Welcome to the "Corazon de Oro" Classical Guitars Website
Searching for a Heart of Gold ?
This new building technique creates a more solid, stable platform from which the various sound producing components of the instrument can all reach their full potential. In addition, this strong light platform or framework structure not only itself contributes to sound production but also serves to unify (not just couple) all of the component parts, thus producing very strong, well defined sound. The whole should be greater than the sum of its parts. All of the best current proven methods and materials should be incorporated into the building of the guitar in order to maximize the effect of the "Unibody" design. Finally, out of respect for those who have lovingly brought the guitar to where it is today, it should be beautiful, playable, and reflect the tradition it represents.
The Builder
It might be good to mention a little of my background. I have always been a woodworker, even receiving industrial arts awards as early as junior high school; boats, houses, furniture, and objects of art and signwork.My grandfather was a machinist and engraver at the Bulova Watch Factory in Sag Harbor, NY. My father was an aircraft mechanic and instructor at Eastern Air Lines for many years. They both had a strong influence on my mechanical interests today. As a child I pestered many a neighbor with my fascination for things mechanical. My bread and butter for the last 30 plus years though has been the design and construction of horsedrawn carriages (which includes design,woodwork, paintwork,upholstery, blacksmithing, welding, decorating, and other associated skills). While employed in this field (30+years for the same company), I also enjoyed building astronomical telescopes (20+ years) and doing occasional work for the Charleston Museum(America's first museum/1773) in Charleston, S.C., in addition to many other commissioned projects. Almost strangely though, it is my early sailboat racing, telescope work, and some other related pursuits that I seem to be bringing to the art of guitar making. (Did you realize that optics are distantly related to guitars and that harmonics help engines breath?) Like many, I started getting interested in the guitar from childhood, never really becoming an accomplished player, but always loving the instrument and the music and being particularly fascinated by the sound. My first serious guitar work was in 1965 as a senior in high school.
My guitars have been played and critiqued by not just a few accomplished musicians and have received very high marks. Recently several well recognized classical guitarists played the first one of this series for nearly an hour each, going back to it several times, and commenting "WOW! Who built this!?"and "Very lively". (I didn’t tell them at first that I was the builder). This was the best complement of all!
I build about four guitars a year; which means for you, a guaranteed limited production and full attention to each instrument. I can consult with you if you want one built to your specifications (as in the choice of woods and fittings). I am not a businessman nor do I aspire to becoming one. I am offering these fine quality handmade guitars at cost plus a fair markup in order to keep things going and to build more guitars. Still, these guitars may well appreciate in value as time goes on. All instruments in this series feature the exclusive"Unibody" construction method, original to "Corazon de Oro" Guitars, which easily delivers a sound quality and playability that equals or surpasses instruments costing many times more. (See Design Philosophy page.)
Note: Different types of woods that are used in the making of the instrument will produce slightly different colors of sound and musicality. But all "Corazon de Oro" Guitars are guaranteed to meet or exceed your expectations at any price level.
If you would like to see or play one of these special " Corazon de Oro" classical guitars, place an order, or simply ask a question, don’t hesitate to call me at my workshop at 864.718.0068 or email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Take a look at the Original Special Handmade "Corazon de Oro" Classical Guitar. They have a Heart of Gold!
Please continue on the "Design Philosophy" page
"He's not the best carpenter that makes the most chips" Anonymous
Many thanks to Jorge Nolla for performing "La Boheme" in the background.