Ed Claxton’s Malabar model strikes a fine balance between Parlor and OM: intimate and colorful dynamic range, plus added power and projection. This particular example is a beauty with Brazilian Rosewood and Engelmann Spruce, 12 fret neck, and a 1 7/8” nut for comfortable lefthand work. The setup is slinky and smooth, holding up well for dropped and altered tunings, and with a sub-four-pounds playing weight it’s so comfy to boot.
The voice is lush and smooth, with an easy blend between bass, mids, and treble. Big chords sound out sweet and envelop you; a perfect instrument for spacious airs. Built in 2003, this Claxton is still in excellent shape, with the added bonus of having opened up for going on two decades.
"Ed Claxton is one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet, and he builds a guitar that to me is complete. The Malabar is a small body, 00-size guitar but the sound is like that of an OM. Warm, round bass response plus clear, strong melody notes that will surprise you and inspire you." - Paul Heumiller
02-01-2021, 12:46 PM
2003 Claxton Malabar, Brazilian Rosewood/Engelmann Spruce
