Richard Newman – 2015 “Mirlo”

Description

Richard Newman was born in 1964 and studied classical guitar in the mid ’90s under the guidance of Richard Wright (now head of the guitar section at the Yehudi Menuhin school of music). During his studies, he learned a lot about sound production and set out to find a good guitar with a traditional “old-world sound”. Failing to find the desired instrument, Richard enthusiastically decided, as he had worked with wood for many years as a tree surgeon, to try to build his guitar. With much encouragement from players, Richard built a handful of guitars and left his job and enrolled in a full-time guitar-making course at the London Guildhall University in 2001. After completing the course, Richard set up a workshop in Ascot, Berkshire, where he builds around twelve guitars a year. Richard makes using minimal machinery, concentrating on using traditional hand tools and glues, as he feels it is essential to be in touch with the materials to maintain control over his work. Richard has also received a lot of guidance and advice from professional players and other makers over the years. He also studied many master guitars, which has helped him evolve as a maker and produce well-balanced guitars with a low body resonance and fine projection. Richard continues creating guitars with great passion and enthusiasm.
This instrument from 2015 was named Mirlo. It is in excellent condition as a pre-loved guitar with only superficial playing marks. This fine guitar has a honey-colored spruce soundboard decorated with a classy floral pattern rosette design. Moreover, Indian rosewood is the timber choice for the back and sides. Acoustically, this instrument has developed over the years, making it very open and responsive to the player’s touch. Moreover, the outstanding balance, the richness of the timbre, the deepness of the basses, and the very satisfying volume provide the player with all the tools to approach any repertoire with great facility and pleasure.

Watch the presentation video of this particular guitar below, where you will find a lot of additional information about its playability and sound.