2008 David LaPlante Torres 'paper mache' replica
Kovacik Guitars presents this faithful replica of the famous 1860 Torres "paper mache" or 'cardboard' guitar built by upstate NY luthier David LaPlante in 2008. The guitar is as accurate a replica (inside and out) of the original made possible through information provided by Spanish luthier Joan Pellisa who, at the time, worked at the Barcelona Museum where the original Torres guitar resides. David had also personally seen the guitar when it was at the MET in 1993. The top and neck are of the standard Torres style construction, Torres seven symmetrical fan braces, kerfed linings with straight brace ends and rib blocks. The back and sides are a dense illustration board and are quite robust. Torres style rosewood friction pegs are used which were custom made to the original Torres specs (from a Torres guitar that was in David's shop 30 years ago) by UK luthier Bruce Brook. The action measures 4mm at the bass side and 3.5mm at the treble side which is quite friendly given the short 644mm scale. The nut is a very comfortable 50mm. The neck is a nice oval shape. This is a slightly smaller guitar than a modern classical measuring 345mm at the lower bout (as opposed to 360mm or larger for a modern guitar) and a depth of 90-94mm. The finish is French polish. In addition to the bridge and fret board, the head stock veneer and bindings are Brazilian Rosewood. As a result of the Brazilian components and the CITES restrictions that apply to this material, I am not offering international shipping on this item. This guitar has the tone of a high end hand made concert classical guitar. I have a sound file that I will attempt to attach to the listing, but I'm not sure if I can do that (never tried before). If you don't see a sound file posted here please feel free to contact me directly and I'll send you the file. The guitar is offered with a hard shell case that is somewhat generous in the fit, though the guitar will be securely padded inside the case for shipping.
Kovacik Guitars and Fretted Instrument Repair
3:08 PM
Money order, personal check (must clear before item ships), cashier check, wire transfer, Paypal.
I generally ship by UPS and will ship an item within 48 hours (usually the next day) of having received or cleared payment. Exact shipping costs will be added to the total for the buyer once the buyer has provided a shipping address. I insure everything for fulll purchase price.
Items are sold with a 48 hour approval period unless clearly marked "AS IS" in the listing. AS IS items are not returnable. If an item is going to be returned it is at the buyer's expense and the item must be shipped within 24 hours of the buyer notifying Kovacik Guitars of intent to return. Any returned items must be shipped in the original packaging and MUST be fully insured when returned. Once an item is returned to Kovacik Guitars and judged to be in the same condition as when originally sold a full refund will be issued.