Robert Johnston is an American luthier from Collegeville, Pa and specializes in classical and steel string acoustics. Hand crafted in 2003, No. 16 is a single "O" parlor based heavily on a 1870s Martin 0-21. The guitar was designed and built with the idea of keeping it as authentic as possible, but several concessions to modern technology were made in order to provide a practical instrument. The body is comprised of a Sitka Spruce top bound with Cocobolo and a Maple fillet to Indian Rosewood back and sides. Although anachronistic of the Civil War period, this guitar is braced for light gauge steel strings because it was designed to be played along side banjo and nylon strings wouldn't have had sufficient volume. The mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard join the body at the 12th fret with two bolts at the base of the heel. This style joint has been popularized by Taylor Guitars and makes future repairs much easier should the neck need to be removed. The coffin case is handmade of 1/4" cabinet-grade birch plywood with "Hunter Green" felt interior and reproduction handle, hinges, lock, and hasps. Painted flat black with a final coat of boiled linseed oil, the case was made using measurements from the Martin factory's "Guitar Makers Connection". Other enhancements include Indian Rosewood head plate, Waverly hand engraved 3-on-a-plate tuners, bone nut and saddle, ebony "pyramid" bridge, bone bridge pins with abalone dots, herringbone purfling and rosette, and a french polish finish in blonde shellac.
(spec sheet and care booklet included)
We are a FULL SERVICE shop, have a expert repair and Custom Modification department as well as an on-site Custom Shop for in-house instrument builds. Guitar Villa is run by musicians, techs and recording engineers and we are here to help you with any product selection or use questions you may have. We can advise on the best value at any budget. See us for all your questions or needs before and after the sale!
