English Classical Guitar (James Baker ) £500 £600 N Essex

[haruki]

James Baker Classical Guitar – Made in England (well Hackney to be precise) £600.    now £500

Handmade classical guitar which I’ve had from new (about 25+ years ago) made by a chap called James Baker – he didn’t make a lot of guitars but there are a few around and he a had a good reputation amongst English makers.  I think he  has subsequently moved to Ireland.  I seem to remember him saying this was one of his graduation pieces – its got some nice little decorative touches. 

It has an unusual combination of woods – cedar top and cypress back and sides – more like a flamenco. Its very light and produces clear bright tone and is pretty loud..  The nut width is a smidge narrower than many so would suite somebody with smaller hands – though I’ve played it ok with my fat fingers for many years.

There a some scratches and marks on the top but these are purely cosmetic.  Structure is fine and its never given me a problem.  I don’t want to courier but   your welcome to try in North Essex or I can bring into central London  or meet up somewhere convenient.

 

 

 

Edited October 18, 2021 by haruki

[Shaggy]

Nice - from the description I'd say it was built as a flamenco (I have 3.......)

[haruki]

8 minutes ago, Shaggy said:

Nice - from the description I'd say it was built as a flamenco (I have 3.......)

thx - yes I thought that too .  But  it has a cedar top and the maker said he intended  to be a classical - but the cypress makes it brighter.  I think somewhere there is a matching requinto.  

Either way my flamenco is rubbish so  I've used it for usual classical stuff

 

 

[adledman]

hi, any chance of some more pics please? neck and headstock? many thanks

[haruki]

13 hours ago, adledman said:

hi, any chance of some more pics please? neck and headstock? many thanks

Hi sorry just seen this.  Bit tied up today will post something tomorrow. 

 

[haruki]

17 hours ago, adledman said:

hi, any chance of some more pics please? neck and headstock? many thanks

OK some picks of head neck which are in good nick .  .I got David Merrin (he makes guitars in Bedfordshire )  to  give it a good sort out a few years back including french polishing the top.   Hardly played it since then though.