Kevin Ryan "The Caldera" Nightingale Grand Soloist - European > Guitars Acoustic

Description

The Kevin Ryan "The Caldera" Nightingale Grand Soloist stands as a breathtaking masterpiece of lutherie, a shining testament to Ryan’s relentless pursuit of acoustic perfection. Kevin Ryan has long been a visionary force in the world of high-end acoustic guitars, pushing the boundaries of design, tone, and craftsmanship. His influence on modern lutherie is profound, from pioneering ergonomic innovations to refining bracing systems that elevate the acoustic guitar’s voice to new heights. At NAMM 2025, the unveiling of The Caldera is more than just an introduction—it is a revelation, a striking embodiment of artistry and sonic excellence.

As part of Ryan Guitars’ exclusive Cellar Door Series, The Caldera receives a one-of-a-kind top finish treatment, executed entirely by hand, ensuring that no two guitars in this lineage are ever the same. This proprietary process enhances the organic beauty of the European Spruce top, revealing a mesmerizing depth that feels as if the wood itself has been set aglow. Paired with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides, the guitar delivers a tonal profile as rich and deep as its aesthetic, with resonant lows, articulate mids, and a crystalline treble response that seems to hang in the air endlessly. The extended sustain allows notes to bloom and evolve, rewarding the player with a deeply expressive and immersive sound.

Every detail of The Caldera speaks to Kevin Ryan’s commitment to both elegance and engineering. The Venetian cutaway offers effortless access to the upper frets, while the Ebony binding theme and Violin back & sides purfling frame the guitar’s silhouette with sophistication. Blue Paua appointments adorn the body, from the top purfling to the bridge purfling, while the Blue Paua rosette, encircled by Black Tahitian Pearl purfling and a Blue Paua outer circlet, draws the eye to the heart of the instrument’s soundboard. The headstock purfling and Art Deco-inspired inlays on the fingerboard, bridge wings, and headstock add a refined, architectural elegance, blending vintage grace with modern precision.

Beyond aesthetics, The Caldera is a marvel of innovation. Ryan’s Innovation Suite—featuring the Ergonomic Bevel with Flutes, EO Bracing, Acoustic Honeycomb, Micro Adjustable Truss Rod System, Titanium Bridge Pins, and A5 "Racing Stripe" Kerfed Liner—ensures unparalleled comfort, structural integrity, and tonal responsiveness. The Gotoh Super 510 Black Chrome tuners with Ebonoid buttons and the embossed "R" logo provide rock-solid tuning stability with a touch of understated luxury. A Calton Flight Case houses this treasure, safeguarding it for generations of music to come.

With a 25.7" scale length, 1 3/4" nut width, and 2 1/4" bridge spacing, The Caldera offers an intuitive and dynamic playing experience. Weighing a mere 5 lb 1 oz, it is a featherlight extension of the musician’s soul, capable of delivering immense power or the most delicate whisper with equal ease. For those fortunate enough to experience its voice firsthand at NAMM 2025, The Caldera is not just an instrument—it is the pinnacle of Ryan Guitars’ artistry, a rare and resplendent jewel in the world of modern acoustic guitars.

Other specifications include:

European Spruce Top
Madagascar Rosewood Back & Sides
Venetian (Soft) Cutaway
Ebony Binding Theme
Blue Paua Top Purfling
Violin Back & Sides Purfling
Blue Paua Headstock Purfling
Blue Paua Rosette with Black Tahitian Pearl Purfling & Blue Paua Outer Circlet
Art Deco Tree of Life Fingerboard Inlay
Art Deco Fountain Headstock Inlay
Art Deco Bridge Wings Inlay
Blue Paua Bridge Purfling
Blue Paua R Logo
Gotoh Super 510 Black Chrome Machine Heads with Ebonoid Buttons and Embossed "R" Logo
Innovation Suite (Ryan Ergonomic Bevel with Flutes, EO Bracing, Acoustic Honeycomb, Ryan Micro Adjustable Truss Rod System, Titanium Bridge Pins and A5 "Racing Stripe" Kerfed Liner)
Calton Flight Case
Showcased at NAMM 2025
25.7" Scale Length
1 3/4" Nut Width
2 1/4" Bridge spacing
5 lb 1 oz
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