Photos by Randall Cordero
Great Machines: Guitars - Play Skillfully with a Loud Noise
June 2, 2003
Today’s guitar player and collector has more high-end choices than ever before—whether investing in and playing vintage instruments or buying contemporary custom-made, limited-production examples that embody the most desirable qualities of vintage instruments while incorporating useful modifications not available on the originals. Our “taste test” took place at Westwood Musical Instruments in Los Angeles, Calif., which carries a seductive selection of the best current offerings.
Collings is one acoustic guitar maker whose instruments exhibit amazing quality and beautiful sound. You can tell this guitar is special just by holding it. Inspired by the 1920s-era Martin (with the neck joining the body at the 12th fret), the features on this guitar are breathtaking: herringbone-pattern purfling (the black and white inlay on the outside edge of the body), East Indian rosewood on the sides and back, a simple yet elegant and functional slotted headstock, and the snowflake-
pattern fingerboard inlay made from mother-of-pearl (see above). The tones of this guitar are so clear, and the intonation and playability so perfect, that the Collings can be regarded as he benchmark against which other acoustic guitars are judged.
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Citron CF1 (Click on image to enlarge)
Two electric guitar makers that craft astounding instruments are Harvey Citron of Woodstock, N.Y., and Roger Giffin, who is now based in Southern California. Citron’s CF1 has the appearance of the slightly smaller Gibson Firebird and Explorer, and has a beautiful quilted maple top with a soft purple tone. Not only does it look exquisite, but the vintage-shaped neck makes this guitar almost impossible to put down. While the overall appearance is modern, it has the feel of a favorite guitar that you have loved for years.
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