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January 2021 Blog Updates Savage Classical Guitar

By January 2, 2021January 15th, 2021Blog, Latest From Rich

January 2021 Blog Updates Savage Classical Guitar

The image above is our 2020 Lorenzo Lippi #HF43919 Spruce Cocobolo an absolutely phenomenal guitar by the Italian Master.

2020 Kim Lissarrague Lattice #344 Spruce Ziricote

2020 Kim Lissarrague Lattice #344 Spruce Ziricote

January 2021 has finally arrived.  I happily put the last year behind me!   2020….uh, that was fun?  Nope. Of course, Winter is fully upon us here in NY, where it has gotten positively frigid all of a sudden.  I’m not a fan of the cold weather, though I’ve lived and worked in NY for the majority of my life.  Well, that’s just weird.

Clearly, a new reality has stepped on our doorway.  We need to accept it, forge forward, staying smart, vigilant, practicing wholesale clean protocols, social distancing and so on.  Don’t believe conspiracy theories, check relevant and reliable sources for solid information, always!  Jeez, the things you see and hear on social media?  Really, people, get a grip, know your sources and please don’t publish nonsense.  Fake news is not how we combat this affliction of our lives and society. OK, moving on…

Hope you are all well and safe in these strange new times.  The site is updated and quite tight.  Recordings are up to date, photography, measurements, etc.  I try to leave no detail out, all while photographing other aspects of the guitar that many disregard. Weird?  Same with the data for the guitar.  Action, weight, CITES eligibility, etc. Please NOTE that the organization of CITES has determined that musical instruments under 10kg of mass are not included within the restrictions going forward.  This has taken effect as of November 26, 2019. Brazilian Rosewood (CSA RW) is still highly restricted, but all other Rosewoods are off of “our” table.  Very good news, quite rational, and well, it’s about time.  We’ve all done good work toward this end, myself included, along with various musical agencies (such as League of American Orchestras and ANAFIMA) that represent traveling musicians, as well as Taylor Guitars, Fender, Gibson, CF Martin & Co., Collings Guitars, NAMM have all contributed to this updated world wide legislation that went into effect.

Of late I’m getting some questions about me and my style of doing things. I like that. I know I’m separating from every other dealer out there by being very black and white about my business philosophy, the information and details about guitars, my zero tolerance for bullshit in the business, (and we all know there is a ton of that out there), basically, there are few experts out there that can talk, fix, setup and repair guitar, I mean really talk these little babies that we love so much, the classical guitar. Another thought….I photograph the guitars.  I record them.  I measure them.  I inspect them inside and out.  As a luthier, I understand these guitars intimately (I speak about this a bit more below). On the recordings…I’m not attempting to  display virtuoso technique for you.  This is about you being able to hear the guitar, all while I am able to understand it better, being able to explain my own thoughts.  I read, somewhere recently, on another somewhat prominent dealer’s thought process regarding recording, where it was stated that a recording is useless to you, so why bother?  Huh?  How about clarity in the recording, naturally done, zero engineering, black and white information, just as I do in everything here?  Photos, information, measurements, play wear, repairs, full description, etc.  I simply do not understand laziness, in our personal lives or business, where I believe that is it, simple laziness.  I write somewhere on my site, that I do this full-time.  Where does anyone get off lightly, being lazy in this most personal business of classical and other high end guitars?  The answer is, not where I’m concerned.  By the way, my recordings represent the guitar naturally, where many say to me that the guitar they received sounds better than the recording.  I’m good with that (it also means they are better players than me, and I’m good with that too LOL).

Are you getting your questions answered in a polite yet expert fashion? No, then move on. Are you questions getting answered at all? No, then let’s move on. Are your emails being responded to in a timely and professional manner (or your phone calls)? No, then hells yeah, let’s move on. Call or write to me. You’ll immediately feel the difference. You’ll know what it’s like to “finally” talk to a guy that has your interest and the interest of the guitar at heart. It’s much like my sales approach, of which I have none. I listen, I have zero prejudice in terms of consigned or owned guitars, I put guitars in your hands, you make your choices, you make the final decision, I almost and literally have much of nothing to do with your decision making process. I’ll play it for you. I’ll talk to you about what you want or how much you wish to spend, but in the end, you have made your decision without any influence from me. Can we discuss the technicals of a guitar, hells yes, the more the better. How to care for it, how to maintain it, how to address possible and future problems, can we fix it, set it up, repair it, polish it, whatever you need later? I’ll say it again, hell yeah! That’s what an expert is in this business. I tolerate zero pretenders, and they are all pretenders, whether they want to hear it or not. Put them to the test. Get back to me when you hang up the phone in disgust. There, I’m done!

OK, on to business.  Guitars keep coming to me.  Most I like, some I return.  A guitar has to meet my exacting standards or it has to leave.  Very simple.

One of my guys here in the gallery did an analysis of guitar dealers around the world, classical guitar specialists.  Our closest competitor of fine classical guitars has 80 Concert level instruments available!   Very nice guitars indeed, if not a bit over-priced?  The reality is that I have sold many guitars over the summer.  Our numbers are down, in terms of available guitars, but I am fixing that in short order.  As of right now, November 3, 2020, we have 166 Concert Guitars available here for your inspection. I also created a Conservatory and Teaching Room with guitars under $2500.  I’m not carrying anything under $1500 at this stage of our business as this is simply not where I wish to be in terms of price points.  Better guitars, top of their class, in every category!

We have over 150 Concert Level guitars here, and I mean, they live here in my gallery, all filtered by me personally, with more on the way!  Yes, we are, without any doubt, the largest gallery in the world catering to a discerning clientele on both sides of the guitar, luthier and player.  Actually, I’m sort of running out of room (OK, I’m really running out of room, starting to look for another place). Goes to show, taking care of people, I mean, really taking care of them, pays beautiful dividends.  Here’s the scary part…I’ve turned away many guitars in the past few months.  We could easily eclipse 250-300 instruments if I allow it.  It was on my mind, I had to say it out loud.   Thank you to everyone who trusts us with their beautiful guitars.

2013 Jason Wolverton "Dindi" Spruce Madagascar RW 640mm

2013 Jason Wolverton “Dindi” Spruce Madagascar RW 640mm

We have also provided for client financing through PayPal Credit.  In essence, they are offering you a 6 month loan Interest Free if paid within that time period.  Loan terms seem favorable as well, for those needing longer than 6 months to pay down the financing.  It’s a great option, one that might open the door to a special instrument you might have your eyes on.

I have re-introduced our own model of classical guitars – the Savage Classical Guitar Model 5 and Model 10 with a sale price of $2195 for the Model 10 and $1695 for the Model 5.  Madrid style bracing and build, it’s like a Ramirez 1A without all the fuss and muss, but, wait for it, way better (well, way better than their latest work…yikes?!)

I have also developed a line of basic but high quality strings under our label.  Savage Classical Guitar Strings – Affordable, straightforward and accurate nylon strings that anyone can use.  Total pound pressure of 80lbs (Flamenco – Low Tension) – 85lbs (Normal Tension) – 90lbs (High Tension).

Nicolo Alessi has sent a complete re-supply of tuning machines to the gallery.

Gotoh machines are fully stocked as well.

PegHed Machines have also been re-stocked – prices went up significantly.  Sorry.

New issues with International Shipping.  Very Important for International Clients, including Canada…Please note that we will NOT accept PayPal or any International Credit Card as payment.  All transactions must be finalized with Bank Wire Transfers for any amount over $1000 USD.  Please see our discussion found here and scroll down to Customs – Duty and International Shipping .  Thank you!

As always, our selection of quality classical guitars is unprecedented.  Really really.  See list below.  Yikes!!   I personally approve every guitar that comes across my threshold.  If a guitar is not up to standard, it is sent back.  I’m also the dealer luthier, able to assess, fix, repair, polish and setup a guitar so that it presents its best self to you.

I guarantee you will thoroughly enjoy a visit to my shop, appreciating the wide selection, where I trust and hope that you will find your perfect guitar.  Enjoy.

Updates

An exciting development has actually happened, where the great Tony Acosta of Luthiers in NYC is getting out of the business, offering me the majority of his stable of classical guitars.  Customers of Luthiers should contact me personally for any and all Consignments and or sales going forward. Tony and I agreed in principle to have his museum level guitars consigned here starting in a few weeks, where we will bring in 4-6 at at time, including Simplicio – Torres – and many other great historic names. I’ve brought in Dieter Hopf – John Price – Tom Malapanis – Juan Hernandez – and many guitars from Manuel Adalid as well as his Esteve line (which I’ve already represented).

Of course, sadly, Tony passed away mid-February 2019. My business honors his memory and my upcoming Book of Sketches will be dedicated to him.

  • I updated the Classical Guitar Care page to reflect some further thoughts, as I’m getting some feedback about neck shrinkage, causing those sticky frets at the end.  Yikes.  Humidity is important.  The guitar (your guitars) need to be at and around 50% RH …. all…the….time!  One bad day makes a difference.  I work hard to keep the gallery at 50% RH.  The latest is the Vornado EVap 4 gallon version.  What a good machine (so far).  Good enough, I ordered another machine, with a year supply of wicks for it.  Great machine.
  • Please NOTE that USPS Shipping costs for Express Shipping have gone up significantly.  We are setting up to change our shipping arrangements but we are adjusting to use of FedEx Ground/Home and or USPS Priority Mail, except for our most expensive offerings.  Our apologies, but the cost has gone up by almost 100%.  I will update accordingly and let you all know what is happening.
  • End of June 2020 – a number of beautiful guitars have crossed my threshold.  Yes, I said my threshold.  I do not and will not distance myself (as per many recommendations in the last few years) from my business and my website.  It’s all me with the assistance of a few select people, most importantly, Ryan O’Rourke of Table Talk and his current band, Inner Love  –  I take full responsibility for all things that may go wrong here, which rarely happens, but hey, I’m human too.
  •  
  • We’ve been busy updating the site, photographs and recordings, with a number of guitars going out the door to good homes.  The Adalid and Esteve Guitars have been great.  More Hill Player guitars are en route as well.  I’ll also be carrying higher end CrossRock Cases to make up for the Humicase Metro II line of cases being discontinued.
  •  
  • 12-25-2020 – Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!  Enjoy, be safe, have fun with the family!  Best, Rich
  • 01-02-2021 – Ah, writing 2021…so happy.  LOL  Happy New Year to everyone!
  • 01-05-2020 – So, a bit quiet on the “incoming” guitar front, as I have been highly prejudicial about bringing anything into the gallery.  As a result of my additional space that I recently built, I can handle about 80 more guitars or so.  That does not mean that I’ll just bring anything within the walls here.  Guitars are leaving here as well, more so since Christmas (it’s weird how it works, I get busy after Xmas).  More room, but also more prejudicial in the choices I make for the gallery.  As a result, I’ve been updating the site, photos and recordings, all while administrating end of the year business.  Happy New Year and hopefully we talk soon.  Rich
  • 01-14-2021 – Quietly updating the site, having begun maintenance of all the guitars in the gallery, cleaning, polishing, strings, etc.  Recording continues as well.  Added another Vornado 4 gallon Humidifier to the main gallery.  Easily keeping the gallery at 50% Relative Humidity (RH).  Speaking with Mario Grimaldi of Italy to bring at least one of his guitars into the gallery.
2020 Richard Prenkert #411 Spruce CSA

2020 Richard Prenkert #411 Spruce CSA

 New or Expected Guitars

These lists of photography and other media will continually be added to, for the purpose of archives and easy search.  Additions will be at the bottom of each list.  Thanks, Rich

Recordings

Listening with high quality headphones or audio equipment is always highly recommended

Video

2013 Anders Sterner Spruce CSA – Matt Lampel
 2018 Michele della Giustina #384 Spruce Ziricote – Matt Lampel
2002 Antonio Marin #411 Spruce CSA – Matt Lampel
2012 Bogusław Teryks #192 Spruce Ebony – Matt Lampel

Luthiers

My best, always!  Rich – call me at 631-335-5447   – my personal email is here

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January 2021 Blog Updates Savage Classical Guitar

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