Custom Valleys Guitar - VG OM - See it and Hear it Now

October 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Valleys Guitar - VG OM - New - $7,500.00

Valleys Guitar - VG OM - New - $7,500.00

Technical Information from the luthier: OM size, 20 frets, German Spruce top, Cocobolo back and sides, rosette, headplate, tuning pegs and fretboard outline. Bindings and bridge are Ebony, 25.4 scale; nut and saddle are bone; pins are selected fossilized Walrus Ivory, side sound port. The neck is laminated with Brazilian mahogany Queensland rock maple and walnut as well as a two way rod so it will never move.

 

Subjective Notes: This guitar practically plays itself. You need to barely touch the strings and the sound explodes. One of the best guitars I have ever played. It’s one of the few guitars that I couldn’t say what style it is best suited for, as I can’t imagine what style it wouldn’t be ideal for. I am only able to offer this guitar at this great price as it was shipped from Australia (where they are made) to Santa Rosa, CA for the Healdsburg Guitar Festival. I was fortunate enough to obtain this guitar instead of shipping it back to Australia. A baritone is being shipped to me now. Michael Chapdelaine (National Fingersyle Champion and Professor of Music) wanted to use it first to record on his new album.

HEAR IT NOW:

 

Other Information: Please note the back and sides. Cocobolo Rosewood is getting more rare ever day…especially Cocobolo of this quality. The most rare is with the beautiful sapwood in the center. Cocobolo Rosewood is the closest wood in sound to Brazilian Rosewood – but even more beautiful. The ‘twin’ of this guitar sold at the Healdsburg Guitar Festival for $10,500.00.

Purchase information and more images of this Custom Instrument.

 

Filed Under: Guitars Tagged With: , , ,

Michael Chapdelaine demos Valleys Guitars at the 2011 Guitar Festival

June 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The 2011 Healdsburg Guitar Festival is approaching fast and things are heating up.

The festival will include a live demo with Michael Chapdelaine playing Valleys Guitars. Read more about Michael Chapdelaine below.

Valleys also has a featured ad in this years festival catalogue. Click on the image below to enlarge.

Valleys Guitars 2011 Ad at the Healdsburg Guitar Festival

Michael ChapdelaineMichael Chapdelaine is the Professor of Music, Center for the Arts, Department of Music at the University of New Mexico.

Chapdelaine is the only guitarist ever to win First Prize in the world’s top competitions in both the Classical and Fingerstyle genres—the Guitar Foundation of America International Classical Guitar Competition and the National Fingerstyle Championships at the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival in Winfield, Kansas. His performances, played on both steel string and classical guitars, include musical styles ranging from blues to Bach to country to rhythm ‘n’ blues.

In the ’80s and ’90s Chapdelaine twice won the coveted National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Grant and took First Prize in both the Guitar Foundation of America’s and the Music Teachers National Association’s Guitar Competitions. He also won the Silver Medal in Venezuela’s VIII Concurso International de Guitarra “Alirio Diaz”. He has toured four continents while giving hundreds of performances for Affiliate Artists Inc., and various arts promotion organizations.

In 1992 he recorded the Sonata Romantica CD, (now re-released as “Mexico”), about which Acoustic Guitar magazine (January 1993) wrote “… if I were marooned on a desert island with a limited selection of recordings, this one would be among my choices…I have seldom heard a more beautiful album. Other young guitarists have excellent technique, but few have such style and musicality, and Chapdelaine’s beautiful tone is the nearest to Segovia’s that I can recall.”

Valleys is very excited and honored to have Michael Chapdelaine playing our guitars at the festival.

This is something you surely don’t want to miss – The 2011 Healdsburg Guitar Festival.

Filed Under: Healdsburg Guitar Festival 2011 Tagged With: , , , ,

Valleys Guitars Preview to 2011 Healdsburg Guitar Festival

June 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Side View of a Baritone Instrument by Valleys GuitarsThe Custom Guitars that Valleys will be taking to the Healdsburg Guitar Festival will be unveiled very soon.

Valleys is putting the final touches on these amazing instruments - Guitar Enthusiasts, you will not be disappointed - and will have photos shortly.

Valleys Guitars is truly honored to join the company of such great luthiers that will be attending the 2011 event.

THE HEALDSBURG GUITAR FESTIVAL is August 12th – 14th 2011 at Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa in Santa Rosa, California. In addition to featuring some of the finest luthiers in the world, and their fine musical instruments, the 2011 festival will also feature exhibits, workshops, vendors, and even performers.

The 2011 festival will be a great place to meet these fine luthiers and hear the incredible instruments played by top performers. Guitar enthusiasts of all types will have the opportunity to play some of the finest instruments in the world.

From the Website of the Festival, “The Healdsburg Guitar Festival has become the world’s premier exposition and sale of custom acoustic guitars because it provides access to the craftsmanship and quality of the luthiers……. They are the core of this international festival, and the core of modern lutherie.”

For a complete list of the Luthiers that have been invited to the 2011 festival, including Valleys Guitars, please visit this page - http://guitarfestival.lmii.com/participants/luthiers.html. Valleys Guitars is very proud to be included in this list of fine Luthiers and part of such a great event.

More information pertaining to the 2011 Healdsburg Guitar Festival and updated photos of the instruments that will be featured from Valleys Guitars will be posted here as they become available.

Be sure to Subscribe by E-Mail to follow the progress.


 

Filed Under: Healdsburg Guitar Festival 2011 Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Valleys New Commercial Model VG-101TCE Custom Guitar

December 22, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Valleys Guitars is proud to introduce a new addition to our Commercial Line of fine acoustical instruments.

This new model, known as the VG-101TCE is Valleys Top of the Line instrument in our Commercial line.

The VG-101TCE features steel strings and many custom features found only in higher priced models. This includes Abalone around the side of the top, and also on the Rosette and fingerboard.

It also features a stylized, Abalone “V” on the headstock symbolizing a quality “Valleys” acoustical instrument.

Here are some of the main features of the VG-101TCE Model:

  • OM/OOO Style Acoustic Guitar
  • Smallman style Acoustic Guitar
  • Top:  Imported 3A Grade Solid German Spruce
  • Side: Solid Indian Rosewood
  • Back: Laminated Double-back Indian Rosewood
  • Round Back
  • Latticed Sound bracing
  • Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
  • Marchine Head: “Der Jung” Brand Golden-plated/With Ebony Tuners
  • Rosette, Fingerboard Inlay with Abalone
  • Binding and Back: Abalone
  • 2-way Trust Rod in Neck
  • String: Daddario Steel String
  • Nut & Saddle: Ox Bone
  • 4-Band EQ/built in Tuner, LCD
  • Finish: Gloss
  • 3 choices of cases

For more information on availability and purchase, Contact Valleys Today.

Filed Under: Commercial Line Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Classical Guitar with an Acoustic Feel?

December 20, 2010 By 1 Comment

Introducing the latest addition to Valleys Guitars Custom Guitar Line.

The ” Crossover Guitar” from Valleys Guitars.

“It feels and plays like an acoustic guitar, yet the design and looks of a classical guitar.”

A bit about Valleys “Crossover” Guitar Line:

As you can see from the spec sheet below, what Valleys has attempted to do with this instrument is produce a nylon or Classical guitar that can readily be played by steel-string players or vice versa.

Notice the elevated fretboard. This allows the guitarist to get into the higher registers. We also added electronics, a players hole and adjusted the fretboard so that it has the feel of an electric whilst looking like a Classical.

This is a Pleasure to Play  - Everyone that plays it, loves it.

Features of Valleys Crossover Guitar

  • Single Port/Elevated Fretboard Smallman guitar (Double Ports available)
  • Cutway, 5-Band with Built in Tuners,LCD
  • Top:Super Thin 3A Grade German Spruce
  • Side: Solid Indian Rosewood
  • Back: Double-Laminated Indian Rosewood ( Laminated in the Smallman style)
  • Neck: Africa Mahogany
  • Fingerboard,Bridge and Armrest: Ebony
  • Machine Head(Brand “Der Jung”):Artificial Golden Machine head/Imitation Ebony Tuners
  • 2-Way Trust Rod or carbon fiber stick in neck
  • Smallman Guitar Style Rosette
  • Concentrated Lattice Sound bracing System
  • Nut&Saddle: Ox Bone
  • String: Savares 540J
  • Bind: Indian Rosewood/Maple
  • Finish: Matt/Gloss
  • String Scale: 650MM

This model will be readily available to retailers who should allow 60 days from order to delivery.

At times, Valleys may also have this model in stock, please call or Contact Valleys for stock status.

Did You Notice?

  • The back has NO bracing –  it is 2 solid pieces of Indian Rosewood sanded ,very thinly, about 1.25 mm and then laminated together under very high pressure and heat with a pronounced rounded back, something like a cello.
  • The Traditional Martin bracing is not used on the soundboard but instead I have used Valleys variation (after a lot of R&D), of a lattice bracing pattern. This opens up the Guitar allowing the sound waves to bounce around the inside without getting caught on the bracing. This gives a wonderful bell like sound to the instrument.
  • The whole of the top Perfeling and the fretboard along with the stylised “V” is in Green Abalone from Australia.

This is a great custom guitar. It sounds fabulous and comes in a hard shell case. It also comes standard, with a 4 band graphic equalizer and on- board tuner.

This is a great value in a custom guitar, compare others at over $8000, for a limited time only, you can own a Valleys Custom Crossover guitar for less than 1/2 of that price.

Contact Valleys for Availability and Order Information.

More Pictures of Valleys Crossover Guitar:

(Click to View Larger)

Filed Under: Commercial Line Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Custom Parlour Guitars in Progress

November 30, 2010 By 1 Comment

Parlour Guitars in Progress ImageThe first  4 Parlours  (Valleys Commercial Line of Custom Guitars) were sanded,masked off and the first filler coats were applied.

Next,  the instruments will be closely inspected for any flaws. If we find any, they will be filled and perfected.

After that, Valleys will apply a light “aging” stain to the neck and the back of the headstocks. Upon inspection, a final filler coat will be applied and the Guitar will be left to dry fully overnight.

This is probably not necessary as I am using 2 pack Poly but  Valleys never settles for anything less than perfection. We want the finish on the guitars to be absolutely flawless.

When satisfied with the filler coats, Valleys will start applying the finishing Polly coats.

It could have as many as 4 coats. (This may sound a lot,  but again, the finished must be perfect).

Each coat is very thin but you end up a wonderful full, deep gloss finish.

It’s a lot of work but makes for a beautiful Guitar. A Custom Guitar worthy of putting the VALLEYS name on.

We’ll keep you updated on the progress of these instruments, remember to Subscribe by E-Mail to be notified when we post new items to Valleys Website.


 

Privacy Policy – We keep your information private. We hate spam as much as you do. (You may unsubscribe at any time.)

Filed Under: Commercial Line Tagged With: , , , , ,

Custom Guitar in Tasmanian Tiger Myrtle

November 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The First Custom Tiger Myrtle Guitar from Valleys Guitars

Custom Tiger Myrtle Guitar by Valleys GuitarsTiger Myrtle has become one of  most sought after woods in the world.

Myrtle trees grow very large and are only found in the damp forests in the northwest part of Tasmania. The Tiger variation is the rarest and most highly sought after species of myrtle timber.  The Fabulous Tiger striations in the wood occur as a result of an aberration in 1 in 100 ordinary Myrtle trees.

As you can see from the images, Tasmanian Tiger Myrtle has black streaks, resembling the markings of a tiger, running within the highly decorated grain.

Protected by the  Tasmanian government, there have only been a very limited number of Tiger Myrtle sets available each year.

And…….Here’s the latest word throughout the Luthier world……

Word has it, due to a  typical bureaucratic “screw up” the Tasmanian Government let a wood chipping contract (against the advice of its own Woods and Forests Dept.) wood chip the remaining timbers, and there is no more of this prized timber, period.

Due to it’s rarity, fantastic appearance, and the mature, rich harmonic tones it produces, Luthiers all over the world desperately search for this highly prized tropical wood to build custom acoustical instruments of the highest quality.

Valleys Guitars is one of the lucky one’s to have secured a limited number of these highly sought after timber sets that will be used to build a handful of high-end instruments in the future.

Possibly the most highly publicized guitar made from Tiger Myrtle is James Olson’s “The Tiger” ……”This guitar represents one of the finest pieces Jim has ever made.”

Below are some photos of the first Tiger Myrtle Guitar (in progress) from Valleys Guitars featuring Tiger Myrtle back and sides with an Italian Alpine Spruce top.

Tiger Myrtle Custom Guitar in Progress Side ViewTiger Myrtle Custom Guitar in Progress Image 1Tiger Myrtle Custom Guitar in Progress Image 2Tiger Myrtle Custom Guitar in Progress Image 5

This Guitar was built by David Greenwell, the owner of Valleys Guitars, in Malaysia at the shop of  one of Asia’s most respected Luthiers, Jeffry Young.  It was built using one of Jeffry’s designs and is quite an extraordinary Guitar in every respect.

Now let’s show you the finished product:

Watch for more Custom Guitars from Valleys in the near future.

We love to hear what are viewers have to say, please feel welcome to comment below.

Filed Under: Tiger Myrtle Guitars Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Custom Quality Instruments Within Your Reach

November 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Valleys Guitars is proud to introduces our new line of commercial instruments. That’s right, we’re talking Valleys quality at a fraction of the cost of most custom acoustical instruments.

All instruments in this new line are built and constructed in solid timbers including Indian Rosewood with AAA Spruce tops, Abalone Rosettes and some with Abalone bindings.

There will be 5 instruments in the range of $2500 – $3500 (US $) and one will be a Parlour Guitar.

Parlour Guitars are smaller guitars that sound and play like a full sized instrument. They are fantastic value featuring AAA Indian Rosewood Backs and sides, AAA Spruce tops, Abalone Rosettes and 4 band electronics.

Here are a few pictures of these guitars in progress.

Custom Parlour Guitar Back ImageCustom Parlour Guitars in ProgressCustom Parlour Guitar Image

We also include a custom hardwood case with each of these instruments.

Watch for more information and pictures of the finished instruments soon.

Filed Under: Commercial Line Tagged With: , , , ,

Valleys Guitars to Attend Healdsburg Guitar Festival 2011

November 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Valleys Guitars has been invited to attend the Healdsburg Guitar Festival –  August 2011.

Selected from hundreds of applicants, Valleys Guitars is honored to be one of only 160 selected to attend the 2011 guitar festival, produced by Luthiers Mercantile International, Inc., where some of the world’s finest handmade instruments will be showcased.

David Greenwell, owner and CEO of Valleys Guitars will be traveling to the United States to attend the event and considers it a great honor to be invited to attend the 2011 festival.

He states, “At this time, Valleys plans on featuring 6 fine acoustical instruments at the August 2011 event. These custom instruments will most likely include 2 Guitars made from the very rare, Tiger Myrtle and one in Australian Quilted Sheoak. At least one of the instruments will be a Baritone 27.5 scale and the other I will be a standard 24.5 scale instrument. We also plan on taking an instrument in a Fabulous piece of Cocobolo and another made from Madagascan Rosewood,  both of which are very rare timbers.”

Below are some pictures of the Quilted Sheoak Timber that will be used to build one of the guitars that will be showcased at The Healdsburg Guitar Festival in August 2011.

Valleys Guitars is truly honored to join the company of such great luthiers that will be attending the 2011 event.

More information pertaining to the 2011 Healdsburg Guitar Festival and updated photos of the instruments that will be featured will be posted here as they become available.

Be sure to Subscribe by E-Mail to follow the progress.


 

Filed Under: Healdsburg Guitar Festival 2011 Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Custom Baritone Guitar

June 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Custom Baritone Guitar by Valleys Guitars

The instrument itself is ground breaking as it has a lot of very fancy features that, firstly are very difficult to put into the Guitar, and secondly do not appear on many,  if any Boutique instruments.

(View in Full Screen to see the details – use the full screen button in the player.)

Some of the features include:

The back and sides are made of Cocobolo and the top is AAA grade Englemann Spruce all the other features including the Binding are made from AAAA Grade African Ebony.

The Bevel on the top of the Lower Bout and the Mini cutaway (all ebony) are High end features and very difficult to make, not to mention that they are also very time consuming to make.

The fretboard is inner lined with Cocobolo and the frets are Gold which look terrific against the Phosphor- Bronze strings.

The fretboard has a continuous Compound Radius 10′ at the nut going to 20′ at the Saddle.

The nut, Saddle and Tuner pins are Fossilized Ivory, and the large rosette ring is Cocobolo.

The tuner buttons are fashioned from Cocobolo and the neck is Laminated in our shop, the two outer laminations are Brazilian Mahogany, then two laminations of Rock Maple and the middle timber is Wenge.

Before any of our Guitars leave our shop they are broken in using a ToneRight Vibrator, this fantastic piece of electronic wizardry actually plays the instrument in, it does, in three days, what you take three years of constant playing to achieve. This means that on delivery of your NEW Guitar you have an instrument that is played in and sounds and feels like you would expect a fully played in Guitar to be.

The scale of the Guitar is 27.5″ and is fitted, on delivery with Elixir Nano strings 16 to 70 gauge, tuned B-B.

There is a Players listening hole cut into the top of the upper bout.

The Body shape is interesting in itself. After exhaustive testing we decided to Mix and Match on the body shape whilst maintaining the overall symmetry of the instrument without any loss of sound, therefore the instrument is somewhere in between a Dreadnought and an OM. Being a Baritone we needed to keep the bottom end crisp and punchy with simmering highs and we believed that we have achieved that on this Guitar. In fact,  we  are absolutely “over the moon” with how it sounds.

The Guitar is fitted with a K&K Stereo Mix electronics which sound just Fantastic, in fact whether played through a pre-amp or straight Acoustically its all that we hoped to achieve.

This Guitar is going to Brad Bergen a very well known, 1st call, Acoustic Pro player in Sydney.

He played at our Entertainment Centre and stopped by Valleys Guitars to visit and see how the Guitar was coming.

He was blown away.

We are very excited to have Brad’s endorsement.

Watch for more on this fine instrument in the near future.

Filed Under: Guitars Tagged With: , , , , ,
« Older Posts