Chartwell Guitar

2019 Michael O’Leary #232

Woods: highly figured Camatillo or Madagascar rosewood back and sides; western red cedar top. Significant use of sapwood on the back and head stock. Spanish cedar neck. The finish appears to be nitro lacquer. Balsa lattice bracing with carbon fibre. Braceless back is laminated, as are the sides.

Specs: 650mm scale, 52mm nut, 45mm string spacing at nut and 60mm at saddle. 4mm string height bass string, 12th fret. Lots of saddle/string break angle for future adjustments if desired. Bam case, 12 hole tie block.

Condition: as new. Case has a few scuff marks.

Comment: after having heard performers such as John Feeney and Sharon Isbin play an O’Leary guitar, and knowing David Russell has acquired one, my expectations for this, my first O’Leary, were high. This guitar comes to me from a dealer friend; I will share first impressions. The Bam case is such a step up from the likes of Hiscox. Pulling this bad  boy from its case presents two immediate facts: it is handsome and also a heavyweight. Everything about the guitar is large, and that of course is mostly about the sound.

While a high end  double top can match a Smallman type lattice (and that is precisely what it is) for power, the O’Leary projection is dark and focussed. Like Aussie lattices by Price, Sheridan, and Moyes, the dynamic range is less breathy and more crystalline. The “bell like” cliche applies aptly. If reaching the back of an auditorium or filling your home studio with sound, is a thrill, this guitar does it. If having a trophy instrument that is remarkably beautiful, by one of the premier luthiers in today’s classical world, this is a rare opportunity.