{"product_id":"greg-smallman-1998-cedar-indian-rosewood","title":"Greg Smallman 1998 Cedar \/ Indian Rosewood","description":"\u003cp data-end=\"859\" data-start=\"423\"\u003eGreg Smallman is one of the most innovative and influential luthiers of the modern era. His lattice-braced designs, famously played by John Williams, revolutionized the projection, sustain, and tonal power possible in a classical guitar. This 1998 example comes from a particularly desirable period in Smallman’s career — the very last year his labels read simply \u003cem data-end=\"804\" data-start=\"787\"\u003e“Greg Smallman”\u003c\/em\u003e before Damon and Kim Smallman were officially added.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1035\" data-start=\"861\"\u003eIt also hails from the era when Greg personally built his own heavy-duty flight cases, and this guitar still comes with its original, extremely robust custom Smallman case.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1369\" data-start=\"1037\"\u003eThis instrument has been played and concertized for more than 25 years and carries honest signs of use — small marks, nail wear, and surface scratches — but remains in excellent structural condition with no cracks. The light wear gives it a comfortable, broken-in feel without the worry of adding the first mark to a pristine top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1389\" data-start=\"1371\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1387\" data-start=\"1371\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"1767\" data-start=\"1390\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1420\" data-start=\"1390\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1420\" data-start=\"1392\"\u003eTop: Cedar, lattice braced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1468\" data-start=\"1421\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1468\" data-start=\"1423\"\u003eBack \u0026amp; Sides: Amazon rosewood (arched back)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1492\" data-start=\"1469\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1492\" data-start=\"1471\"\u003eScale Length: 650mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1512\" data-start=\"1493\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1512\" data-start=\"1495\"\u003eNut Width: 53mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1551\" data-start=\"1513\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1551\" data-start=\"1515\"\u003eNeck: Comfortable medium C profile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1574\" data-start=\"1552\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1574\" data-start=\"1554\"\u003eFingerboard: Ebony\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1644\" data-start=\"1575\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1644\" data-start=\"1577\"\u003eYear: 1998 (last year before Damon and Kim Smallman joined label)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1700\" data-start=\"1645\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1700\" data-start=\"1647\"\u003eOriginal custom-built Smallman flight case included\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1767\" data-start=\"1701\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1767\" data-start=\"1703\"\u003eCondition: Excellent structural condition (no cracks or repairs, original polish). This guitar was played professionally, so there is lots of evidence of it with scratches and wear. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2069\" data-start=\"1769\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1791\" data-start=\"1769\"\u003eTone \u0026amp; Playability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1794\" data-start=\"1791\"\u003eThis guitar delivers the hallmark Smallman experience: huge volume, exceptional sustain, and a rich overtone palette. Compared to more recent examples, it has a slightly more natural, broken-in tonal character, likely owing to decades of cedar top vibration and maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2367\" data-start=\"2071\"\u003eThe basses are cavernous, blooming with depth and power, while the trebles are clear, singing, and fully present — never overpowered. Dynamic range is vast, allowing for effortless pianissimo playing that still carries in the hall, and fortissimo passages that fill the space without harshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2586\" data-start=\"2369\"\u003eThe neck profile is extremely comfortable, with a medium C-shape and low, buzz-free action. The balance between responsiveness and control makes it an inspiring instrument for both concert performance and recording.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2885\" data-start=\"2588\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2611\" data-start=\"2588\"\u003eProvenance \u0026amp; Legacy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2614\" data-start=\"2611\"\u003eSmallman guitars from the late 1990s are highly sought after, not only because of their association with players like John Williams, but also because they capture a sweet spot in Greg’s evolution as a maker — blending monumental projection with an organic tonal warmth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3020\" data-start=\"2887\"\u003eThis 1998 example is an opportunity to own a piece of classical guitar history from one of the most important luthiers of our time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-end=\"3025\" data-start=\"3022\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3116\" data-start=\"3027\"\u003eIf you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at \u003cstrong data-end=\"3114\" data-start=\"3085\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"mailto:evan@guitarcollection.com\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"\" data-end=\"3112\" data-start=\"3087\"\u003eevan@guitarcollection.com\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3244\" data-start=\"3118\"\u003ePlease note: Free UPS next day air shipping is included if paid via bank wire. International shipping available, please contact me for an accurate quote.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Guitar Collection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50601175220516,"sku":"","price":37000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0938\/1543\/9652\/files\/Reedits-4.jpg?v=1770741516","url":"https:\/\/guitarcollection.myshopify.com\/products\/greg-smallman-1998-cedar-indian-rosewood","provider":"Guitar Collection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}