A number of years ago, I had a conversation with Boaz. I told him that the new generation of players will obviously embrace the advanced 'forward' design of his Clarita Negra classical because of its dramatic power and beautiful, clear - yet romantic voice. I further expressed to him that there are some 'old school purists' who are too conservative to make the transition to that 'look' for their on-stage performances. What I suggested was for Boaz to design a hybrid instrument that looked more traditional on the outside, but had the advanced benefits of his Clarita Negra bracing system hidden on the inside. He smiled and took on the challenge. This guitar is the result.
We kept it here in the FGC vault--as we often do--to see how the instrumet developed and grew over time. As always, Boaz revisited the instrument from time to time, taking measurements. He wanted to assure himself that there was no unexpected movement in the woods that would present problems in the future. This Hybrid model has been pronounced a success. It is now released for sale to find its first home.
The sound is dramatic. Sweet clarity blooms from this instrument at every point on the fingerboard. This is the last guitar that Boaz made with Delrin frets, provided to reduce string clicking noises when notes are fretted. The look is mysteriously beautiful and hints at something special going on inside this mostly traditional looking instrument. Whether you are a serious classical musician or a steel string guitar lover who is branching out looking for one special nylon stringed instrument, this guitar will likely attach itself to your heart.
Here are some particulars: The nut width is 2" (50.8mm). The scale length is 26.2" (665mm). The soundboard is a well seasoned Western Red Cedar. Stars of David, carefully formed from thin died pieces of wood form the decorative rosette. The rich sounding soundboard is coupled with Brazilian rosewood back and sides of tremendously high quality, seasoned in Boaz's storage facility in Israel for many years. Such high grade wood was only used for Liona Boyd's guitars and other special projects by Boaz. A flitch-matched Brazilian rosewood neck with a comfortable medium profile is hand carved and capped with an ebony fretboard. The slotted headstock has inlaid triangles within triangles--Boaz's signature design. They are a constant reminder that this guitar was crafted by Boaz's hands without the benefit of power tools. The triangle designs are so fine, with vanishing points, that they could only be made by the stroke of a small sharp blade.
Mr. Gilbert, Sr. hand made the tuners to Boaz's specifications. Full-on quality was the motive and the driving force of this creation. It shows in the smooth playability, the personality of its voices, and it will thrill you to lose yourself in its unlimited musical potential.
This is yet another of FGC's special instruments that transcend what is experienced in the day-to-day more common guitars that populate the 'music business.' Have the presence of heart to step forward and invest in your musical satisfaction and happiness. You will never regret this gift to yourself. "As a personal postscript; Boaz always gives his guitars names--usually female names. We were honored to have this instrument named 'Aneta.' Even his charming misspelling of Annetta's name is good with us. Thanks, Boaz! --Richard
