German spruce soundboard

As well as the Douglas Fir/Brazilian rosewood guitar below, I am also selling a development New World guitar.

It has back and sides of Katalox, also known as Mexican Ebony.  I came across it when visiting Keystone Guitar Tonewoods in Essex a dozen or so years ago.  I was intrigued by its ringing tap tone and close grained dark appearance, so bought a couple of sets.  They sat on a shelf in my warm shop, air-drying and half forgotten for over a decade, until last year when I took them down, tapped them again, and couldn’t resist building one into a guitar.

The soundboard is close grained German spruce, with my inlaid ebony logo on the shoulder.
It has my preferred Highlander pickup fitted.

I strung the New World guitar in November 2023 and was captivated by the rich, smooth and even sound. The bass is strong and smooth, the treble strong and clear without a hint of edginess.  I love it; this is a guitar for life.

I shall build more Katalox guitars, though it can be hard to find.  I found only two sets on offer in Europe and bought them both.  So I now have another three sets.

Katalox has another advantage: it isn’t listed on any CITES appendix so exporting is easier.

Katalox back and sides

Specification New World K

Price

The New World K is priced as a New World African Blackwood at £11,250.00. While unmarked, it has been with me for seven months so the cost is £10,500.00 including Hiscox Artist Line case and Highlander pickup.

US price is $15,000 including shipping and insurance.  Katalox is not CITES listed so shipping is straightforward.  As with the Douglas Fir MS, this is an opportunity to buy from me without the usual wait.

I am selling a 2023 Douglas Fir and Brazilian rosewood MS guitar, the first Douglas Fir MS I built. It has a fitted Highlander pickup and is completely unmarked, having spent the year with its super careful owner, Benji Lock-Powell.  Benji is parting with it for personal reasons.

I have now built three guitars with Douglas Fir soundboards and all are exceptional.  As well as being beautiful to look at, Douglas Fir gives a truly bright treble along with a rich characterful bass.  I personally love it, and am currently building a New World with a Douglas Fir soundboard for myself.

The guitar’s  Brazilian rosewood has full CITES certification, which will be provided to the new owner.   As the photos show, this particular set is special, strikingly figured with green edging showing in natural light.  The finish is excellent, the photo of the back below perfectly reflecting the room around it.

It includes a fitted Highlander pickup (the best) and comes in a Hiscox Artist line case.

Click on photos for larger images