| Kim Schwartz is a former Chicago area luthier now transplanted to the southwest. Highly regarded by many local Chicago area musicians (and those outside of Chicago, too!), his instruments cover a wide variety of styles from classical to electric to jazz. This classical has Wenge sides and back, an African tropical hardwood often used as a substitute for rosewood. It is actually tougher and less prone to cracking than Brazilian rosewood. This 1992 instrument has a clear, brilliant singing tone, with very open basses, and great depth. Despite the long scale, which we didnšt even notice until it was measured, it plays very easily. The condition is good, with minor handling and playing marks, near mint in appearance. Frets are like new and this is a value price for a well made individual luthier made instrument. We have seen dealers elsewhere offer these at nearly double the price. |
