Raymond Kraut Mod-D African Blackwood

Craig's preamble:
"Typically, when I give my POV, you’ll read my take on the instrument first. Here's a taste: This is a very seductive instrument, from its looks to the way it sounds and its playability - the way it just wants to be held and played. That said, Raymond Kraut is a passionate builder of exceptional instruments, and is very clear about what he does, and more importantly, why. I think it's important for you to understand his POV as well, and he graciously accepted my invitation to give you some insight into his thinking."

Raymond Kraut on this guitar:
"This instrument was designed to be for the player. The African blackwood is light weight and responsive. It's paired with an Italian spruce soundboard that I personally picked to have an optimal amount of stiffness and weight. That's one of the main ways I achieve the responsiveness necessary for my style of instrument. That combination allows me to voice the guitar in a way that will create a very lively instrument that can handle many different styles.

"The dynamic range is broad and allows even the lightest touch to produce a complex and stimulating sound. If you choose to drive the guitar more aggressively, it can handle the increase of energy without breaking up and sounding washed out. This voicing technique is what really makes this instrument a valuable tool for a musician who plays in any style of music.

"I built this instrument with a 25 1/4" scale length - which I find to be optimal for both playing comfort and tension on the guitar soundboard. I used a 20" fingerboard radius to allow for maximum flexibility in style and comfort. The pairing of the scale length and the fingerboard radius combine to give this guitar the sort of ease of playing you'd find on an electric.

"One of my goals in creating an instrument is to visually inspire the musician. Some of my most powerful memories have been at museums while viewing pieces that altered my perception of the possible. That sensation is what I strive to achieve in each of my own instruments. It inspires me because it makes me think differently. It brings out thoughts and ideas that I had previously never considered, and it clears all the ambient distractions. My hope is that musicians will see and play my instruments, and have the opportunity to be as inspired as I’ve been."

I think Ray captures beautifully the thought that he puts into his instruments. And he captures the instrument's qualities perfectly. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of playing one of Ray's instruments, let me give you some perspective:

To me this guitar is a modern sounding flattop that is truly inspiring to play. Ray's Modified Dreadnought is wonderfully articulate and even in tone with a rich and powerful quality to its bass note. It keeps its character throughout the whole playing range. I love that about this instrument. It's a Kraut Modified Dreadnought from top to bottom.

It's a perfect guitar for all around playing styles, with a truly seductive throaty bottom end, smooth and woody midrange and a high end that is clear and crisp, never thin or 'tinny' sounding. It's touch sensitive to delicate fingerstyle playing but is a downright cannon when pushed hard. Even at the loudest strums this Mod-D will not choke out on you.

Ray is one of the most meticulous and artistic builders out there and every aspect of this guitar is created to draw the player in. It's simply stunning to look at. From the body design to the premium African blackwood, every angle, every nuance is well though out and executed with skill and care.

But as much as it wants to be stared at and admired (love the rosette Ray!), it also wants to be held and strummed and inspiring to you, the player.

To me, one of its greatest benefits (and I echo Ray's POV here) is the way he's shaped the neck. It's simply one of the best feeling necks I've ever played on an acoustic guitar. Perfectly shaped and profiled with the modern player in mind.

A superlative instrument; stunning looks, perfectly balanced sound and amazing playability. All here in one luscious flat top.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT KRAUT GUITARS
Ray Kraut’s passion for responsive sound and artistic innovation in guitar building developed under a two-year apprenticeship with Master Luthier Ervin Somogyi. Through Somogyi’s famed voicing techniques and building styles and with Lewis Santer’s (Somogyi’s shop manager) daily instruction on repair and building techniques, Kraut mastered a unique voicing and visual style that reflects the quality of his luthier education. Kraut is recognized world wide for the quality of sound, craftsmanship, and art of his guitars and is annually invited to the most recognized luthier exhibitions such as the Healdsburg Guitar Festival, the Montreal Guitar Show, the Woodstock Guitar Show, The North West Musical Instrument Show, and the Luthiers Showcase Exhibit at the NAMM show. Today, Kraut lives in Eugene, Oregon where he builds twelve custom guitars annually. His guitars are collected world wide, from Japan to Europe, and across North America. Each guitar is entirely unique and expresses the relationship Kraut builds with each of his clients.