This rare custom guitar (serial #738) was built by Huss and Dalton fine guitar luthiers in 2002. I purchased it in Dec. 2002, and have had several months now to play it in numerous environments. The guitar handles itself extremely well playing either by yourself in the 'parlor' or in small groups and rooms un-amplified, yet with volume for all to hear.

The 00's design, playability, tone, and beauty are absolutely stunning for this smaller body guitar. The 00 style is near parlor in size yet closer to OM in tone and volume. I'm sure the old growth Brazilian rosewood has much to do with that, along with H&D's fine and meticulous construction of this guitar.

The theme of the guitar is simple stated elegance. It was handmade in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, an area rich in the tradition of fine acoustic music. Huss & Dalton make about 80 guitars a year, yet are known throughout the world for their exquisite craftmanship and fine handbuilt guitars.



The first thing that captured my attention on this guitar is the AAAA grade, very dramatically figured and spider grained, Brazilian Rosewood. Colors in the wood range from Orange through Brown to Black. Huss & Dalton allegedly described the wood as 'Extraordinary!'

To contrast the Brazilian, the bindings and heel cap are most gorgeous, 3-D Flamed Koa I have ever seen for this purpose. The soundboard is a flawless, Master grade Engelmann Spruce, with lots of even grain and medullary silking. Huss & Dalton employ a unique, radiused top which strengthens the guitar as well as emphasizing the mid-range somewhat. An Ebony theme is used for the upper part of the guitar. Ebony is used for the binding on the fret board and also as the overlay on the Slotted Peghead to accentuate the Mother of Pearl inlay of the Martin Torchead from days gone by. To complete the Ebony theme the headstock is adorned with Sloane/Waverly (3 on a plate), Bronze tuning machines, with Ebony buttons--very taseful indeed.



Other appointments include a beautiful Abalone Rosette which is made from a Pink hued shell which has to be seen in person to be fully appreciated, and simple slotted Diamonds as fret position markers. A Pyramid Bridge and Diamond Volute on the back of the Spanish Cedar neck are reminiscent of the 00 origin. The historical 12 fret, 1 7/8 inch neck width, is used to enhance finger style playing (perfect for me), and the scale is 24.9 inches.



Only Brazilian can produce the Bell like tonal qualities that this guitar possesses. One might think the basses would be subdued, due to the body size. However, they are full and resonant. In fact this guitar can be very loud for its size. Sound volume and projection are similar to a Grand Auditorium size guitar. The bass, mids and highs are all crisp, clear, and well balanced. However, because of that, you hear every little pluck, squek, and brush--which for sloppy playing might not be an asset. For careful and clean playing (ie., when I'm concentrating!), the guitar does everything asked of it. The size is great--perfectly convenient and easy for traveling.



Unfortunately I had to sell this guitar to help fund another recent acquisition, a very rare and unique Alan Carruth 2002 Brazilian 12-Fret 000 cutaway I just purchased from El McMeen. You can bet there will be a full review of that rare wonder coming quite soon!



--Solid Master grade Engelmann spruce top
--Solid, beautifully matched and figured Master
--Master grade AAAA quarter sawn, old growth Brazilian rosewood sides and back
--Color matched Spanish cedar neck
--Dimensions: nut width=1 7/8,
--Beautiful unique custom headstock inlay
--Deep, rich, volumnous tone produced by nature of the design and exquisite woods used
--Beautiful flamed koa binding



For a few sound clips of this guitar, no EQ or efx enhancements, just as it sounds, click on the links below
click here for sample 1
click here for sample 2   

Click here for Huss and Dalton website