Once again I must express my deepest gratitude to my friend Robert Ruck who was responsible for suggesting to me that I should meet with Andy Marvi, and discover his guitars. Since then, several years ago, I have been so impressed with Andy's guitars that I have thanked Robert on multiple occasions for the referral. The list of notable players who now play Marvi guitars is ever expanding and a fine tribute to the quality and character of his unique building style. Influenced by Romanillos, Bellido,Imai and Yague, Andy has cultivated an exotic and distinguished character in his instruments that is at once familiar as somehow Spanish in its origin, and yet something much more modern than what is thought of as the traditional Spanish guitar. This unique voice, while hard to describe in words, has attracted a wide following of superb players.

This guitar is quintessential "Marvi" in this way. It defies categorization, being unique in its own right, it can only be described as "a Marvi". The first thing that impressed me, before I was able to even sound a note, was the extreme ease of fretting the notes. Very, very comfortable, fluid, effortless, before you even strike the note you are already relaxed. The notes then appear, more than they are 'played' seeming to follow your emotions and thought more than the mechanical efforts of your fingers. Wonderful. And still what happens next is even more mesmorizing, a totally unique tonal character as unique as an individual fingerprint, a blend of traditional and contemporary seldom found. At once "Spanish" and yet somehow exciting and 'contemporary' at the same time. Warm and noble, rich and complex would describe the personality of this guitar. The G string is a perfect bridge between trebles and basses, not the clunky tubby G that we all want to avoid. Trebles are glassy and smooth and basses are rich and full of warmth. This guitar oozes emotion.

Andy doubles the sides, not unlike Bernabe, using maple, a building style which results in increased volume and a nice accent to the tonal colors as well. He also believes in running the neck all the way to the sound hole, which he feels results in increased stability at the junction of the neck and body, and also allows for improved sustain, timbre and responsiveness above the 12th fret.

Andy uses a twelve hole tie block, and 2oth half fret, an elevated fingerboard, Graf LF tuners and the guitar is French Polished in shellac beautifully. This is a wonderful and unique guitar that will appeal to any player who loves tradition but want just a bit 'more', thanks Andy...

Lean more about Andrés Marvi

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