Gary Southwell - 2005 No. 220
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
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Shipping important note
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More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Gary Southwell is an English guitar maker whose work has long brought historical research into dialogue with contemporary concert-guitar making. His early interest in the instrument was shaped by the music of artists including Paul Simon, Julian Bream and John Williams, eventually leading him to study guitar making at the London College of Furniture. In 1983 he established his workshop in Nottingham. Alongside modern concert instruments, Southwell became particularly known for his study and reconstruction of historical guitars, especially instruments from the early nineteenth century, helping to reintroduce construction methods and sound concepts that had largely disappeared from modern practice. He has also developed original designs including his A Series and Temperate guitars. Throughout his career, close dialogue with professional musicians has remained an important part of his work, complementing a historically informed approach with a strong awareness of the practical and musical demands placed on a concert instrument.
About the guitar
Built in 2005, No. 220 combines a traditional, Torres-inspired concept with an unusually refined sense of sustain, balance and tonal control. Notes remain present well beyond the initial attack, yet the sound never becomes blurred or overly resonant. Instead, the registers retain a striking evenness, allowing melodic lines and inner voices to remain clearly proportioned as the music moves across different strings and positions. The tone itself is elegant and transparent, with a clear centre that gives individual notes definition while preserving a supple, singing quality.
One of the most distinctive aspects of this guitar is its sensitivity to the player. Small changes in attack, contact point and right-hand articulation are immediately reflected in the sound, making it possible to shape the beginning, colour and development of each note with considerable precision. This responsiveness asks for a controlled touch, but it also opens a broad palette of expression. The guitar can move easily between focused clarity and more rounded colours, while its elastic response allows individual voices to be differentiated with an almost orchestral sense of detail.
The spruce soundboard is paired with beautifully figured flamed maple back and sides, giving the instrument a light, elegant visual identity that complements its tonal character. Rather than relying on sheer weight or density of sound, this Southwell communicates through balance, sustain and finely graduated colour. Its particular strength lies in the amount of musical information it reveals: articulation remains precise, long tones retain poise, and subtle variations of touch can be carried into the sound without disturbing its overall coherence.
Condition
The guitar is in very good condition and shows signs of normal use. It has no cracks or repairs and remains in original condition.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Guitars
How do I choose the right classical guitar for my level?
Choosing the right classical guitar depends on your playing level, musical goals, and budget. Beginners benefit from studio-model guitars from renowned workshops, while advanced players and professionals often choose a handmade master guitar. We are happy to advise you personally and can send detailed sound samples and videos on request.
What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?
Master guitars are built entirely by hand in the workshop of a single luthier, using only high-quality, well-aged tonewoods. Studio guitars are made in small series, often under the supervision of the master luthier, and offer excellent value for students and ambitious amateur players.
Can I try a classical guitar at home for 14 days?
Yes — every guitar you purchase from us comes with a 14-day home approval period. This complimentary trial applies worldwide to all orders, whether you are in Germany, Europe, the USA, Asia or anywhere else. We ship your instrument fully insured in a high-quality case so you can play it under your own acoustic conditions. If the guitar is not the right one for you, simply send it back and receive a full refund of the purchase price.
Can I try a classical guitar before purchasing?
Absolutely. You are warmly invited to visit our showroom in Karlsruhe, Germany, and test the instruments at your leisure. We are happy to schedule a personal appointment. If a visit is not possible, we send detailed videos and sound samples, and offer extensive consultation by phone or video call.
What payment methods and financing options do you offer?
We accept bank transfer, PayPal, major credit cards, and Klarna. For high-value instruments, we offer individual installment plans on request. Please contact us directly — we will find a suitable solution for every budget.
How do I properly care for my classical guitar?
A classical guitar requires constant humidity between 45 and 55 percent. Store the instrument in its case with a humidifier, avoid direct sunlight and large temperature fluctuations. Change the strings regularly and clean the guitar with a soft microfiber cloth.