G.R. Bear Grand 00, Walnut & Redwood

Walnut and redwood just became our new favorite tonewood combination, thanks to this Grand 00 from Vancouver-based luthier G.R. Bear. The Australian luthier has created his own guitar designs, taking inspiration from the classics and updating them with modern build techniques both inside and out. The Grand 00 sits comfortably and plays easily like a small classical guitar. Like all of his steel string guitars, he uses Falcate braces inside, which are laminated and reinforced with carbon fiber, allowing the tops to be light and flexible yet strong. A thin French polish finish allows the woods to vibrate more freely. The combination of walnut and redwood is as unique visually as it is tonally. It has strong fundamentals that ring for days, with clean brightness in the highs and mids. The low end is dark, with an almost cavernous sustain.

G.R. says, "I make instruments with far more volume, sustain, clarity and projection than you will find in most other guitars." Needless to say, we can't help but agree!