Yan Lei - 2026 No. 77
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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Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Chinese luthier Yan Lei began making guitars in 2012, initially teaching himself the craft before joining a workshop with several experienced makers in 2014. His development continued under British luthier Simon Ambridge in 2016, and just two years later, he achieved fourth place in the 2nd Antonio Marín Montero International Guitar Making Competition in Granada. Further studies with American luthiers Jeffrey Elliott, R. E. Brune and Ervin Somogyi broadened his understanding of acoustic construction. His work encompasses traditional designs inspired by Torres, Hauser and Friedrich, alongside contemporary double top guitars. A significant turning point came in 2021, when restoring a 2012 Matthias Dammann double top guitar introduced him to the possibilities of asymmetrical bracing and Nomex sandwich construction. Since then, Yan Lei has experimented extensively with different soundboard structures and bracing arrangements, seeking greater control over response, balance and tonal variation.
About the guitar
A remarkably direct and responsive sound characterises this 2026 double top guitar No. 77 by Yan Lei. Its cedar soundboard, constructed around a lightweight Nomex core, is paired with beautifully figured Indian rosewood back and sides. The workmanship is precise throughout, with a carefully executed rosette, a subtly elevated fingerboard and details that reveal the maker's attention to proportion and finish.
The guitar responds to the lightest touch with an immediacy that makes even delicate passages feel effortlessly projected. Its voice is warm and beautifully rounded, yet possesses a distinctive dryness and focused clarity that give individual notes a particularly well defined character. There is a gentle softness at the heart of the sound, accompanied by a concentrated, slightly nasal quality that sets it apart from more conventionally voiced instruments. Perhaps most striking is the remarkable equality of volume across the strings. Notes emerge with almost pianistic consistency, allowing chords to unfold with an unusual sense of balance and every voice to remain clearly perceptible.
This evenness, combined with the quick response of the soundboard, allows rapid scales and intricate passages to retain their clarity without the individual notes becoming blurred. Softer playing reveals a delicate sweetness and a beautifully rounded tone, while a stronger attack produces considerable volume without making the sound harsh or losing its definition. The instrument follows these changes in touch naturally, giving the player considerable freedom to shape a phrase. Its combination of power, precision and tonal softness is particularly appealing for musicians seeking the immediacy of a modern double top guitar without sacrificing warmth or delicacy.
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.