Dake Traphagen, 2024
Spruce / Mahogany
Overview
This exceptional 2024 concert guitar by American luthier Dake Traphagen is a deeply personal instrument. Built by Dake for himself and held back for over a year, this guitar represents a no compromise example of his work, using materials he had been saving for decades and executing every detail at the highest level. We were truly honored when Dake asked us to represent this guitar, and it is immediately clear why he chose to keep it so close.
The star of the instrument is the breathtaking set of flamed mahogany used for the back and sides. Dake had been holding onto this wood for approximately 35 years, waiting for the right guitar. The depth and intensity of the flame is extraordinary, flowing seamlessly across both the back and the sides, and it recalls the historic use of mahogany by great Spanish makers such as Simplicio. The visual impact is stunning, but this wood also contributes to the guitar’s rich tonal complexity and unmistakable character.
Construction & Design
The guitar features a spruce soundboard with a traditional fan braced design inspired by the Hauser school, paired with a plantilla also based on classic Hauser proportions. The rosette is a beautiful, dark variation unique to this instrument, understated and elegant, and echoed subtly in other design details throughout the guitar.
Inside, the unfinished flamed mahogany is visible, along with Dake’s refined and elegant label. This guitar is clearly marked as a 2024 build, titled “Havana,” a nod to Cuban mahogany and the soul of the wood itself. The bridge is crafted from Brazilian rosewood and features a wheat motif in the tie block, a detail that is mirrored by a matching inlay running down the center seam of the back. These small, thoughtful touches elevate the instrument aesthetically without ever feeling decorative for decoration’s sake.
Playability
This guitar was set up by Dake specifically to our preferred specifications. The action is low and comfortable, measuring approximately 3.0 mm on the bass side and 2.75 mm on the treble at the 12th fret. The neck has a refined C shaped profile that sits right in the sweet spot, neither too thin nor too full, and the tall frets contribute to a confident, effortless feel under the left hand.
The headstock features Dake’s elegant and distinctive shape, veneered with beautifully tight grained rosewood. The tuners are Rubner El Sonido high end machines with white rollers, exceptionally smooth and precise, and the rear of the headstock is finished with an Indian rosewood veneer, a subtle and very classy detail.
Sound & Character
Tonally, this guitar is captivating. Despite being a spruce topped instrument with no prior owners, it already possesses a deep, dark fundamental that feels mature and grounded. At the same time, the treble strings shimmer with color and complexity, producing a high end that is lively, overtone rich, and expressive.
The sound has remarkable presence and projection, with a sense of depth and dimension that immediately draws the player in. It sweeps you off your feet with its volume, balance, and tonal color, offering both sweetness and layered complexity. The guitar responds beautifully across dynamic ranges and remains exceptionally well balanced in standard tuning, making it equally compelling for lyrical repertoire and more demanding concert works.
There is a rare combination here of warmth, clarity, shimmer, and power, and it feels like a guitar that rewards both subtle nuance and confident attack. Whether this character comes from the extraordinary mahogany, Dake’s evolving craftsmanship, or the synergy of both, the result is truly special.
Key Features
• Year: 2024
• Builder: Dake Traphagen
• Top: Spruce
• Back and sides: Exceptionally flamed mahogany
• Bracing: Traditional fan pattern
• Bridge: Rosewood with decorative wheat motif tie block
• Tuners: Rubner El Sonido high end model with white rollers
• Scale length: 650 mm
• Nut width: 52 mm
• Neck profile: Comfortable C shape
• Action: 3.5 mm bass side, 2.75 mm treble side
• Special designation: Named “Havana”
Condition
Brand new, built in 2024, and held by the maker himself until now. No cracks, no repairs, no issues. This is a mint, one owner instrument with exceptional materials and execution throughout.
About the Luthier
Dake Traphagen is an American luthier whose work continues to gain attention for its blend of traditional inspiration, refined aesthetics, and increasingly sophisticated tonal results. He is currently building guitars regularly for GuitarCollection.com, and this instrument stands as a benchmark example of his personal standard and artistic direction.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
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