Dake Traphagen, 2024

It’s not every day that you get in a guitar that sounds this old, that is this new. Here is the latest and greatest guitar from the esteemed American luthier Dake Traphagen.

It’s no secret that many luthiers are inspired by Francisco Simplicio’s guitars (the great Spanish/Barcelona maker of the early 1900’s). It’s that enchanting bass, and lovely velvety character with complex overtones they are after. But many fall quite short. In my opinion, that’s usually with the trebles, they just don’t always live up to the expectations that the gorgeous bass sets.

That’s not the case with the guitar. It’s basses are magical, so magical that you forget to play the trebles, but when you do, you are reminded that there is another world to discover there. Simply magical. Please just have a listen to the video.

This one is brand new from Dake and I’m thankful he gave me the opportunity to represent it. I’ve had a few of his guitars now and was excited to make this video, as I’m very fond of both Dake’s instruments, and Simplicio’s instruments, which this guitar’s bracing is inspired by.

It also has modern appointments, like a soundport, which comes with a “plug”. Check out the “open vs closed” comparison I made in my Youtube review of this guitar. I tend to prefer it open, but it’s nice to have the option!

Here are the quite astonish specs, please note the age of the Spruce and Rosewood!

70 year old Indian rosewood back and sides

35+ year old German spruce top

650mm scale

52mm wide nut

Ebony fretboard

Spanish cedar neck

650mm Scale

52mm nut width

French polish finish

Brazilian rosewood bridge

Crossrock fiberglass case

 

Dake's guitars don't seem to stick around long, so if you're looking for a great new instrument and are captivated by the sound as I am, snag this one!