NGD: Tom Sands OO
 

In about a week, Tom will be delivering his latest guitar to me.

You may have read threads from Adamski about Tom (Tom Sands - Somogyi's new apprentice), and I was certainly intrigued by the glowing reports. I missed the meetings where they were played by a bunch of UK enthusiasts with universal plaudits, but decided to order a Tom Sands guitar despite never holding one. I was excited about commissioning an instrument from a young luthier, before he started making a real name for himself.

In July 2016 an e-mail dialogue rapidly ensued - I asked for an OO, like Adam's. Tom replied:

Some of the build pictures:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/s0rlvr6o3djv57i/ts1.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/t0n1rwreiedis18/ts2.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/55ioz5lppgty7gh/ts3.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9yyfewssfhsr8bn/ts4.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/heanooq0vbmw9ex/ts5.jpg?dl=1

During the build we have batted some suggestions and ideas back and forth, but I have let Tom make most of the decisions. This project was partly about the support to a luthier near the beginning of his journey, developing his tone and aesthetic.

The guitar been french polished, and has made it from Somogyi’s workshop in California, to Yorkshire in the UK. It has been strung, recovered from jet lag, and adjusted to both climate and life itself.

Tom has taken some high res pictures, and I guess I'll post these soon - but not before I see the guitar. More later!

It's going to be magnificent I'm sure.

I really am looking forward to seeing it.

Nice job.

Thanks, Adam. Your reports and fine demos were the drivers for this. So it's your fault! ;)

Congrats! I did play one of Tom's 00s at the recent Artisan Show here in the States. He certainly has a way with small guitars. I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

I'm sorry...

Would you like me to have it instead?

😂

Adams 00 is a lovely, sweet guitar with a big voice: I think you are going to be hugely impressed.

I'm personally a big fan of the french polish finish (I have a few nylons finished this way) but it doesnt offer the ding protection that nitro does. No big deal for me since I'm very careful with my guitars.

I've never heard of T'zalam but I guess 99.99% of people here haven't either? It certainly looks great and if Tom says it's the real deal then I would be confident it is.

Cheers,
Steve

Looks great I love what would call a modern approach to the Rosetta .
;)

....and this!

About time I posted some pictures!
 

All this Sands traffic on the forum reminds me that I haven't posted pictures of my completed instrument:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/aqmbz4q759q9a14/ts13.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/zj5ceorh57tpmya/ts12.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/i5xkhlgik6m7nww/ts9.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/l46adqqya16yg2h/ts7.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/97080m7c8g7z3my/ts10.jpg?dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gnka2u483fsegtx/ts6.jpg?dl=1

After a few weeks, the impression I have of the sound is that it is very good indeed. It is impressively loud for a small instrument, quite direct and articulate, with good balance. In some respects, understandably, it is a "teenager" - lots of energy and enthusiasm. Further refinement will come with age, over the coming months.

On Sunday, we had four Sands guitars in the same room. Mine seemed to stack up with the rest, which is pleasing! :)

Every aspect of the build is gorgeous, congrats!

This guitar is really lovely. I played it a few days ago and it is big, warm, supple and complex. Sounds far bigger than its 00 moniker would suggest. It is also beautifully put together and the woods are knockout.

I was particularly impressed by the fact that it sounds so open so shortly after being born. Perhaps that's some of the legendary 12-fret mojo?

A winner for sure.

Cheers,
Steve

Thank you! :D

Congrats! I loved this one too when I seen Toms pics. Love that Copper!

Thanks, Chad. I just subscribed to your YouTube channel. ;)