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Welcome to a special behind-the-scenes look at a project that has completely transformed my journey as a classical guitarist. For years, I struggled with the physical challenges of playing advanced repertoire on standard-size guitars. Stretch limitations, technical demands, and the risk of injuries made me question whether there was a better solution. That’s when I decided to take a leap of faith and commission a custom-size concert guitar.
In this post, I’ll share the entire process, from the initial inspiration to collaborating with the extraordinary luthier Daniele Chiesa, who brought this dream to life.
Why a Custom Guitar?
As someone with smaller hands, I found that playing a standard 65cm guitar often disrupted my musicality and led to physical strain. I wanted a solution that would enable me to focus on expressing music freely rather than fighting against my instrument. The idea of a smaller-scale guitar initially seemed unconventional, but after researching and testing different sizes, I realized that a 60cm guitar was the perfect fit for me.
Collaborating with a Master Luthier
Choosing the right guitar maker was crucial. I had admired Daniele Chiesa’s work for years, and his craftsmanship and understanding of musicians’ needs made him the ideal choice. What started as a single guitar commission turned into the creation of two twin guitars. This allowed us to refine the design and ensure the best possible result.
The Final Result
After a year of anticipation, the guitars were finally ready. The moment I played them for the first time, I knew we had achieved something extraordinary. The instrument I ultimately chose has been a game-changer for my playing, offering unmatched comfort, responsiveness, and sound quality.
Pros and Cons of Custom Guitars
If you’re considering a custom-size guitar, here are some things to keep in mind:
Pros:
Perfectly tailored dimensions for your hands and playing style.
Improved comfort and musicality, unlocking new creative possibilities.
No sound compromise when crafted by a skilled luthier.
Cons:
You’ll always need to travel with your guitar, as borrowing a standard-size instrument isn’t an option.
Limited resale demand for non-standard sizes.
Finding the right maker requires time and research.
What’s Next?
In the next part of this series, I’ll dive into the technical details of the two guitars and share a sound comparison. It’s fascinating to see how identical builds can result in such different tonal characters, especially when one has been played extensively and the other has not.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of this journey! In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts—have you ever considered a custom guitar, or do you have questions about the process? Drop a comment below or reach out to me directly.
Happy practicing, and thank you for being part of my musical adventure!
Yours,
Merce
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