X-BRACED GUITARS
The x-braced models are closely based on a range of golden-era guitars made by Martin and Gibson between 1900 and the early 1930s.
You can check out the range of x-braced models in the gallery section here
Each Wandering Boy guitar is custom-made, meaning the instrument
can be tailored for you, drawing upon a diverse range of inspiration from
the guitars of this golden era of sound.
Please use the Contact page to discuss all options and pricing.
1918 MARTIN-STYLE
SizE-0
The size-0 is a small bodied, concert-sized guitar with a charming, sparkly woody tone.
This model is a steel-stringed carry-over from the 19th Century when it was the largest size instrument that Martin offered.
The size-0 is a 12 fret model and features a body with a 13.5" lower bout, with a 24.625" scale.
Options include a variety of marquetry and hand-painted decorative element, pearl inlay, and antique-style finishes.
1932 GIBSON-STYLE L-00
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The L-00 is an incredibly versatile medium-sized instrument that also serves as the bases for my Nick Lucas and L-2 models. L-00s have captured the imagination of many contemporary players, chosen for its rich, punchy bass and well balanced rich tone across all strings. Great for both flatpicking and fingerpicking!
I offer my L-00s in both 12 and 13 fret variations, and my 13 fret versions are based on the rare limited run of instruments made in 1932. I use Gibson's short-lived early method of light construction of those much-loved transitional instruments, but I have shifted the position of the braces to properly support the bridge and strengthen the top in general, which Gibson neglected to do back in the day.
Dimensions are all pretty much standard L-00 - 14.75” at the lower bout, 24.625” scale, 1.75” nut width and 12’ fretboard radius.
You can check out the L-00s, Nick Lucas and the L-2s gallery here
1934 GIBSON-STYLE ROY SMECK
The Roy Smeck is essentially the resonant, lightly built 12-fret ancestor of the contemporary Gibson Jumbo and is a great option for folks looking for a large guitar that is a more earthy, soulful alternative to Martin’s boomy dreadnought. I have based my model on the early light weight ‘34 version with two tonebars instead of three in the later, heavier versions. This guitar is essentially a huge version of my L-00, giving it a full, rich, warm woody tone with lovely projection without being too boomy or crowded with overtones.
Dimensions are 16” at the lower bout, 24.625” scale, 1.75” nut width and 12’ fretboard radius.