Surprised by the Claxton Malabar

[gitarro]

Originally Posted by Deft Tungsman

Replace “Maple Malabar” with “Claro Traditional”, the rest of the sentence remains equally true !! Unless my playing is REALLY off, the Claxton always sounds deeply musical, regardless of context.

The EM-C on Dream Guitars looks stunning, for sure!! The “issues” sound minor but worthy of leveraging for a discount. Although I’m careful with my guitar, the ultra thin French polish finish on the soundboard is easy to put dents in. No biggie, if you love the guitar. Well repaired cracks, in my experience, are nothing to worry about either, provided you take proper care of the instrument thereafter.

The news in the guitar’s description that Ed Claxton has retired from building guitars saddens me. But that shall pass. I imagine that he’s enjoying his newfound freedom very much. Now that he’s hung up his apron for good, I wish nothing more for him than a long, healthy life, traveling across the land, pursuing his many other interests.

I thought Ed Claxton was still building in a semi retired sort of way, making the guitars he wants to make at his pace while being able to go on trips etc with his wife. If he has really finally retired for good, that is indeed sad because he is clearly one of the best luthiers of all during this golden age of lutherie and his work and personality will be greatly missed in the industry.

[usb_chord]

Originally Posted by gitarro

I thought Ed Claxton was still building in a semi retired sort of way, making the guitars he wants to make at his pace while being able to go on trips etc with his wife. If he has really finally retired for good, that is indeed sad because he is clearly one of the best luthiers of all during this golden age of lutherie and his work and personality will be greatly missed in the industry.

Chatted with him recently - He's "pretty much" retired

[gitarro]

Originally Posted by usb_chord

Chatted with him recently - He's "pretty much" retired

Well that's that then...I am glad that I have found this malabar then...

[PTL]

Originally Posted by gitarro

I am afraid my playing skills wouldnt do the guutar justice and on top of that i do not have any recording equipment that would be able to make a decent recording.

Thanks for the reply.

[iim7V7IM7]

Originally Posted by usb_chord

Chatted with him recently - He's "pretty much" retired

"Pretty much" is always the key word when it comes to guitar makers and luthiers.

While some do want to spend more time enjoying their families and the fruits of life, luthiers love their tools and their solo time at the bench in their shops. It is part of who they are. Yes, they slow down. Yes, the physical toll of years doing hard physical work catches up with them. Yes, they decide if they want to take commissions any longer and if they want to work with an individual. If they have a rented space, they may consolidate back into a home shop. Lastly, they stop when their work execution can no longer meet their high standards.

Like Ed, there are a number of great guitar builders that started in the 1970s, 80s and 90s that are now in their late 60s and 70s that are nearing the end of their time at the bench.

[usb_chord]

Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7

"Pretty much" is always the key word when it comes to guitar makers and luthiers.

While some do want to spend more time enjoying their families and the fruits of life, luthiers love their tools and their solo time at the bench in their shops. It is part of who they are.

Exactly! Well said.

[colins]

If you're hankering for a Malabar after reading this thread, there's one now for sale at LC. Awesome woods: Lucky strike redwood over BRW.

https://luthierscollection.com/guita...-fret-malabar/

[Cocobolo Kid]

Wow!!! That is a gorgeous Claxton Malabar. The Lucky Strike redwood top looks perfect, and the Brazilian rosewood is striking!