational in equal measure. This is what I had been looking for. Among luthiers I count Romanillos and John Gilbert as important early influences. But I have been like a sponge in soaking up information and ideas over the years from many other luthiers and especially from players, without whom the luthier does not exist. ‘

A lattice classical guitar closer to a traditional guitar

Most of all, Gregory Byers is mostly aiming at keeping the sound beauty of the great traditional classical guitars. He uses a traditional bracing which is crossed with some transversal braces. As a result, there is more sustain and more sound thickness. The basses are full and generous and contribute to the voice separation.

The overall feeling is to have a wonderful traditional sounding classical guitar with a great volume and sustain.

The sound of the Spruce top and African Blackwood

One is really surprised by the beauty of the notes.  The trebles are crystal-clear and the bass is loud. The spruce top brings some clarity but with some softness. In a way this guitar is closer to the guitar of Simon Marty than the other Australian lattice maker.

The guitar was delivered early 2014 but bears the year 2013 on the label.

Mint condition.

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