2020 Andy Culpepper "Starry Night" CD/MP

Prior to building, Andy started to play classical guitar as a teenager, and later transitioned into flamenco - he even studied flamenco in Spain and has since done a good amount of performing - solo, accompanying and dance. As with many luthiers, Andy's first guitar was to build himself an instrument to play on but after showing the guitar around, he began getting orders, and so eventually decided to become a full-time luthier. His formal studies were done with Richard Cogger, a classical and flamenco guitar maker in Ithaca. Andy shared work space with him for a couple of years before establishing his own shop where he continues to work today. So his guitars are truly a "players" instrument, very easy to play and responsive to both the left and right hands.

This guitar is traditionally built in the Spanish style, with a sound crafted to satisfy the modern concert guitarist. It has plenty of power, clarity, openness, and separation to fill a concert hall, but also has a beautiful voice that makes it hard to put down. It is loud and penetrating without being boomy and has great sustain and a rich, but controlled overtone content. Made with cedar for the soundboard and maple for the back and sides, it has a big rich sound with a lovely "golden glow" that shimmers around each note. It has a lightweight feel, with a big explosive attack followed by a rich sound of big overtones in every note. Andy designed a special new rosette for this guitar, which was inspired by the colors in Vincent Van Gogh's famous painting "Starry Night". This bold decision has been elegantly executed, particularly in Andy's use of the various shades of blue which also appear as one of the veneers in the head, and in the tie-block. Absolutely stunning detail! Overall an excellent and well-made concert instrument by any standard.