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Aztec/Serrano Concert Classical Model

Label for Aztec Guitar I am very proud to announce our latest guitar model, The Aztec/Serrano Concert Classical Guitar. This guitar was commissioned by Jesus Serrano a very good friend of mine. Jesus Serrano is a guitar virtuoso from Mexico City and has won 1st place at many international guitar competitions. When Jesus approached me with the idea of a new guitar model, I became very eager to hear his ideas. This turned into a months-long enjoyable collaboration to design one of the best guitars I have ever built. For 6 months we talked nearly every week about this guitar through the design and building process. The idea was to bring several themes into the spotlight. I began by using premium woods and materials to produce a superior concert guitar for players looking to break the mold in their approach to classical guitar music. Players now have a chance to own both a work of art and a very responsive clear sounding guitar with lots of sustain and projection that is a true pleasure to play. In short, the goal was to make one of the best concert classical guitars available.

We chose to use influences from several cultures, including Mexican, Spanish, South American, and North American. We elected to use a premium set of The Aztec Guitar Infinity Rosette.Ziricote from southern Mexico for the back and sides. This happens to be one of my favorite tone woods to use. It produces a very clear deep resonant tone. We selected a dark straight grained set that stood out from other sets that were considered.  The wood has some very beautiful figuring effects and showcases a beautiful golden sapwood back center. The sound board is a spruce/cedar double top, custom tuned to this model.

The custom designed Aztec pyramid rosette exhibits a 3D effect with warm colors of rich red, deep brown and striking black surrounded by a custom designed wheat motif specific to this model. The edge of the rosette also flows into the sound hole and appears to never end. We dubbed this effect “the infinity rosette”.

The tuners were selected by Jesus and are top of the line Alessi Tuners. These tuners are intricately hand engraved and showcase abalone buttons and dots. The tuning gears are very smooth, accurate and also match the Aztec and Spanish theme very well.

The final touch was done with the idea to make a colorful custom label which features our interpretation of the Aztec feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl. (Note the engraved feathers of the serpent in the tuners!) The new label inside the guitar brings all these themes together, the Aztec culture and the colors. Each color represents a meaning. Black: War, Yellow: Food, Red: Blood, Blue: Sacrifice, and Green: Royalty.

All the materials used are premium hardwoods and go through my extreme scrutiny before use. I found some of the most beautiful sets of flamed Koa bindings to use with this model. The flamed Koa frames the nice effects we achieved and even enhances the abalone tuners. Golden sap wood on the heel cap and back.

It was a true honor to build this guitar for Jesus and I invite you to look at all the wonderful photos we provided for you to peruse at your leisure.  See the Gallery at this link.

A limited number of orders will be built for this model so if you are interested in having one built or have questions please contact me. Inquire for Price and details.

We will also be doing some presentations at several guitar festivals and competitions about this guitar so check back for the latest news.