About the luthier

René Baarslag, born in Heerlen, Holland in 1948, is a distinguished guitar maker who blends mechanical precision with the lyrical traditions of Spanish lutherie. After relocating to Granada, Spain, he studied under the legendary Antonio Marín and began a lifelong dedication to the classical and flamenco guitar. His deep technical foundation informs his pursuit of acoustic power and expressive depth, always grounded in the warmth and balance central to the Spanish sound. Throughout his career, René has been not only a builder but also an educator, sharing his insights and advancing the craft through courses and international seminars. His instruments are celebrated for their refinement, projection, and nuanced character.

About the guitar

This new 2025 double-top concert guitar by René Baarslag merges the elegance of traditional Granada construction with the performance capabilities of modern design. Featuring a cedar top and Madagascar rosewood back and sides, this instrument benefits from the warmth and color of traditional tonewoods while offering the enhanced projection and responsiveness of double-top architecture. French polish on both body and soundboard preserves the natural vibration of the wood and adds visual refinement.

Tonally, the guitar responds with immediacy and subtle control. The first string stands out for its liveliness and openness, encouraging a direct connection between touch and tone. The cedar soundboard imparts a natural warmth and roundness to the timbre, with soft overtones that support a full, enveloping sound. Separation remains clean and natural, while the resonance between F-sharp and G gives the instrument a grounded yet responsive body. Despite its projection, the sound retains an organic vocal quality — never forced, always expressive.

With a 650 mm scale, 51 mm nut, and a body weight of 1.790 g, this guitar offers physical stability and a balanced tactile experience. The setup responds well to both nuanced articulation and bold phrasing, making it a versatile choice for professional guitarists. René’s expertise and sensitivity as a builder are fully evident in this modern instrument, which honors the Granada school while advancing its sonic possibilities.

René Baarslag

René Baarslag - 2025 Double top