About the luthier

Ashley Sanders is a luthier based in South Australia who has been building guitars for more than two decades. Originally trained as a cabinet maker, he produced custom furniture for antique dealers and interior designers. This background in fine woodworking remains evident in the structural precision and material control of his instruments.

His entry into the classical guitar world came through the encouragement of an Adelaide luthier who recognised the quality of his craftsmanship and offered early guidance. Although initially drawn to steel string acoustics, Sanders developed a lasting commitment to the tonal depth and visual restraint of the classical guitar. He builds only a small number of instruments each year, favouring gradual refinement and close attention to each individual top. As he formulates his approach:

“In reality I hope the guitars will be accepted and played, based on their merits alone with less of my story involved.”

About the guitar

This No. 77 from 2026 is a lattice braced concert guitar with a cedar soundboard and Australian Blackwood back and sides. The lattice is reinforced at the intersections with black dyed maple veneer rather than carbon fibre, creating a structure that combines stability with flexibility. The result is an instrument of remarkable immediacy and volume.

The voice is notably loud, yet never coarse. It carries easily into the room with a bright and sweet upper register that evokes a distinctly Spanish colour. The balance across the strings is strikingly even, almost piano like in its consistency, allowing chords and polyphonic textures to unfold with clarity and order. The response is quick and elastic, giving the player a sense of direct connection to the sound.

Despite its powerful projection, the tone retains refinement. The basses are clear and supportive, the trebles luminous without sharpness. Australian Blackwood lends definition and focus, complementing the lively cedar top. The neck profile contributes significantly to the overall impression, offering a natural comfort that makes the instrument feel inviting and fluid in the hands. It is a guitar that encourages exploration while maintaining structural poise.

Ashley Sanders

Ashley Sanders - 2026 - No. 77