Laskin Cutaway Classical Blackwood and Cedar, 2017

Elegantly understated, this long-scale William Laskin Cutaway Classical features a Red Cedar top and African Blackwood for the sides, back, bridge and head plate.

Here we’re looking at a Laskin Cutaway Classical, built during 2017 at his shop in Toronto. This is a longer scale instrument at 658mm or 25.9 inches – standard classical length is 650mm or 25.59 inches. The nut is also slightly wider at 53.11mm or 2.091 inches. The top is Red Cedar, a wood choice pioneered by Jose Ramirez III beginning around 1965. This wood has over time become very popular with classical guitarists, as compared to Spruce, the instrument’s tone will develop more rapidly with serious use. The sides, back, bridge and head plate are African Blackwood, and the body blocks and neck are Spanish Cedar,  Cedrela Odorata. The rosette sports two rings of Abalone.

This beautiful instrument is in very good, clean condition with almost no wear. It does not show signs of extensive use, so its voice should develop nicely with use.

The original Hoffee carbon fibre hard shell case is included.

William Laskin has built the highest end guitars since opening his own shop in Toronto, after several years as one of Jean Larrivee’s initial workers. The quality of his craftsmanship and his efforts to promote Canadian culture earned him the Order of Canada.