Chartwell Guitar

2008 Gutmeier cedar over cedar double top

Woods: very rare and wonderfully figured Vietnamese rosewood back and sides; cedar over cedar double top. Mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard. French polish shellac throughout. Very fine inlaid center strip on back. Rosewood veneer head stock.

Specs: 650mm scale, 53mm nut, 44mm string separation at nut, 58mm at saddle. 4mm string height on bass string, 12th fret. Adequate saddle for future adjustment and decent break angle over saddle at bridge. 12 hole tie block. TKL type tweed case.

Condition: cosmetics are rated as good, as there are numerous minor nail marks on the top. No dents or string dings, but showing signs of having been played regularly over the years. Back and sides have no issues and there are no structural concerns. The shellac finish on the top has a healthy gloss, but it is uneven in places.  The very thin double top area shows evidence of some swelling due to humidity, and minor undulations in the top below the bridge are in evidence. Case is in solid shape, though showing some aging.

Comment: This is the best Gutmeier  guitar I have yet played. A very light guitar, it has the quick note bloom and punchy quality heavy guitars lack. In particular, the trebles are remarkable.