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Ask about similar guitarsGary Southwell - 2009 No. 258
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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
This 2009 guitar, No. 258, has a particularly compelling relationship between clarity, sustain and ease of response. Its sound is bright and clearly articulated, yet every note retains a firm tonal core, preventing the upper frequencies from becoming thin or brittle. The registers remain remarkably well balanced, and sustained notes continue with a calm, coherent presence after the initial attack. This gives melodic lines time to unfold while allowing chords and polyphonic textures to remain clearly organised.
Especially striking for a traditionally constructed guitar is the softness and speed with which the sound is released. Notes emerge easily and almost immediately from the touch, with little sense of resistance, yet this quick response is not accompanied by a short or superficial decay. Instead, the initial clarity passes naturally into a long, stable sustain. The result is a guitar that can feel unusually supple under the right hand: subtle articulations appear quickly, while longer tones retain enough substance to carry lyrical phrases with continuity.
The spruce soundboard and cocobolo back and sides give the instrument a strong visual identity, with the dark, dramatically figured wood of the body contrasting elegantly with the lighter top. The spruce itself shows distinctive natural figuring that adds character without disturbing the restrained appearance of the instrument. Musically, however, the central impression remains the integration of qualities that do not always appear together in a traditional guitar: immediate response without abruptness, brightness supported by a solid core, and long sustain combined with an even, composed balance across the instrument.
Condition
The guitar is in excellent condition, showing only minimal wear consistent with careful use. It has no cracks or repairs and remains in original condition.
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What is the difference between a master guitar and a studio guitar?
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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.