Maxwell T. Sipe - 2026 No. 125 Lattice 64 cm
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
Important: Additional costs such as import taxes and custom duties may occur when importing goods from the EU into your country.
Delivery times are typically reliable and most instruments arrive within the estimated timeframe.
Should any unexpected delay occur, our team will keep you informed and provide support at every step. For all shipping details and exceptions, please see our Shipping Policy.
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More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Maxwell T. Sipe is an American guitar maker based in Portland, Oregon, whose work brings together a musician's sensitivity to sound with an exceptionally thoughtful approach to craftsmanship and design. A graduate of the University of Portland with a degree in music, he studied classical guitar with Jeffrey Ashton and Scott Kritzer before beginning his journey into instrument making in 2005. His fascination with woodworking and mechanical construction naturally complemented his musical background, eventually leading him to pursue lutherie professionally. An important period in his development was spent working alongside Kerry Char, where six years of instrument repair and restoration provided invaluable insight into the construction, durability, and acoustic behaviour of guitars from different periods. This experience helped shape a philosophy centred on understanding the individual needs of musicians rather than following a single established construction method. Today, Sipe creates both traditional and contemporary concert guitars, exploring different bracing systems and carefully considered design solutions. His instruments are distinguished by their refined workmanship, elegant visual coherence, and particular attention to playing comfort and musical responsiveness. Every element, from the internal acoustic structure to the smallest decorative detail, reflects his conviction that sound, functionality, and craftsmanship should form a harmonious whole.
About the guitar
This beautiful 2026 concert guitar by Maxwell T. Sipe, bearing number 125, offers a particularly captivating combination of tonal warmth, acoustic depth, and refined contemporary craftsmanship. Its cedar soundboard and Indian rosewood back and sides are complemented by a carefully developed wooden lattice bracing system, designed to achieve a generous, consistent response while preserving the softness and expressive character associated with traditional classical guitars. Rather than pursuing sheer power, the instrument presents a wonderfully rounded and resonant voice, rich in harmonic colour and remarkably inviting to the ear.
The basses are particularly impressive, extending into an unusually deep register with a broad, enveloping resonance that can almost be felt physically through the instrument. Above this resonant foundation, the trebles emerge with a gentle sweetness and a beautifully rounded character, allowing melodic lines to sing without becoming excessively bright or penetrating. Notes develop with a wealth of overtones and a generous sustain, giving even simple musical phrases an appealing sense of depth and continuity. The guitar responds readily to a delicate touch, maintaining a full and expressive sound without demanding excessive effort from the player. Its 640 mm scale length, comfortable neck profile, and elevated fingerboard contribute to an exceptionally pleasant playing experience, particularly for musicians who appreciate a slightly shorter scale and comfortable access to the upper registers.
The visual execution is equally accomplished. Sipe's attention to detail is evident in the carefully coordinated treatment of the headstock, fingerboard, and bridge, whose contours and finishes establish a subtle continuity throughout the instrument. Rather than appearing as separate decorative elements, these components share a consistent aesthetic identity that gives the guitar an unusually harmonious appearance. The distinctive rosette introduces a more expressive decorative accent, providing a beautiful focal point on the cedar soundboard. Every transition and surface reveals meticulous workmanship, reflecting a design in which contemporary elegance and traditional craftsmanship coexist naturally. Together with its warm, lyrical voice and deeply resonant character, these qualities make this guitar a particularly appealing instrument for players who value tonal richness, effortless response, and refined musical expression.
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.
Related guitars
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.