R. L. Mattingly Classical Guitar (1986), made in Long Beach, California, French polish finish, Indian rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany, hard shell case.
This is a very fine handmade classical built by the late Bob Mattingly, who crafted his instruments individually in Long Beach California in the '70s and '80s. An extremely high-grade concert guitar, this instrument carries Mattingly's signature and wax seal and is marked 1986-7. The mahogany neck carries a 3-piece center laminate; the back and sides are very fine-grained Indian rosewood and all features are top grade.
Mattingly guitars are very individual instruments, as he constantly experimented with his designs. This is a very traditional Spanish-style instrument, the only oddity being two side position dots at the 5th and 7th fret positions. This guitar has been well-played and has an excellent sound, and remains all original except for a set of handmade Gilbert tuning pegs.
Overall length is 40 in. (101.6 cm.), 14 5/8 in. (37.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 2 1/8 in. (54 mm.).
Clean overall with some light wear -- small scratches, dings, etc., but no heavy finish loss. The guitar has been played fairly extensively but has no major repairs; the back seam has opened slightly and has been resealed. This guitar has a very good sound with plenty of depth and volume. A nicely aged concert instrument. Excellent - Condition.
