Rafal Turkowiak - 2026 Opus Virtuoso No. 766
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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Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Rafal Turkowiak is a Polish luthier born in 1966 in Golanice near Leszno. His early relationship with wood was shaped by his family, especially by his father, who was a carpenter, and his grandfather, who worked as a wheelwright. This background gave him an intimate understanding of wood, structure and craft long before his name became associated with highly experimental classical guitars.
Turkowiak’s path into guitar making began unusually early. As a teenager, after dismantling an old guitar, he built his first classical instrument with a sound hole and an individual soundboard concept using suspended bracing. This early curiosity developed into a career defined by invention, technical research and a strong desire to expand the possibilities of the nylon string guitar. His instruments often include construction ideas that go far beyond the traditional Spanish model, including the WAVE type resonator, Acoustic Tubes inside the neck and several patented design elements.
His work is especially recognisable for the way it joins acoustic experimentation with a highly decorative visual language. Turkowiak guitars often treat the instrument not only as a sound producing object, but also as a sculptural and architectural form. Materials, internal structure, ergonomics and ornamentation are brought together with a strong sense of individuality, making his guitars immediately identifiable within the field of contemporary classical guitar making.
About the guitar
This 2026 Rafal Turkowiak Opus Virtuoso No. 766 is one of the most elaborate modern concert guitars in this selection. It is conceived as a highly developed double top instrument with radial bracing, Amboyna burl back and sides, a 21 fret ArcFrets system, elevated fingerboard, Floating ArmRest and Turkowiak’s patented Acoustic Tubes inside the neck. It is a guitar built around the idea of maximum resonance, comfort, visual richness and acoustic efficiency.
The top construction is especially important. The visible outer layer is curly redwood, while Alpine spruce is used inside the double top structure. This gives the guitar a carefully layered soundboard concept, bringing the warmth and richness associated with redwood together with the clarity and response of spruce. The radial bracing supports this modern soundboard system, helping the instrument produce a powerful, rounded and long sustaining voice. The result is a guitar with a soft and full tonal surface, strong projection and an unusually generous sustain across the register.
The back and sides are made from Amboyna burl, giving the instrument an extraordinary visual presence. The figure of the wood is dense, dramatic and almost painterly, making the back of the guitar one of its most striking features. This natural visual complexity is complemented by translucent Baltic amber details in the rosette and headplate, which allow light to pass through and create an almost architectural effect. The decorative elements have the character of small illuminated windows, especially under stage or studio light.
The material concept continues in the details. Natural Baltic amber is used for the decorative work, while mammoth bone is used for the nut, saddle, fret markers, bridge tie block and crown logos. These choices give the guitar a highly individual visual identity, where each functional detail also contributes to the overall aesthetic. The lacquer finish enhances the depth of the Amboyna burl and the clarity of the decorative work, while giving the instrument a polished contemporary appearance.
The playing design is equally distinctive. The ArcFrets system was developed for nylon string instruments to improve intonation while preserving a natural playing feel and standard tuning. The 21 fret layout expands the available range, making the guitar suitable for both older repertoire and music that reaches further into the upper register. The elevated fingerboard improves access in high positions, while the neck shape and general setup give the instrument a comfortable and inviting playing character.
The modified magnolia neck is internally reinforced and semi hollowed, reducing weight while supporting resonance. Inside the neck are Turkowiak’s patented Acoustic Tubes, a construction idea intended to involve the neck more actively in the instrument’s sound production. The Floating ArmRest is mounted on rods attached to the sides and does not touch the soundboard, allowing the top to vibrate freely while giving the player a wide and comfortable support. The body construction also departs from the traditional classical guitar, with a micro heel, almost no internal foot and no traditional internal linings, all intended to free more of the soundboard’s vibrating area.
Tonally, this Opus Virtuoso No. 766 has a very round, soft and sustained voice. Notes bloom with notable length, and the balance across the strings is even and controlled. The sound remains full even under a light touch, making the guitar feel immediately responsive and easy to draw into resonance. Its softness does not mean lack of clarity. Rather, the tone has a rounded edge, a generous body and enough colour to let the player shape different shades with confidence.
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.