About the luthier

Philip Woodfield is a seasoned British luthier whose instruments have been celebrated for over three decades for their exceptional clarity, powerful projection, and expressive musicality. Drawing on his own experience as a guitarist, Woodfield designs each guitar with a clear understanding of the player’s needs, ensuring comfort, responsiveness, and a wide tonal palette. His guitars have earned the admiration of renowned performers such as Marcin Dylla, Scott Tennant, and the Kupinski Guitar Duo. Built in limited quantities, Woodfield's instruments are both rare and highly sought after, with a current waiting time of approximately five years for a new build.

About the guitar

Named “Edo,” this 2019 concert guitar bears the number 416 and represents Woodfield’s lattice-braced design philosophy at a mature stage. The spruce top delivers immediate response and broad dynamic flexibility, while the back and sides, crafted from striking Amazonian rosewood, enhance the guitar’s depth and projection. The instrument's voice is bold yet refined, offering remarkable volume without sacrificing balance or tonal integrity.

Tonally, “Edo” is expansive and focused, combining the power and immediacy typical of lattice-braced instruments with a distinctly lyrical and nuanced tone. It offers a slightly dark timbre, with a broad range of expressive shading and a strong core to each note. There’s a notable nasal quality to the midrange that lends the sound both character and presence, while the basses remain round and supportive. The guitar excels in separation, allowing each note in a chord or passage to stand clearly defined.

With a 65 cm scale and a comfortable 48 mm nut width, this guitar provides superb left-hand playability, ideal for players seeking ergonomic ease without compromising projection. The setup feels fluid and fast under the fingers, inviting confident, articulate phrasing. Whether on stage or in a recording environment, “Edo” delivers both power and subtlety in equal measure, wrapped in a refined visual aesthetic that is unmistakably Woodfield.

Condition

Built in 2019, this guitar shows light, typical playing wear on the top, consistent with careful use. The original finish remains in good condition, with no cracks or repairs. Structurally stable and sonically pristine, it is concert ready and well preserved.

Philip Woodfield

Philip Woodfield - 2019 No. 416 "Edo"