2008 Kronbauer Koa/Sitka Small Body

I sourced this nice set of lightly flamed koa quite a while ago and planned this guitar with Trevor's help. Because Kronbauers have been in such high demand over the past couple years, completion of it was delayed until the end of 2008. Now that it's finally here, I'm very, very pleased at how it turned out. Trevor's fine crafstmanship and good eye for wood combinations make this a special instrument. The koa contrasts nicely with maple purfling and rosewood binding, and the walnut (with sapwood) rosette contrasts nicely with the creamy sitka top. I like the graceful lines of Trevor's small body shape with the venetian cutaway, and the gorgeous multi-piece mahogany/bloodwood/maple neck is exquisite.

As for the tone, the small body size, 12 fret configuration, and Trevor's bracing combine to give a bright, delightfully crunchy, balanced modern sound with strong note separation. The sitka top can definitely hold up to heavy picking or strumming, but in my estimation this is first and foremost a fingerstylist's instrument. This end of 2008 Kronbauer offers Trevor's quality workmanship and solid standard features with just the right upgrades.