Demo of a Driftwood “Grand Session” model guitar. Western Red Cedar and Quilted Maple.

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Watch as Master Luthier Chris Alvarado buffs out and does the final assembly of the 2020 30A Songwriters Festival Annual Guitar. The video wraps up with a rundown of the guitars features and explores its amazing sound. For more info on the 30A Songwriters Festival, visit www.30ASongwritersFestival.com
Interested in the nut vice that was used in the video? You can find it at:
stewmac.sjv.io...

[@rickmingee2886]

The lack of a voice over during assembly makes this video literally therapeutic to watch just listening to the sounds. The video and guitar are works of art.

[@attilaattila1656]

I agree 100%. I tune in to these videos because I love the workmanship that goes into these beautiful guitars- quite frankly I marvel at the craftsmanship. But the video is SO CHILL AND RELAXING, next thing I know I’m waking up the next morning.

[@pastortonywiththegospel]

After 50 years of playing, this is probably the best sound, most beautiful guitar I have seen.

[@paulthompson2072]

Beautiful Beautiful sound awesome build

[@paulthompson2072]

Whats your price on a build?

[@scottrill17]

This is one of the most beautiful sounding guitars I’ve ever heard!

[@anthonymorales842]

Thinking the same

[@christianvidigalmiranda4229]

@@anthonymorales842 me either

[@christianvidigalmiranda4229]

I agree!

[@TwoFeetDown92]

That’s the difference between hand crafted and factory crafted. A master of their craft can take the time to make a piece of art, factories gotta feed the consumer after all, you can’t have one without the other. I can’t wait to hear what it sounds like when that top gets aged in haha.

[@Kudabear1]

It better for 15,000 dollars lol

[@rohiten1]

Speechless at the magnificent tone, depth, and clarity of this guitar, plus the patience, skill, and craftsmanship demonstrated in the making of the instrument....

[@ChrisOttoMusic]

Beautiful guitar, in every respect. I feel like cedar is an underappreciated tone wood in the guitar world.

[@robertw1871]

It’s used on nearly every classical guitar for centuries, it’s unfortunately way too bright with steel strings usually…

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@robertw1871 I have a cedar topped steel string. What I've found is that it is wonderful for finger style and light to moderate flat picking. However, it doesn't have much "head-room" when compared to my spruce topped guitars and doesn't handle heavy/aggressive flat picking very well.

[@robertw1871]

@@rosewoodsteel6656Exactly... it's great for nylon strings, doesn't take much to get it going

[@valebliz]

@@robertw1871 cedar isn't bright lol

[@pcar928fan]

One day at MARS music (that shows how long ago this was) I hung out in the acoustic room and played every Taylor they had on the wall. Played pretty much the same thing over and over so I could really hear the difference between each guitar. In the end my favorite of all was the 514CE! That is the Western Red Cedar top with mahogany back and sides. For my ear it was the perfect balance. Oh, they were all the X14C guitars too so it was not a difference in sound due to the shape of the guitar. I prefer that auditorium shape with a cut away. Love the sound of this guitar you built too! It is absolutely gorgeous!

[@vasocreta]

Not only is this guitar just a visual work of art, it sounds EXTRAORDINARY! That bottom end goes right to the soul. My goodness, that's gorgeous.

[@jamescoughlan8193]

I love the warmth of red cedar but it actually works With the brighter maple. She looks and sounds beautiful. I really envy you the job satisfaction of standing back and hearing and admiring the fruit of your highly skilled labour. Well done.

[@joshuacondon1]

This brought so much satisfaction and stress at the same time

[@Tom-Lahaye]

This is a true masterpiece. The flamed maple looks spectacular, as do the details, the inlays, bindings.... But the sound is what it makes, it's such a rich open sound, this guitar really sings.

[@dobbsguitar]

I have used Red Cedar on all the guitars I've built; love the warmth. Paired with Walnut, and Maple produces a great sound.

[@martymay9723]

100%, AAA, with honours, absolutely stunning.

[@j.merkus]

This guitar is sooo beautiful, I got emotional watching it. And the sound is amazing! What a craftsmanship. Amazing!

[@treeofmemories507]

Incredible sounding guitar with looks to go with it! One day I'll have my dream guitar built with Driftwood guitars.

[@MrAquatoad]

So much pucker factor in these final steps. Bravo

[@thatamerican3187]

When you sound this good on YT you sound this good.

[@tomgia1964]

Thank you for sharing. I’ve repaired Guitars in the past, but to see one like this being worked on from scratch, is a real treat 😊

[@chrishowe8614]

It was a joy watching something peaceful on KZbin without all the noise and loud aggressive music!

[@rzgrimes]

I can’t imagine how much a guitar this well crafted would cost. I’m confident my ability to play would never match up to the heartfelt craftsmanship and time it took to build. Your videos not only inspire me to play but also bring me a sense of tranquility to watch. Thank you

[@acousticsong-guitarco964]

On his website it would be around 20.000$

[@MegaTubescreamer]

what an absolute gift of skill ,whatever number this instrument brings at auction is of no significance ,it sounds/looks beautiful.

[@BenjaminGonzalez-wv3cy]

I wish I had that guitar you just built. The extra loving and tender care you gave to it is astonishingly and wonderfully great! That's how I would take care of any guitar, if I had one, but with extra care and tender handling, that's how I would care for my guitar...

[@marin4311]

The sound is as georgeous as the look. Cedar and maple are a very good match.

[@attilaattila1656]

My opinion is that Luthiers are the highest evolution of wood workers.

[@sveinnbenonysson5978]

This great guitar will only get better and better!

[@Coupegt84]

This guitar is too completely beautiful to even exist - and never mind how amazing it sounds! And yet, there it is…. Stunning work, amazing material choices, and awesome skills. Wonderful video! Thanks!

[@vaughncook8815]

I can't imagine what that things gonna sound like in 20 years...Craftsmanship at its finest without a doubt!!!

[@jeroengrobben7555]

Wow, red cedar top, my favorite. Wonderful.

[@kevinbrooks1104]

The flame on the back is a real piece of art

[@craigclu]

I had an old Washburn with this wood combo and always thought it hit way above its weight class.... This, naturally is on a whole different level and simply a stunning instrument, sonically and visually. A very fortunate owner awaits!

[@jimnoakes9394]

Beautiful sound right off the bench can only imagine when its broken in !!!!!

[@alexdelgado1440]

I can only dream of owning a guitar like this One. thanks for sharing the process.

[@kevinwagner8697]

nice bottom end clear and defined and loud plus the warmth of the cedar makes a great attention getter!!!

[@SiggyMe]

Grand piano base so pure. The 6th string always says about the quality of the guitar built for me. What a killer guitar. Beautiful and tone just over the top. Fantastic job!

[@Tyndaal604]

Man I’ve been on a crawl through your videos today, you’re as beautiful a player as you are a fantastic craftsman. Admirable Sir! Great stuff 😁

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Thanks so much

[@alansturgess1324]

Stunning. No other words needed.

[@Geeman002]

This guitar is so pretty is could be jewelry ❤ The sound is fantastic, man I’d love to have one of your guitars!!! I’m too old and retired to buy one, but I wish I knew about your work back in before 2014 when I retired!!! Over my lifetime I’ve owned Martins (HD-28 and D-41), larrivee guitars, and Gibson, but this guitar beats all of them, the sound is creamy and smooth and deep. Best guitar I’ve heard in a long time!!!

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

Dude your skills are out of this world

[@GregorKropotkin-qu2hp]

Haven't seen them all, by any stretch but this is by far the finest guitar building channel I have come across. The quality of the workmanship and the exquisite beauty of the woods used set it well apart from (I imagine) the vast majority of Luthiers-no disrespect intended!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Thanks so much!

[@cugir321]

That's a beautiful guitar......had a yamaha that had quilted mahogany....it was marvelous

[@sylviewheeler6237]

WoW WoW WoW WoW !!!!!!!!! It doesn’t get better than that !!!!!!!

[@drewflemingmusic]

Holy smokes! That's just beautiful.

[@scottlanesimpson]

That’s Amazing -You are no joke the guitar is beautiful to listen to and see!

[@Scottuz]

I've just learned how to play "BlackBird", So I can appreciate the way it was played at the end of the video I suffered a Bad Dog bite, to my forearm, years ago, was left with some Nerve damage, my right hand has struggled for any kind of Strength, or Control of my Fingers, I managed to continue working, by just playing holding onto a pick for years, and bashing out chords. But I tried again recently to play with my fingers I'm struggling, but getting there slowly, I can just about manage to play Blackbird now, but not to that level?

[@barryc9115]

Love watching a true craftsman at work. Truly beautiful guitar.

[@michaelarthur4764]

Never thought a cedar top with maple back and sides would compliment each other so well …amazing sound! I want one!

[@owenbosen867]

Fantastic work.

[@stevevice9863]

Nice work! I've always wondered about a Cedar/Maple guitar. The warm tone of Cedar combined with the crystaline quality of Maple would seem to compliment each other. Years ago I spoke by e-mail with Taylor guitars about a custom build with this same wood combination and they replied that, to their knowledge, they had never built a guitar with that combination. They thought that those two woods might not work well together since they are on the opposite ends of the tonal spectrum. I'm glad you have confirmed my hunch with this gorgeous instrument. Looking forward to more spectacular builds from you.

[@terrytabor4466]

You have built the most beautiful instrument I have ever seen. The fact that it sounds as good as it looks amazes me. Great job

[@trident1314]

Sounds great, much fuller than I was expecting with all that maple going on

[@anthonymorales842]

Maple is a phenomenal tone wood. Gibson and Guild jumbos. Alvarez jumbos sound remarkable. Maple dreadnoughts etc.

[@anthonymorales842]

@@gavinw5469 for the most part I agree. It's more about the quality of construction. Though the maples I've played appeal to my ear.

[@gavinw5469]

@@anthonymorales842 I think maple sounds good too. Sorry to have such a negative message though, having a rough day yesterday. I was just trying to vent.

[@gavinw5469]

I need to stop being an ass and let people think what they want to think. I am truly sorry that I spread that negativity here. The music community already has too much negativity in it already. I don't know why I even bothered writing my comment from yesterday. I need to learn to not get riled up about things, because then I just stress people out, and I don't want to do that. I hope you have a great day. This was an excellent video and an excellent guitar.

[@anthonymorales842]

@@gavinw5469 We all have rough days it's just life. Playing some guitar it might relieve some tension . Back to your point check check out Bob Benedetto's instrument made with framing lumber. Basically he proves your point.

[@psu10w]

you should do more demos on your "session" sized guitars, would loved to hear that.

[@stevends3865]

Sounds heavenly and the craftsmanship is beautiful and top-notch. The handmade product of a master luther.

[@carlbussmann7559]

Beautiful video. Even more beautiful sound. Thank you much !!

[@jamesdoctor8079]

The body size reminds me of a Nick Lucas Special, awesome guitar. Love the slotted headstock

[@quintinlindsey7967]

Wow that guitar is BEAUTIFUL and it sounds just as good as it looks, I can only imagine how good it will sound over time!!!

[@kennywiebusch1586]

Ahh final assembly! That usually when I drop a tool on the finished top and screw it up! Really though, beautiful guitar. I have a set of curly maple back and sides and now I know what to do with it. I will use a Cedar or redwood top.

[@cemtamay191]

Your builts are very neat and detailed, I love how this one sounds, I think that red cedar top articulates the bass sound very very full and creamy. Most of the fancy looking guitars usually do not sound the way they look but, your guitars are simply amazing at both departments. Congrats to you sir. When and If I can afford someday, you will be the man to do it.

[@tanyaking4950]

I have long been searching for an OM acoustic with Maple back and sides with a Cedar top. I contacted another builder, but I could not afford the $7500. for the guitar. This guitar sounds exactly what I imagined it would sound like.

[@robmiller3464]

Hello Chris, wow I was blown away by the quality of workmanship, you put forth to creat a masterpiece. I’d love to create something so beautiful and to create a sound to compliment the looks and beauty. I’m very meticulous to detail and sound with acoustic guitars and you simply impressed me. Thanks

[@pinballrobbie]

like the way you cut the bridge in properly unlike some big name brands I could name.

[@kevingreene6893]

Sounds incredible in fingerstyle and an unusual tonewood combo… could listen to that sound all day long.

[@bertlau569]

My biggest question Chris is when are you going to build a DREADNOUGHT using the same western red cedar and quilted maple. Imagine using your flatpick on a dread. Size and shape contribute to a flatpicked tone and volume of course just different. Beautiful!

[@Anthony-ll4nh]

I'm really pleased to hear that maple provides a similar acoustic response as rosewood. Gorgeous guitar!

[@deanpesci8484]

Wish I could either play or build as you can, let alone both! Must be an absolute rush stringing up a guitar you know every centimeter of for the first time and bringing it to life. Wow!

[@seanharvey4090]

Wow, very impressed with the way the guitar resonates just phenomenal tone... Cedar tops are my favorite, don't think I've ever heard one with Maple back and sides... Great combination

[@markcooper8561]

I'd sell a kidney for that guitar. Looks and sounds just beautiful. Perfect.

[@mrhalvi]

Well done Chris. I would have loved to hear it in Drop D

[@peterrschuck]

Your guitars are just so special. The sound of this guitar without any pick ups just stunning. Too late in life to afford one, but certainly would ove one. On a disabiity pension, that would be about 6-9 months of it. Sad but true.

[@jrlopez4341]

Wow, that instruments beautiful

[@Penisdoll]

One of the best sounding guitars I have ever heard!! Amazing.

[@stuartstovall2849]

Absolutely wonderful

[@junulock]

With that kind of figured maple I expected to hear a snappy clear response but it is even and balanced from the bottom to the top as well as when you moved up the board. Really clear full distinct tones. A bit shocked being it is so new and I would expect it to get even better with age as it opens up. It is indeed a beautiful piece of work to admire and look at but as you know with any guitar it’s all about the sound. I hope who ever is lucky enough to have this masterpiece plays it and treats it with TLC.

[@gavinw5469]

Tone wood is a lie.

[@mattsefton]

Absolutely beautiful instrument and craftsmanship

[@williamnichols6253]

This is the first time I've watched a boutique guitar video and thought "I really really really want that guitar"

[@thecookingfisherman]

just watched your build of this beautiful guitar only two years late, but i have to say better late then never. the sound is incredible. love that abilone

[@texasfossilguy]

I think youre the best luthier on youtube. These are all gems. I want to be your apprentice!

[@bradsims7089]

The finish on the back is incredible.

[@brfam1977]

I would have made a bigger deal about putting that label on the inside. Wow, that is some fine work and I can only imagine the pride you feel building something like that!

[@larrypearson]

Absolutely beautiful guitar and it sounds amazing.

[@Ditch1221]

That is out freaking standing work.

[@swainsongable]

What a great (if unorthodox) combo of cedar over maple (very Canadian ;) and do luv the palm rest bridge design !!!

[@guybross1200]

What a beautiful work of art, and the sound is very special. Thanks for the time, workmanship and love you put in your art. Guy from Ruskin FL.

[@richiebricker]

Arm relief on an Acoustic has got to feel so much better than the sharp edge were all use to

[@joeyoungs8426]

I have a couple cedar top acoustics and to my ears they absolutely trump spruce. I’d love to hear that with some GHS White Bronze. She sounds pretty amazing over the ether so I can only imagine in person. Personally I have a ‘plain jane’ aesthetic but I must say the craftsmanship is top notch. The bolt on neck was a surprise though I presume smart for future serviceability and I doubt it plays a significant role in altering the sound. Well done young man, I’m impressed.

[@brucelangsteiner4599]

WOW!!! Just, WOW!!!

[@alexanderelse1958]

What a fantastic guitar. As stunning as it looks it's the sound that really impressed me.

[@1993wethebest]

A 14 fret slotted.. those are some of my dream specs

[@matthewscheidt7754]

Gorgeous, you are a purist craftsman.

[@danielrivard9335]

it can sound mellow or crisp...Chris called it creamy in this video...loved her rich tone...

[@redorrick427]

I took was taken aback with the rich deep tone of this guitar, i was expecting a bright sound with all that maple.this is the tone im looking for in a guitar.great job,well done.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Me too haha thanks!

[@jikkermanccini]

This is what I plan to build my first guitar like (tonewood-wise, probably not luxury wise lol) and it's good to hear a demo of what I'm working towards!

[@shawncrews4789]

Wow, definitely one of the best sounding guitars I've ever heard.

[@blindcanseemusic]

Stunning looks and sound

[@gimarr]

Beautiful guitar with an amazing sound. I have to say that I’m not normally a fan of arm bevels but I do like the way it looks on this guitar. Beautiful instrument. Great work!

[@andrewdavies6273]

Wow this guitar is absolutely stunning...

[@savasacboz9653]

one of the best acoustic guitar sound I heard so rich and looks stunning

[@chrishuggins9223]

Thank you. Honesty RULES!

[@pastorbuckhall]

Wow. I'm very surprised and impressed by the bass response and balance of the tone. Beautiful sound, beautiful to look at. Well done!

[@mountainbushcraftersallian8654]

Artisan, both in build and understanding....excellent

[@tommylitchfield3450]

That thing looks and sounds amazing. I bet Open D would sound fantastic on this cannon!

[@chewyfingers1288]

Beautiful guitar. Sound as well.