Gary Southwell - 2008 A-Series No. 242
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Gary Southwell is an English guitar maker whose work brings historical research into close dialogue with contemporary concert-guitar making. After studying guitar making at the London College of Furniture, he established his workshop in Nottingham in 1983. Alongside his work with historical instruments, particularly guitars of the early nineteenth century, Southwell has developed original designs of his own, including the A Series and Temperate guitars. These instruments reveal another side of his work: an exploratory approach in which established ideas of the classical guitar are reconsidered through contemporary construction and close dialogue with professional musicians.
About the guitar
The A Series represents Gary Southwell’s own design exploration rather than an interpretation of a historical model, and No. 242 from 2008 expresses that idea with unusual clarity. Its spruce soundboard and flamed maple back and sides are joined by distinctly contemporary features, including an armrest and elevated fingerboard, yet the instrument retains a visual and musical connection to the familiar nylon-string guitar rather than feeling deliberately radical.
Its voice is elegant and exceptionally clean, with notes emerging in a polished, clearly defined manner and sustaining for a remarkably long time. There is also an elastic quality to the response: melodic lines feel easy to shape, while the sound adapts naturally to different kinds of repertoire. Lyrical contemporary passages can unfold with a smooth, singing nylon-string character, while classical material retains definition and poise. This flexibility is one of the guitar’s most convincing qualities; rather than imposing a single tonal profile, it gives the player room to move between styles, colours and articulations while preserving a coherent voice.
The physical experience is equally inviting. The modern construction feels comfortable and immediately accessible, complementing the guitar’s supple response and long sustain. In No. 242, Southwell’s A Series concept comes across as a thoughtful expansion of the classical guitar: contemporary in design, but still closely connected to the musical qualities and tactile familiarity players expect from a fine nylon-string instrument.
Condition
The guitar is in very good original condition, with normal signs of wear consistent with regular use. The French polish on the back and sides shows some wear, but remains generally well preserved. There are no cracks or repairs.
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.