Altamira "Sor" Model, 2025

New: ONE brand new 2025 model just arrived! All the same woods as the one photographed below. 

Overview

This handmade "Sor" model from the Hanson Workshop at Altamira is a beautifully crafted tribute to the small-bodied Mirecourt instruments played by Fernando Sor, René Lacôte, and other makers of the early 19th century. Built in late 2024 and finished with remarkable attention to period detail, it captures the charm, immediacy, and expressive flexibility of the original designs while remaining versatile for modern playing.

The spruce top is paired with striking flamed maple back and sides that will naturally darken over time, just as surviving historical examples have aged into deep coffee and chocolate hues. At 630 mm, the scale length is 20 mm shorter than a modern concert guitar, offering a noticeably relaxed feel under the left hand and effortless stretches across the fingerboard. The guitar is extremely comfortable to play thanks to a slim C-shaped neck and very low, consistent action.

Although inspired by the instruments of Sor’s era, this model is not limited to period repertoire. It is a joy for standard classical repertoire, original compositions, casual practice, and anything that benefits from an intimate, malleable tone. The reduced tension gives the player a remarkable sense of control over color, articulation, and dynamic shading.

Key Features

• 630 mm scale

• Spruce top

• Flamed maple back and sides

• Slim C-shaped neck

• Very low action (approx. 3.5 mm on the 6th string, just over 2.5 mm on the 1st)

• Traditional bridge pin setup

• Altamira Hanson Workshop interior label (late 2024 build)

• High playability and relaxed left-hand feel

• Supplied with a compact Altamira-branded lightweight case with backpack straps

Sound and Playability

This model has an inviting, vibrant character that feels alive under the fingers. The lower tension allows the player to move the string easily and shape phrases with exceptional nuance. The first string is especially lively, with a sweet yet confident presence. The shorter scale and smaller body size remove the sense of tonal fragility that some players associate with first-position passages, making the guitar feel natural, grounded, and comfortable across the entire fingerboard.

The sound is charming and colorful, with a wider dynamic range than one might expect from its size. Period-appropriate strings bring out a warm, woody bass response and a gentle shimmer in the trebles, but modern strings can be used to brighten the sound and give more contemporary punch.

Whether you are exploring Sor, Coste, or Legnani, or simply want an expressive and unique instrument to practice and compose on, this guitar offers a refreshing and deeply musical experience.

Additional Notes

The included Altamira case is compact, sleek, well padded, and highly portable. It is roughly the size of a viola case, making this a perfect travel companion.

Contact

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com

Please note: Free UPS 2nd day air shipping is included if paid via a feeless method. Please contact for payment information.