The Aoustic Series
A Note About Acoustic GuitarViol Models...
The acoustic models are the epitome of GuitarViols. They combine traditional design essentials, are hand built, and feature antique vibe with contemporary design features. The distinctive cutaway provides unhindered upper register access with other surprising sonic benefits. The sound ports at the waist spread the sound to both player and listener while also providing ample bow clearance. They are all about a rewarding life of sonic, aesthetic bliss and built to outlast us.
Bastarda - $7777.00*
Bastarda: “….a highly virtuosic style of composition or extemporaneous performance …”
The Bastarda model (watch video demo) features Jonathan’s classic braced flat back/arched top/cutaway design. It’s tone can generally be described as having “a deep and sweet tone with harmonic complexities that create emotions which are, at times, too personal to describe” (often tears of sonic bliss!). From simple long notes to Advanced virtuosic bow work, this rare wonder will take you on a challenging and rewarding musical journey unlike any other.
- • Select Englemann carved top
- • Select Flamed Koa back and sides.
- • Cooked Flame Maple, Cocobolo, or Ebony fingerboard, Tail, Leg Peg
- • Genuine old world French Polish
- • G&G hard shell case.
- • K&K pickup
- • Deluxe carbon composite bow
- • *Other amenities (inlay, carving etc.). Call/write for quote.
Bravura - $9777.00*
Bravura: “….something artistic done in an exciting or innovative way….”
The Bravura series (watch video demo) is distinguished by the classic “violin” style carved back construction. It’s sound can be described as “punchy” “immediate attack“. In sound essentials, it is likened more to a modern (post Stradivari) Viola with a true “Viola bark and growl”. If you opt for a truly rare and special instrument, the Barvura is for you!
- • Select European Spruce carved top
- • Select Flamed European Maple Carved back and sides.
- • Genuine old world Violin Ground/Varnish
- • Hide Glue construction
- • Ebony (or Cocobolo) fingerboard, Tail, Leg Peg
- • Classic Violin Purfling.
- • Case: Inquire.
- • K&K Pickup
- • Deluxe carbon composite bow
- • *Other amenities (inlay, carving etc.). Call/write for quote.
Bistro Series - $3990.00
The Bistro Series Explained:
- • All "Bistro" series GuitarViols are built on spec by moonlighting apprentice Jude Matthew Wright under the guidance (and final set-up inspection) of GuitarViol Master Jonathan Wilson.
- • At this date, only available as Acoustic Models.
- • Offered as grab-n-go inventory when available.
- • Distinguished by typically Walnut neck, "Bistro" branded headstock, and natural satin finish (Though the essentials are the same)
- • Not transferable to other orders in the existing TogaMan GuitarViol queue.
Historically, TogaMan GuitarViols of all models have rarely been available as "For Sale" models. This is because of the typically long backlog of "sold" instruments being built! The Bistro series solves two problems: The availability of "inventory" instruments and the built in incentive to retain talented shop apprentices. (Good talent is hard to find and we all win if they are kept on-board!).
Call or email for availability!
Current Limited series - $5184.00
Following the Success of the Limited 7 and Limited 8 series acoustics, I have been thinking of a follow-up. After all, we are in the initial wrap-up of the the 8's. Then, an old shop-mate called me about some wonderful Rosewood stock he has....hmmm.....let the ideas flow. A Dozen Rosewoods! . Okay, For those of you who are unfamiliar with the "Limited run" concept I have been doing over the last two and a half years, it goes like this: I build a limited run of my acoustic GuitarViols to certain wood specs and subtle head stock and hardware variations to distinguish the run. I commit to a special rate unique to the series which typically runs a bit less than my stock top end or ultra custom models (but no less great of an instrument! Simply Elegant!). The catch? No custom requests (Variations to JW's specs or appointments - such requests are reserved for my Bastarda and Bravura Models and will automatically change model status by another $2500.00+). The concept here is "Let the artist create" and think of it as signed artist prints where etching or woodblock is destroyed after prints are run; signed & dated "1/12, 2/12, 3/12, 4/12...." etc. Such will be the "Dozen Roses" run. "Tell me more!" okay, here ya go:
Each "Rose" of the Dozen will Feature:
- • Indian Rosewood back and sides (Pictured above with Rose! I have some sweet stock from a Colleague and have a line on more from that same tree!)
- • Carved Sitka Spruce top
- • Flame Big Leaf Maple neck
- • Carmelized* Maple Fingerboard, Tail, and LegPeg **Maple baked to a beautiful Amber Carmel color. The sugar content literally "carmelizes" and stabilizes/ages the wood. We are among the very few who utilizes this treatment!!
- • Proprietary Stealth Fret fingerboard
- • Distinctive head stock to the series
- • Inside sidewall mural prints by Jonathan Wilson (visible only if you look into sound ports).
- • Genuine old world Shellac French polish hand tinted (Micro coat varnish)
- • Planet Wave Trim Lock Tuners in Gold
- • D'Addario Helicore strings (The best we have found so far! These are the best we have found of all brands. Top dollar but long life and great sound!)
- • K&K Pickup Great for DI or as a "second mic" for recording and awesome sound for live apps!
- • Bow (TBD*)
- • Proprietary JW designed case* **Because of the uniqueness of the GuitarViol, these are made in house to JW's exacting specs for being lightweight yet strong!
Only 12 will be built from this special lot of Rosewood!
$5184.00 each of these Rosewood beauties in three installments:
- • $1728.00 Deposit gets it into the queue
- • $1728.00 At Midway point
- • $1728.00 + $100.00 (continental US delivery)
...at time instrument is on bench and being set-up. Usually ships within a week after set-up. International clients pay actual shipping cost + $100.00 and are responsible for any customs duties.
Depending upon where you wind up in the "Dozen Roses" queue, it may take from 4 months to a year+ to fulfill your build. (For example, if you are 1/12, you will get yours sooner than 2/12 or much sooner than 12/12...) We build other models (ElectroCoustics, electrics) in parallel, in a busy queue, in a small busy shop with a small crew of very talented men who go through separation anxiety with each build because each instrument is special and addictive (hence, hard to part with! each one has a soul!) That said, it has never been a more exciting time!
Life is short! The sooner you order your Rose, the better ;-)
Please call 818.268.5602 or email me for details about the limited series of a Dozen "Roses" (Rosewoods)!
- Jonathan