Ashley Sanders - 2026 - No. 77
Ashley Sanders - 2026 - No. 77
Details
Details
Overview
Overview
Shipping important note
Shipping important note
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Details about GPSR
Details about GPSR
Video overview
More details about the guitar
About the luthier
Ashley Sanders is a luthier based in South Australia who has been building guitars for more than two decades. Originally trained as a cabinet maker, he produced custom furniture for antique dealers and interior designers. This background in fine woodworking remains evident in the structural precision and material control of his instruments.
His entry into the classical guitar world came through the encouragement of an Adelaide luthier who recognised the quality of his craftsmanship and offered early guidance. Although initially drawn to steel string acoustics, Sanders developed a lasting commitment to the tonal depth and visual restraint of the classical guitar. He builds only a small number of instruments each year, favouring gradual refinement and close attention to each individual top. As he formulates his approach:
“In reality I hope the guitars will be accepted and played, based on their merits alone with less of my story involved.”
About the guitar
This No. 77 from 2026 is a lattice braced concert guitar with a cedar soundboard and Australian Blackwood back and sides. The lattice is reinforced at the intersections with black dyed maple veneer rather than carbon fibre, creating a structure that combines stability with flexibility. The result is an instrument of remarkable immediacy and volume.
The voice is notably loud, yet never coarse. It carries easily into the room with a bright and sweet upper register that evokes a distinctly Spanish colour. The balance across the strings is strikingly even, almost piano like in its consistency, allowing chords and polyphonic textures to unfold with clarity and order. The response is quick and elastic, giving the player a sense of direct connection to the sound.
Despite its powerful projection, the tone retains refinement. The basses are clear and supportive, the trebles luminous without sharpness. Australian Blackwood lends definition and focus, complementing the lively cedar top. The neck profile contributes significantly to the overall impression, offering a natural comfort that makes the instrument feel inviting and fluid in the hands. It is a guitar that encourages exploration while maintaining structural poise.
Regular care extends the life of the instrument
Even with careful use, a classical guitar may gradually change in appearance or respond to unstable storage conditions. Have a close look at your guitar regularly and be attentif to changes. If your instrument is suffering from its environement, it will let you know.
Protect Your Guitar: Handle with Care
Be mindful when touching your instrument with greasy or unwashed hands: any skin contact is a small attack on the varnish. Of course, a guitar is made to be played, but taking a few precautions helps preserve its beauty: wash your hands before playing, wear long sleeves, and avoid unnecessary direct skin contact with the body of the instrument.
Pro tip: Avoid playing with a button-up shirt, heavy jewelry, or a belt, as these can scratch the guitar. Also, make sure your guitar case is free of any objects that could damage the instrument during storage.
String care
A good habit to adopt is wiping down your strings briefly after each playing session. This small action significantly extends their lifespan and helps maintain a consistent, comfortable feel under your fingers.
Most importantly, clean strings are essential for keeping your instrument in tune. Corrosion, sweat, and dust can affect the uniformity of the strings and interfere with accurate tuning across the entire fingerboard.
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting your guitar in tune, it might be time to change the strings. A useful test is to compare the pitch of the 12th fret harmonic with the fretted note at the 12th fret; if there's an unusually large gap between them, your strings may have lost their integrity and should be replaced.
Keep Your Shellac Finish Shining!
Got a guitar with a shellac (French polish) finish? Here's a simple trick: Take a clean microfiber cloth and gently breathe on the surface to create a light mist. Then, softly rub to remove fingerprints, sweat, and grease. That’s usually all it takes to keep it looking great, no products needed!
Pro tip: Every few years, treat your guitar to a check-up with a luthier to keep it in top shape.
Storing Your Guitar: Climate Matters
Your guitar can safely stay outside its case, as long as the surrounding environment maintains 42–55% humidity and a temperature between 18–25°C.
Keep in mind that humidity levels can still fluctuate inside the case, especially during seasonal changes.
- Too much humidity may cause overtightened strings and a dull tone.
- Too little humidity can lead to a bulging top, string buzz, or even cracks.
Avoid placing your guitar near radiators, air conditioners, or windows with direct sunlight.
Pro tip: Always close your guitar case while playing. This helps preserve a stable microclimate inside the case, so your instrument is protected the moment you put it back in.