It's been some time since I last updated my website. I assure you all that I have been very busy making new guitars and incorporating new ideas and designs into my guitar making! I have been making fine classical and flamenco guitars for almost 20 years now, and they are better than ever!

In an effort to make my guitars available to all musicians, regardless of their economic status, for the past few years I have been making 3 basic models of the Desmond guitar. The Production model, the Custom model and the Especial model. All three models are made by me personally. 100% of my effort and focus goes into every model. Let me explain the differences between the 3 models:

Desmond PRODUCTION Model: This is my least expensive model. Everything on this model is hand made by myself except for the rosette, which is handmade in Russia by Zhevlakov Dmitry. His rosettes are beautifully designed and perfectly made. On the average, my cost in time and materials to hand build a Desmond rosette is about $500.00. I can buy one of the Russian rosettes for $25.00. I decided my customers could save a lot of money by me offering this option. That said, the basic PRODUCTION model is made from Indian Rosewood back and sides, head face veneer and bridge. The top can be either Spruce or Red Cedar. The neck can be either Spanish Cedar or Mahogany. Ebony fingerboard. The inlay and marquetry work on this model is minimal, which is also very beautiful! The standard tuning machines are made by Gotoh. They can be upgraded at the customer's request. The scale length is standard 650mm. The guitar is entirely French polished by myself and is supplied in a double arched hardshell case. This model starts at $6,000 and goes as high as $8,000.00, depending on the options of woods, tuning machines, decoration, etc. Trust me, this is an awesome guitar in every way. I use a variety of top bracing options, depending on what kind of sound the customer wants.

Desmond CUSTOM Model: This is my premium model. It incorporates a Desmond handmade rosette of my own design. I use choice woods on this model and I upgrade the amount of inlay and marquetry. Also, I use a more expensive tuning machine, either Gotoh Professional or Sloan. The guitar's back and sides are made from either Indian Rosewood, Brazilian Rosewood, or other select rosewoods, maples, or cypress. The head face veneer and bridge are usually the same wood as the back and sides. The top wood is whatever the customer decides. It can be a variety of spruces, Western Red Cedar, or Redwood. Neck can be either Spanish Cedar or Mahogany. Ebony fingerboard. The scale length is a standard 650mm. The CUSTOM model is entirely French polished by myself and is supplied in a double arched hardshell case. I use a variety of top bracing options, depending on what kind of sound the customer wants. This is my premium guitar for the player who wants a little more visual presence. This guitar sounds no different in quality than my PRODUCTION model. The sound quality and playability is the same on all of my guitars, no matter which model you might choose. This model starts at $8,000.00 and goes up to $10,000.00 depending on the woods used, tuning machine upgrades, and other upgrade options.

Desmond ESPECIAL Model: This is my top of the line model. Everything is handmade by myself. My best Brazilian Rosewoods are used for the back and sides, head veneer and bridge. I choose the finest top woods, be it spruce of cedar, or redwood. The top bracing design is adjusted to meet the needs of the customer. I use a variety of top bracing designs and each design has it's own particular trademark sound quality. Neck can be either Spanish Cedar or Mahogany. Ebony fingerboard. The tuning machines are handmade by Robert Rodgers from England. Rodgers tuning machines are arguably the finest in the world. The guitar sports a custom one of a kind handmade Desmond rosette. The scale length is a standard 650mm. The bindings, purflings and marquetry are all custom made by myself and perfectly inlaid and executed. The guitar is entirely French polish by myself. The case is the same double arched hardshell case as my other two models. This is a one of a kind Desmond guitar for the discriminating player or collector. This model starts at $10,000 and goes up to $13,000.00.

New Desmond Guitars available NOW immediately

I have a Desmond Especial model available now. It was made for Earl Klugh and never sent to him, as his deposit never arrived. This guitar was completed in 2007 and is in BRAND NEW condition. It has never been owned by anyone but myself. I have named this guitar "The Pearl Beauty" and that it is. The sound is very sophisticated and alluring. It is very easy to play and a joy to hold! Back and sides, head face veneer and bridge are all Brazilian Rosewood. Top is German spruce. Bracing is Torres Fan with both upper and lower cross bars cut with openings on both sides. Neck is Mahogany. Tuning machines are Sterling Silver and Mother of Pearl, handmade by Robert Rodgers of England. Rosette is handmade by myself and is a replica of a rosette made by the great Spanish master, Miguel Rodriguez senior. Scale length is 650mm. The guitar is entirely French polished by myself. This is a one of a kind Desmond guitar. I am looking for a good home for it. Asking price is $13,000.00. It is available as of August 2010.

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I also have a 2008 Desmond PRODUCTION model available, named "Robinson". This guitar is being offered by my dealer in Manhattan, Beverly Maher. Asking price is $10,000.00, negotiable. This PRODUCTION model has many upgrades, primarily the very exclusive and expensive old, wavy and dark Brazilian Rosewood. This rosewood set is among the finest that I have ever supplied and comes at a premium price. You can see this guitar and read about it by going to www.theguitarsalon.com. This is a wonderful guitar! It was played in 15 concerts, on loan to Dr. Stephen Robinson in 2008. After receiving it back from him, I fully re-French polished the guitar and brought it back to NEW condition. This guitar has a German spruce top, PREMIUM Brazilian Rosewood back, sides, head face veneer and bridge. Bracing is Torres Fan with treble bar. Neck is Mahogany. Tuning machines are Gotoh Professional, Hauser style. Scale length is standard 650mm and the guitar is supplied in my standard double arched hardshell case. This guitar is immediately available as of August 2010.

NEW 2010 Desmond Guitars available in September/October 2010

2010 Desmond PRODUCTION model

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Top is Western Red Cedar. Back, sides, head face veneer and bridge are PREMIUM Brazilian Rosewood. Neck is Spanish Cedar. Fingerboard Ebony. Russian rosette. Scale length is 650mm. Top bracing is Miguel Rodriguez from Spain. This bracing pattern works very well with Red Cedar tops! This guitar is entirely French polished by myself and is almost ready to string up. Tuning machines are Gotoh Professional, Hauser style. This guitar comes in a double arched hardshell case. Asking price $8,000.00.

2010 Desmond PRODUCTION model, EXPERIMENTAL (view the Sliding Show above). I am always experimenting with new designs and new ideas. This EXPERIMENTAL model is made from Indian Rosewood back, sides, head face veneer and bridge. Top is German spruce. Top bracing is an experimental "Asymmetrical GRID". Neck is Mahogany and fingerboard is Ebony. Side bindings are book matched flamed maple. Tuning machines are economy Gotoh, but that said, excellent quality. Scale length is 650mm. This guitar is entirely French polished by myself and comes in a double arched hardshell case. This is a simple looking, but visually beautiful guitar. It will be strung up in one week and should be an excellent sounding Desmond at an affordable price. Asking price $6,000.00.