I have lost count of the number of clients over the past two or three years who have suggested that I get to know the double tops of Brian Dunn who builds in Tucson Arizona. Finally I contacted Brian and invited him to bring a guitar for me to review, which he I hdid a few months later. In fact he brought with him several guitars, already owned by other clients, so that I could see and hear several versions of his instruments. I was prepared for a fine guitar based on the many clients who raved about them, but even still I was caught off guard by these magnificent guitars.

Let’s start with the tone and 'feel' that they offer. The guitar is made with Cedar from the famous "Ruck Log" that Robert Ruck owns, which produces some of the most spectacular and unique Cedar I have heard. The qualities are truly unique in that this particular wood has all the characteristics of Cedar, warmth, sustain, volume, yet unlike most Cedar, this wood also has many of the characteristics of Spruce, clarity, separation, precision. It is truly the perfect blend. Stunning wood, with a unique character unlike any Cedar I have heard. Just wonderful. The result is highly focused yet not at all restricted, super responsive and warm yet clear, precise yet musical, and a sound that begs you to explore what you can create next. I became an instant and enthusiastic fan. Even playing back near the bridge was a delightful experience because the guitar is unusually full and rich in that area where many guitars can be thin and almost tinny. It is perfect for multi layered melody lines due to the excellent separation of voices and the overall experience is purely delightful. The playability is excellent as well particularly in the upper registers, aided by a healthy elevated fingerboard, the elevation inbetween that you would find on a Dammann and a Humphrey or a Byers, maybe about mid way between those, so access is very enhanced in that area.

The workmanship is of the highest level, and the fret work is perhaps among the best I have ever seen. It is no surprise that when Sergio Assad needed the frets on his Humphrey re-done, and David Russell needed work on the frets of his Dammann that they both asked Brian to accomplish the task. Flawless.

The double top is a layer of the special "Ruck Cedar" as the outer top, and the highest quality European Spruce as the inner top, with Nomex ala Dammann in between and supported by specially designed fan bracing. The finish is lacquer, and the tuners are the finest in the world, Graf.

The Rosette, headstock and tie block are all ornamented in stunning Desert Ironwood, a wood so rare that it is protected and very difficult to come by. The use of this rare and wonderful wood adds a unique artistic accent as if to say 'this guitar is as rare and special as this wood'. A beautiful aesthetic, that at once is a nod to the traditional heritage of the guitar and at the same time reminds us that the guitar has evolved into a much more dynamic and contemporary instrument than ever before.

As my clients know, I politely decline many guitars from many Luthiers every year and only the finest examples are accepted to be presented along side the instruments of the best builders in the world. Brian’s guitars are perfectly at home here. Welcome.

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