Whittemore Classical Guitars
Exceptional woods, design, and craftsmanship
Whittemore Classical Guitars are the result of 40 years of guitar building experience combined with exceptional and well aged 40-year old tonewoods, originally imported from Spain in the mid-late 1980s. Brazilian and Indian rosewood, European spruce, ebony. The focus is to build concert-level guitars that combine a broad dynamic range with a rainbow palette of tonal colors, and unsurpassed craftsmanship.
The generous people at Guitar Salon International allowed me the opportunity to study and measure some amazing historical guitars — by Fleta, Simplicio, Torres, Hauser, Bouchet, and Jeff Cogan gave me access to his beautiful Daniel Friederich guitar (No. 802). From this I have a strong reverence for the pioneering masters and am also inspired by the varied structural developments employed by the wonderfully talented luthiers building today. It is a great time to be a luthier!
Three bracing “systems” are currently available, as below.
Whittemore DF
Whittemore “DF” Classical Guitar
Inspired by a guitar that I have seen up close and personal — Daniel Friederich’s No. 802 spruce top masterpiece. The DFr is my attempt at a faithful “exact” replica of the awesome No. 802 guitar. Side by side they are hard to distinguish. Great sustain and balance. Thanks to Jeff Cogan for close access to this fine instrument.
Whittemore Paris
Whittemore “Paris” Classical Guitar
Built along the design principles of the wonderful guitars built by Parisian builder Dominic Field, the “Paris” features asymmetric 5 fan top bracing with a second slant tonebar, super stout bracing in the upper bout, extensive side bracing, and a very stiff back. Wonderful balanced tone, colors for days, plenty of volume.
Whittemore Madrid
Whittemore “Madrid” Classical Guitar
A synthesis of some of the best structural concepts from many luthierie lineages. Stout back and sides bracing, top bracing based on the revered Madrid builders Hernandez y Aguado — asymmetric fans with a half treble bar. Classic Spanish character with some power.