1986 Thomas Humphrey "Millennium" SP/CSAR

This is a fine example of the famous "Millennium" model, which was pioneered by the late American builder, Thomas Humphrey, and played by countless concert artists over the past 2 decades, including Sharon Isbin, the Assads, Eliot Fisk, Ben Verdery and many others. The revolutionary design consisted in re-thinking the bracing of the soundboard with the purpose of increased transmission of tone, as well as playability - perhaps the most famous feature of this model is the elevated fingerboard, a practice which has been adopted by several other makers since Humphrey popularized it on the classical guitar scene. This example from 1986 has the trademark quality of tone known to Humphrey lovers - a powerful, "hollow" and very focused sound which makes these instruments particularly well-suited to the concert stage where added projection is welcomed by audience and player alike. Materials are striking - especially the lush set of CSA rosewood used for the back and sides. Apart from the center seam below the bridge having been lightly re-glued, the guitar is in excellent condition.