Rod Capper

Spruce/Brazilian Walnut

Top Solid Spruce
Back and Sides Brazilian Walnut
Fingerboard Ebony
Width at nut 53.5 mm
Scale length 65 cm

A solid-feeling concert instrument by New Zealand luthier Rod Capper, of very interesting construction and sound.

Internally, a raised bar inside runs the length of the back, glued to cover the back join: visible in the photograph, this actually dissects the centre of the label.
The top bracing is not in a lattice style, but does not follow strictly the traditional Spanish pattern either. There are three 'main' braces that run vertically, either parallel to each other or 'fanning out' only slightly: from the bottom of the outermost ones of these a group of smaller braces, almost like the fins on a fish, reach out to the edges of the guitar.

This instrument also has a fingerboard which is elevated, built up solidly where it reaches the top and continues into it. At the left lower bout a length of smooth, curved wood is added, creating a more rounded contact point for the right arm.

The finish is not as cosmetically meticulous as is typical of Spanish-built instruments, but the design combines the more traditional overall Spanish appeal with a pleasing and original personal aesthetic.

The sound is quite remarkable and very distinctive. The volume is impressive, strident and powerful. The response is immediate and rapid. The separation and balance really are most striking with this guitar. There are almost no harmonic overtones, leading to an extremely clean character of tone, very individual and full of interesting musical qualities that are compelling to the player - but expressed in a manner quite distinct from that of a more traditional Spanish-made instrument.

Playability is comfortable: while the fingerboard width at the nut is a little wider than is usual on a modern instrument, the neck is flattened off neatly somewhat at the back. The action is very well set.

This is a great player's instrument, unique, absorbing to play and with a strong, distinctive musical character.