Sold

Michael O’Leary - 2016 "Exclusive" No. 205

Michael O’Leary - 2016 "Exclusive" No. 205

Overview

Michael O’Leary was born in the picturesque medieval village of Graignamanagh, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland. His workshop is located nearby in Milford Carlow. Michael played guitar from an early age, influenced by his father, who was also a keen player. He grew up in an environment rich in music, of which the guitar held pride of place. Michael followed a rich family tradition in the art of creativity and found working with fine woods his most gratifying medium of expression.
Michael O’Leary is one of Ireland’s most renowned luthiers. He builds around nine guitars a year with his son Alec. His guitars are made with a unique bracing system that combines features of both lattice bracing and fan bracing concepts to produce truly phenomenal guitars. This concept was developed due to constructive discussions and feedback from some of the world’s greatest players, including the Assad Duo, David Russell, Berta Rojas, Manuel Barrueco, John Williams, Xuefei Yang, Aniello Desiderio, Roland Dyens, and more. Many of these players own an O’Leary guitar and play it regularly in concert.

This remarkable guitar from 2021 is the "Exclusive" model, representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship by Michael O’Leary in his Irish workshop. It features a spruce soundboard paired with a stunning African ebony back and sides, showcasing O’Leary’s distinctive design elements such as the intertwined rosette, elevated fingerboard, and braceless back. The construction of this guitar allows for a massive volume while preserving a balanced beauty and subtlety of tone. Its impeccable setup ensures effortless playability. Despite being a second-hand instrument, it remains in excellent condition with minimal playing marks, ready to excel in any concert situation.

Luthier: Michael O'Leary
Construction year: 2016
Construction type: Lattice
Top: Spruce
Back and sides: Ebony
Finish: Nitrocellulose
Air body frequency: G
Scale: 650 mm
Nut: 52 mm
Weight: 2500 grams
Strings: Knobloch - EDC 34.0
Case: CC Cases
Condition: Excellent
View full details

Video overview

Michael O'leary - 2016 "Exclusive" No. 205 Classical Guitar Review
Four Remarkable Instruments! Weekly Guitar Meeting #114 - Oldiges, Kirschner, Eden, O'Leary

While this guitar is sold, these are ready for you

  • Classical Guitars

    The classical guitar, with its soft nylon strings and characteristic timbre, has become a symbol of chamber music, Spanish tradition, and concert repertoire. Its modern form was shaped by Antonio de Torres in the 19th century, setting the standard for the body, fan bracing, and the 65-centimeter scale length that are still used today. Instruments in this category open up a rich palette from the refined Romantic miniatures of Tárrega to the majestic concertos of Rodrigo. Here you will find guitars that preserve historical continuity and at the same time inspire new interpretations.
    Look all products of the collection
  • Luthier: Hermann Hauser II
    Luthier: Rare Guitars
    Construction Year: 1976
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: G sharp / A
    Weight (g): 1530
    Tuner: Landstorfer
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Paolo Coriani
    Construction Year: 2025
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1405
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Stephan Connor
    Construction Year: 2024
    Construction Type: Lattice
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Other-woods
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: G sharp
    Weight (g): 1765
    Tuner: Sloane
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Richard Jacob Weissgerber
    Construction Year: 1940
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1250
    Tuner: Antique
    Condition: Very good
  • Luthier: Otto Rauch
    Construction Year: 2018
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Maple
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: G / G sharp
    Weight (g): 1270
    Tuner: Der Jung
    Condition: Excellent
  • Manufacturer: Armin Hanika
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Double-Top Guitars
    Top: Cedar
    Back and Sides: Palo Escrito
    Soundboard Finish: Wax
    Body Finish: Wax
    Weight (g): 1605
    Tuner: Rubner El Sonido
    Condition: New
  • Luthier: Steelstring guitars
    Construction Year: 2026
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Pau Ferro
    Soundboard Finish: Polyurethane
    Body Finish: Polyurethane
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1920
    Tuner: Golden Age
    Condition: New
  • Construction Year: 1970
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Indian rosewood
    Soundboard Finish: Lacquer
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: F sharp / G
    Weight (g): 1610
    Tuner: Fustero
    Condition: Excellent
  • Luthier: Giovanni Tacchi
    Construction Year: 2023
    Construction Type: Traditional
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Flamed Maple
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: French polish
    Air Body Frequency: E / F
    Weight (g): 1300
    Tuner: Alessi
    Condition: Mint
  • Manufacturer: Siccas Luthiers
    Construction Type: Double Top
    Construction Type: Double-Top Guitars
    Construction Type: Short Scale
    Top: Spruce
    Back and Sides: Wenge
    Soundboard Finish: French polish
    Body Finish: Lacquer
    Air Body Frequency: F / F sharp
    Weight (g): 1600
    Tuner: Der Jung
    Condition: New

Related guitars

Stay Up to Date With Our Latest Arrivals

Be the first to know about new arrivals and exclusive discounts and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.