Hugh’s brand new Model S! - ‘Anjou’

All words by Hugh, the latest proud owner of a Tom Sands Guitar.

“...this will become a design classic”

As a designer myself I really appreciate the details and embellishments and in my opinion this will become a design classic.  For me the silhouette is the most successful proportion wise in the S model. It is completely distinctive and could not be mistaken for anything but a Tom Sands guitar.  

The small bits of decoration (bridge, saddle, nut, 'nosette', copper details) follow traditions of lutherie but offer a truly contemporary interpretation.  Other touches, the 'volute' at the top of the neck that provides comfort in the first position, the cheeky little fret marker at the 19th, the mini bevel etc all add up to a very comfortable instrument.

“One of my constant issues over the years has been sharp fret ends and having to take them to techs, so the recessed frets and rounded ends are such a joy.”

One of my constant issues over the years has been sharp fret ends and having to take them to techs, so the recessed frets and rounded ends are such a joy. 

Now to the most important aspects of sound and playability. I don’t know how, but you have achieved the strong fundamental that we discussed, and of course great sustain, but there are no overpowering harmonic overtones.

This journey began with my issues with the long scale and narrow neck of my OM. It wasn't just playability but my (very personal) view is that those longer scale lengths can strangle the sound a bit and as a classical player I prefer the sound of shorter scale lengths. Also of course the improved ease of playing is very noticeable. I find the sound of this guitar simply very musical. Partly this is the nice balance between the wound and unwound strings (in contrast to 'brassy' basses and 'twangy' trebles).

“...the guitar is beginning to open out already in the same way as spruce classicals do and I love it - a minor mellowing of the sound.”

To use your alcohol analogy, I have never been a fan of new world wines. For me they have too much taste, too much alcohol, too much colour. I feel the same way about lattice braced classical guitars. Give me a nice soft French claret any day.  

As I suspected, the guitar is beginning to open out already in the same way as spruce classicals do, and I love it - a minor mellowing of the sound. These are early days and I hope I can perhaps bring it in a year or so for any minor adjustments.