Phone number: (314) 963-7485
Email: trein@reinguitars.com
WebSite: http://www.reinguitars.com
Options
Please contact me for prices of options.
This page was originally created on 3/23/96 and was last updated on
5/8/08.
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Models:
I have two different patterns that I use, one slightly smaller than the
other. The smaller size is similar in overall dimensions to a large-size
Hauser, although the shape is more rounded than the square-shouldered
Hauser. The larger pattern is similar to a full-sized contemporary Spanish
guitar like a Fleta or Ramirez. Generally, I prefer the smaller size for
spruce top guitars and the larger size for cedar tops. This has to do with
pure physics: the smaller size will create a lighter weight soundboard by
virtue of its smaller dimensions. This works well for spruce, which is
heavier by nature than cedar. By reducing the size of the soundboard
slightly, I can get the weight of the spruce soundboard to be essentially
equal to the larger cedar soundboard. A lighter weight soundboard will be a
more efficient amplifier of the string energy. Interestingly, the smaller
sized spruce guitar is equal in volume to the cedar top due to the balance
of the variables at hand. An option I offer is the double-side construction, which consists of gluing two pieces of 2mm thick wood together
for the sides. Many other well-known makers have used this technique for
years. It yields a more rigid side assembly, which in turn affects the way
the top responds. The largest difference in the sound is the increase in
separation between the notes. This separation increases clarity, which
makes the guitar appear louder. The conventional single side construction
is lighter in weight. When the notes are plucked on one of my single-sided
guitars, the whole body is set in motion and a vibrant, blended sound is the
result.
Prices - $4700 with Engelmann Spruce or Cedar Soundboard and Indian Rosewood body
Projected waiting period for delivery:
Varies. Please contact me for availability and delivery time.
Sound the luthier is seeking:
Sweet, lyrical, with excellent power, lots of tone color and a voice that
can express a wide range of emotions. I hope my guitars succeed in this
quest.
Preferred sound wood:
There is something magical about German and European spruce. Spruce is
probably the most difficult type of guitar to play well, as any problems
with right-hand tone production will be laid bare. This "shortcoming" in
spruce is actually an asset when the right-hand is optimized for spruce.
The degree of tone manipulation possible with differing string attacks and
pluck points is unparalleled. That being said, there are many first-rate
players who sound best on a cedar top guitar, and numerous touring and
recording artists use cedar guitars to great effect. There is no right or
wrong between spruce and cedar. It depends on what works best with a
particular player.
Optional available sound woods:
Aged European spruce.
Preferred back/side wood:
Any of the rosewoods: Indian, Brazilian, Honduras, African Blackwood.
Optional available back/side woods:
Brazilian or Honduras rosewood, African Blackwood, European Flamed Maple.
Preferred scale length:
650mm
Neck width (at nut):
52mm
Optional available neck widths (at nut):
Player's preference.
Thickness of neck (at first fret):
23mm
Other comments:
Throughout my career as a guitar maker, I have made every effort to build
guitars that are stable, easy to play, and well-constructed. My concept of
the ideal sound has changed over the 30 years I have been building guitars.
I have come to value "soul" or character as the number one priority in my
guitars. A powerful guitar without "soul" is like far too many people in
the world: noisy and lacking subtlety. The guitar is unique in the stringed
instrument world in that both hands are directly on the string and both
hands can influence tone production. I am building my current guitars with
these thoughts in mind. I strive to produce guitars that can express a wide
range of human emotions, from the profound to the frivolous. A lively,
responsive guitar that possesses first-rate power are some of the other
attributes I have always sought to achieve in my guitars.