The Guitars of Jeffrey R. Elliott


Jeffrey R. Elliott
2812 S. E. 37th Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97202

Phone number: (503) 233-0836
WebSite: http://www.elliottguitars.com/


Models:

My instruments are based on the Torres/Hauser tradition in design, and are tailored to the individual. Aesthetics are important to me and are also addressed individually.

My basic model has either a spruce (European or Engelmann) or cedar top; East Indian rosewood or European maple back and sides; Spanish cedar or Honduras mahogany neck; ebony fingerboard; rosewood bridge; and a mosaic or spalted rosette. All instruments are French polished and Waverly tuners and a high quality hardshell case are included in the base price.

Click here to view the headstock

String scales are usually 65 cm, 65.5 cm, or 66 cm; string spacings are 43 mm at the nut and 57 mm at the saddle, although other scales and spacings can be accommodated. Necks are Spanish heel construction and are shaped according to the customer's preference. Instruments of Brazilian or African blackwood rosewood cost an additional $3,000, part of which will be donated to support responsible forest management. Rodgers, Alessi, and Graf tuners and custom cases are priced additionally at the time of purchase.

Click here to view an example of a chip carved rosette

Sound the luthier is seeking:

I consider the match between player and instrument a crucial relationship, and will work with the customer to achieve an instrument that is well suited musically, physically, and aesthetically. I also consider certain characteristics essential in all my guitars: sufficient power, volume, and projection for the large hall; a broad spectrum of dynamic responses, with a variety of colors, tones, and textures; crystalline clarity with good sustain; and evenness and balance throughout with good, clear separation string to string.

Click here to view closeup section of chip carved rosette

Other comments:

Due to the length of my waiting list, I am no longer accepting deposits for new commissions until further notice. However, occasionally one of my instruments becomes available for resale, which I often broker myself. All my pre-owned guitars are completely reconditioned and carry my full warranty. If you are interested in a pre-owned guitar, please feel free to contact me.


Purchase Policy

I make a limited number of guitars each. The current base price (as of January 2008) is $13,000. As it is sometimes necessary to adjust the base price, the final price cannot be quoted before six months of construction. One-half the purchase price is due at the time construction begins. The balance is due upon completion and before delivery.

Instruments with a carved rosette or having more than six strings cost an additional 10% per feature. Cutaways are 20% additional. Special materials, custom work, and electronics are priced additionally at the time of purchase.

All transactions must be in U.S. funds or equivalent, cash, money order, or certified bank draft. Final satisfaction of CITES or any other necessary export/import regulations are the responsibility of the owner.

Cutaway guitar

Warranty

My instruments are warranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for my life as an active luthier. I will not cover damage due to fair wear and tear, abuse, neglect, extremes of temperature or humidity, or natural disaster. Nor can I be responsible for the tendency of Brazilian rosewood occasionally to develop hairline fractures despite decades of proper seasoning.

Periodic maintenance is the responsibility of the owner and is a condition of warranty. Appropriate care accessories are included in the purchase of each instrument. Repairs or alterations not performed by myself risk cancellation of this warranty. Transportation expenses are the responsibility of the owner.

Returns

After fifteen days of receipt, if an instrument proves unsuited to the player, it can be returned for the purchase price, less the $500 deposit. If not in original condition, the cost of restoration will be deducted. Reimbursement will follow immediately upon resale of the instrument.


This page was originally created on 2/27/96 and was last updated on 5/24/2008.

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