Classical guitar.............Due this late spring, 2009, is a classical guitar that I've been working on since 1997. Twelve years is a bit long but I've worked on it as I felt moved. It is by far a one of a kind instrument. I doubt that I would be able to duplicate it since this particular instrument  has had many adjustments in its fine-tuning over the years. The voicing in this guitar is very old style Spanish; perhaps moving more into the range of a Santos, along with its strong bass and singing trebles. The articulation is very modern; fast and easy. It has good stability for the right and left hand which can be played softly or strong. The best of everything is incorporated into this model, with an aged air dried cedar top, and beautiful 100 year old Brazilian rosewood. The current tuning machines are Sloane, and personalized Rodgers tuners can be ordered at no additional cost. Due to current expert opinion, the asking price for this unique instrument is $50,000 ............................................................................................................

Other Guitar Prices:

East Indian Classical prices, with Cedar or Spruce Top, start at $9,500

Flamenco price: $7,500 quality cypress and spruce top.   

Professional flamenco guitar is now available for $4,500, in response to the current economy.

The woods used are very good number 2 grade material and is actually more reminiscent of the older style Spanish flamenco guitars.  The guitar is similar in style to the older 1955 Faustino Conde flamenco that Nino Ricardo used to own. It is combined with my fine-tuning process to center in on its power, voicing, and articulation, which assures a good working companion.

This guitar maintains the highest levels of sound quality but is made with less expensive machines, wood, and only with the standard binding. If you can do without the fancy decorations, this is an excellent model for a working artist. The playing scale is 655 mm with a lower bridge configuration for added ease with golpe.

Fancy up-grades in purfling/binding can be ordered for an additional price of $500-$700. For any machine up grade, there would be an additional cost.

I hope to be able to continue producing this style, at the current advertised price, to supply serious students and professionals with a hand made Blackshear guitar.

These guitars are currently being offered through the RE Brune guitar shop. Contact Richard Brune for information about this model.   www.rebrune.com  

                               Contact me: tguitars@texas.net  

Warranty: I build several models of classical and flamenco guitars but they are limited to my own projects as I don't normally take orders for special work due to my current building status. These guitars can be offered to the public as I finish each project. Therefore there are no deposits required (or orders to be made) and paid for until 2 to 3 weeks before the guitar is shipped. Personal check or money order is fine but I do not accept credit cards.

The limited warranty covers all material defects by my workmanship and not those due to adverse weather and humidity conditions, abuse, or any normal wear and tear, or neglect of any kind; acts of God, war or any related activity. Certain woods will be more or less prone to cracking and it is understood that these woods are subject to certain agreements before guitar is shipped.

There is no warranty on Brazilian rosewood; even though there is special care taken to prepare it for sudden changes in atmospheric conditions. The responsibility to care for the instrument is the original owner's and is a condition of the warranty. All woods are air dried and stable before leaving my shop.

If there are minor adjustments, like the playing action, to be made to a new guitar with-in the first year then there is no charge. But any transportation charge to and from my shop is understood to be the owner's responsibility. Also, I am connected to a network of fine repairmen that can handle major repair work due to damaged instruments that are not covered by my warranty.

I try to be always available, by telephone, in the USA, to give advice related to any instrument I've made, either for possible resale to a potential buyer, or care and advice concerning protection of the instrument. The guitar is a very personal thing to me as I've been a player for over 50 years, and I understand that finding the right instrument is a major undertaking for amateur and professional players; therefore any new guitar can be shipped to the buyer, (USA only), for a 7 day approval,* with the understanding that if the instrument is returned to seller then all moneys that were prepaid will be refunded except for two way shipping charges, insurance cost and any cost for damage that might require repair while the guitar was in the buyer's possession. *After 7 days the guitar is considered sold.

Normally superficial finish scratches on the sides and back are not as critical as top damage due to nail marks, etc.

I will be available on the phone for all inquiries for the life and/or active work schedule of this builder, with the idea that my good wishes and emotional support go beyond just a physical limited warranty. This warranty is valid for USA only.

Tom Blackshear