{"product_id":"charles-cao-2025","title":"Charles Cao 2025","description":"\u003ch4 data-end=\"436\" data-start=\"423\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eThis guitar has been spoken for. Please contact me to discuss reserving the next Charles Cao guitar to arrive.\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"436\" data-start=\"423\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"552\" data-start=\"437\"\u003eSome guitars impress immediately. Others reveal, within a few notes, that they were built for serious music making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"820\" data-start=\"554\"\u003eThis 2025 cedar double top from Charles Cao was collected directly from the maker’s workshop in Chengdu, China, and very quickly distinguished itself as a complete modern concert instrument: immediate, powerful, richly colored, balanced, and remarkably controllable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"985\" data-start=\"822\"\u003eIt proved impossible to put down during extended playing sessions, consistently drawing the player back night after night. That kind of response is always telling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1386\" data-start=\"987\"\u003eVisually, the guitar is restrained and purposeful. A simple rosette, clean lines, and a minimalist aesthetic keep the focus exactly where it belongs, on sound. Beneath that understatement lies a double top design capable of explosive projection across the register, with crystalline trebles, a vast and open bass, and an unusually broad dynamic range that remains stable even at the softest volumes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1499\" data-start=\"1388\"\u003eIt is a serious concert guitar in every sense of the word, and a standout example of Charles Cao’s modern work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1499\" data-start=\"1388\"\u003eFor those interested in learning more about Charles’s background and philosophy, an in depth interview filmed in his Qingyuan workshop offers valuable insight into his process and influences:\u003cbr data-end=\"891\" data-start=\"888\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/YxPHYh-jNXc\" class=\"decorated-link\" data-end=\"919\" data-start=\"891\"\u003ehttps:\/\/youtu.be\/YxPHYh-jNXc\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"1518\" data-start=\"1501\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2309\" data-start=\"1519\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1537\" data-start=\"1519\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1537\" data-start=\"1521\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1530\" data-start=\"1521\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2025\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1564\" data-start=\"1538\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1564\" data-start=\"1540\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1550\" data-start=\"1540\"\u003eMaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Charles Cao\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1610\" data-start=\"1565\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1610\" data-start=\"1567\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1575\" data-start=\"1567\"\u003eTop:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cedar double top with Nomex core\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1673\" data-start=\"1611\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1673\" data-start=\"1613\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1625\" data-start=\"1613\"\u003eBracing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Five fan bracing with targeted reinforcements\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1759\" data-start=\"1674\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1759\" data-start=\"1676\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1695\" data-start=\"1676\"\u003eBack and sides:\u003c\/strong\u003e Wenge, chosen for its Brazilian rosewood like tonal character\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1806\" data-start=\"1760\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1806\" data-start=\"1762\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1773\" data-start=\"1762\"\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e French polished back and sides\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1839\" data-start=\"1807\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1839\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1826\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003eScale length:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1837\" data-start=\"1827\"\u003e650 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1868\" data-start=\"1840\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1868\" data-start=\"1842\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1856\" data-start=\"1842\"\u003eNut width:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong data-end=\"1866\" data-start=\"1857\"\u003e52 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1917\" data-start=\"1869\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1917\" data-start=\"1871\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1888\" data-start=\"1871\"\u003eNeck profile:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comfortable modern C shape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2002\" data-start=\"1918\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2002\" data-start=\"1920\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1945\" data-start=\"1920\"\u003ePlayability features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Raised fingerboard, scooped heel for upper fret access\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2055\" data-start=\"2003\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2055\" data-start=\"2005\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2029\" data-start=\"2005\"\u003eFingerboard markers:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5th, 7th, and 12th fret\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2140\" data-start=\"2056\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2140\" data-start=\"2058\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2072\" data-start=\"2058\"\u003eHeadstock:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manuel Ramirez inspired silhouette associated with several modern makers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2217\" data-start=\"2141\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2217\" data-start=\"2143\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2154\" data-start=\"2143\"\u003eTuners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Perona: Smooth action with black rollers and imitation ivory buttons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2309\" data-start=\"2218\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2309\" data-start=\"2220\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2241\" data-start=\"2220\"\u003eStrings:\u003c\/strong\u003e D’Addario XTC45FF with a nylon high tension Pro Arte first string\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"2337\" data-start=\"2311\"\u003eSound and Playability\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2620\" data-start=\"2338\"\u003eAcross the register, this guitar feels immediate and alive under the right hand. The first string is vibrant and sensitive, offering crystalline clarity and an unusually broad dynamic palette. Soft playing remains stable and focused, while harder attacks unlock impressive headroom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2828\" data-start=\"2622\"\u003eThe second string blends seamlessly with the nylon first despite the carbon setup, avoiding the muted quality sometimes heard on new guitars. The third remains colorful and articulate even high up the neck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3114\" data-start=\"2830\"\u003eThe basses are open and expansive in the best modern double top tradition, with real punch available on demand and an easy path toward a cello like bloom. The fifth string can be driven aggressively without losing refinement, and the sixth is large, responsive, and deeply satisfying.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3314\" data-start=\"3116\"\u003eUpper register work feels natural thanks to the raised fingerboard and scooped heel, while the neck profile disappears in the hand. Balance, speed, and control define the overall playing experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3314\" data-start=\"3116\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCurrently strung with \u003cstrong data-end=\"2886\" data-start=\"2865\"\u003eD’Addario XTC45FF\u003c\/strong\u003e, featuring carbon G and B strings paired with a nylon high tension first string, a setup that complements the guitar’s clarity and projection while preserving tonal color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3330\" data-start=\"3316\"\u003eCondition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3436\" data-start=\"3331\"\u003eBrand new 2025 guitar, collected directly from the maker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-end=\"3460\" data-start=\"3438\"\u003eAbout the Luthier\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3801\" data-start=\"3461\"\u003eCharles Cao is a highly accomplished builder and guitarist whose work is informed by close study of exceptional historical and modern instruments. While his double top might be his most exciting work yet, it rests on the deep foundation of hundreds of traditionally built guitars built by him and his brother, giving his modern designs a rare blend of refinement and authority.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Guitar Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52001852326180,"sku":null,"price":12000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/1543\/9652\/files\/Cao2025-2-2_4dba3165-cd2e-4c11-b5b6-051e619d933a.jpg?v=1770750525","url":"https:\/\/guitarcollection.myshopify.com\/products\/charles-cao-2025","provider":"Guitar Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}