Litchfield Guitars

Master crafted classical and flamenco guitars; providing concert level volume, balance, sustain and playability

Classical Guitars

There are three different models in my range of classical guitars:  They reflect the diversity of fields within this art form.  The structural differences between the designs lie mainly in two areas - the body and the top.  Combinations of 2 body types and 2 tops form the basis of all three models.

All of my classical guitars are renowned for their excellent volume, balance, sustain, and playability.  The high consistency in quality and sound comes not only from high-grade materials, but also from a meticulous construction process and an acoustically efficient design.

Flamenco Guitars

I have two main models in the Flamenco range:  Black/Negra (F600) and Blonde/Blanco (F400).
Both models use modified versions of the Light top and Traditional body.  Minimum weights for overall guitar are 1.4kg (F600) and 1.3kg (F400).

Guitar Supports

Guitar supports have become very popular over the recent past, due to the relief and assistance they can provide to playing position.  

The market is flooded with supports of all types and sizes, but most fail the performer in a number of ways.  The guitar must be positioned correctly relative to the body, and the support must do this while being comfortable, stable and reliable.  

My supports have several features which ensure a good fit to the guitar, and also to the body.  The heavy duty suctioncups swivel slightly to fit the guitar, and are also easy to replace when they wear.   Height of the guitar neck is adjustable to assist personal preference.  

The ergonomic design compensates for the complex relationship between body position and guitar position, which ensures comfort and stability.  The addition of a neoprene rubber base helps with comfort and grip.  

They are also handmade by myself and have a finish in Sapelle Mahogany.  Please email me for price and availability.

MATERIALS

Finish

I use only the highest quality nitrocellulose lacquer, applied to the most exacting standards. The finish has a very high clarity, is very flexible, and is very serviceable.  After drying for a minimum of two weeks, the finish is cut and polished to a mirror smooth surface, except for the tops in the classical range.  The classical tops are given a matt finish which enables the thinnest of coats to be applied, and reduces the need for rubbing pressure in the finishing process.

Timbers

Although there are a large variety of classical body timbers available from all over the world, I use East Indian Rosewood unless otherwise requested.  Some examples of timbers used in guitars are Tasmanian Blackwood, Tasmanian Oak and Queensland Maple.   Imported timbers include a large variety of Rosewoods, Ebony, Mahogany, Spruce and Cedar.

Composites

Among the modern materials used is carbon fibre.  I use it mainly in the struts under the top and the bridges, and have found it to be exceptional in assisting with the dynamics of the guitar.  This is because carbon composites offer a much better stiffness to weight ratio, consistency, and far less creep than timber alone.

 

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