Grit Laskin Mid-Size, Old-Growth Brazilian Rosewood & Sitka Spruce (50th Anniversary Guitar)

"So, in the end, this inlay is about me—where I work, how I work, seen in the act of working—and Peggy, finally honouring a brilliant artist (still writing and performing at age 84!) and a dear friend."

Grit Laskin is known for his phenomenal inlay art, and in discussing what to do with this year's TNAG guitar, CEO Ben Montague suggested that he celebrate his 50 years of crafting guitars, and depict both an influence as well as Grit himself in the art. This incredible guitar, lovingly called "Grit Gives Peggy A Hand", is a personal tribute to the legendary Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl.

This Mid-Size model has dreadnought proportions and a curvier design, ensuring a tone that has an excellent balance of focus and projection, with a Florentine cutaway for extended access. Old-growth Brazilian rosewood with an eye-catching sapline forms the back and sides, while the soundboard is Grit's preferred Sitka spruce, carefully selected from a producer who specializes in only the best cuts of wood for instruments. The voice is warm, mellow, and very well-balanced from low to high, with Brazilian rosewood's unique sustain and lushness being perfectly accented by Sitka's focus.

The list of special features just goes on. One of Grit's favorite options to offer is what he calls his "fast neck" finish. Oil is mixed with a hint of varnish, hand-rubbed in over three coats, and then micro-sanded, which helps to push the oil-varnish further into the wood's pores. The end result is a silky matte finish more akin to what you might find on a bowed instrument. The player will also love Grit's proprietary bevelled arm and rib rests, as well as the side soundport.

As an accent to the bold colors of the fretboard art, Grit has utilized a rare man-made material called dichrolam for his rosette and script on the back, first invented to give craftspeople an option to use in their creations that wasn't a limited natural resource.

Without further ado, the inlay art. Grit realized in all his years of honoring various musicians and artists in his work, he had never given a nod to the person who influenced him not only as a young man but continues to do so to this day: Peggy Seeger. Peggy and her husband, Scottish singer Ewan MacColl (also depicted), helped kick off the British and American folk revivals in the mid-20th century. Their influence is felt to this day, and Peggy (who is now a personal friend of Grit's!) is very honored to be a part of this guitar. In including himself, Grit also worked in a little humor and realism. He depicted himself working at his bench with painstaking accuracy, with the sign that really does hang in his doorway ("Handmade Guitars Only Beyond This Point") prominent on the third fret. Above that, his hand is in the process of placing Peggy's left hand. (Read more about the backstory on this guitar here.)

The end result is a perfect blend of musical instrument and deeply personal art, beautifully rendered in every aspect. We couldn't be more proud of this Grit Laskin 50th Anniversary guitar!