Douglass Scott, 2024
Cedar / Indian Rosewood
Overview
The Canadian luthier Douglass Scott has quietly developed a reputation for building guitars that strike a rare balance between traditional Spanish character and modern playability. A trained classical guitarist himself, Scott approaches guitar building from the perspective of a performer, something that clearly informs the responsiveness and ergonomics of his instruments.
This 2024 guitar, No. 147, is a compelling example of his work. With a cedar top and Indian rosewood back and sides, it delivers the warmth, depth, and immediate responsiveness players expect from a modern concert instrument. Scott’s guitars are widely appreciated for their ability to combine the lyrical warmth of a traditional Spanish guitar with the clarity, power, and balance that modern players demand from a concert instrument.
Several thoughtful modern features elevate this guitar further. A miniature tornavoz helps enhance the body resonance and bass response, while the soundport with magnetic cover allows the player to fine-tune how much direct sound reaches the ear. Combined with the armrest and a comfortable modern neck profile, the instrument feels highly refined and performance-ready.
Despite its cosmetic wear, this guitar remains a superb musical instrument. The rasgueado marks and signs of play reflect an instrument that has been actively enjoyed, but structurally it remains strong and vibrant, with all the tonal richness and responsiveness one would expect from a recent Douglass Scott.
Sound
Douglass Scott guitars are known for combining the warmth and lyricism of a great Spanish instrument with the power, clarity, and balance modern players expect from a concert guitar.
This example follows that tradition beautifully. The cedar top produces a warm, responsive voice with excellent projection and clarity across the entire register. The basses are deep and supportive, providing a strong foundation without overwhelming the instrument, while the trebles are punchy, singing, and highly articulate.
One of the defining characteristics of Scott’s guitars is their exceptional balance and separation. Even in complex textures, individual voices remain clear and distinct. The result is a sound that feels both powerful and refined, capable of filling a hall while still retaining the lyrical character that makes traditional Spanish guitars so appealing.
The miniature tornavoz contributes additional warmth and depth to the body resonance, helping the bass register feel full and rounded while maintaining the openness and clarity that define Scott’s work.
Playability
Douglass Scott approaches guitar building from the perspective of a trained classical guitarist, and his instruments consistently reflect a deep understanding of what performers need from a concert guitar.
This instrument features a 650mm scale length and 53mm nut width, offering a spacious but comfortable feel in the left hand. Scott’s neck profiles are typically slim and highly ergonomic, allowing the guitar to feel fast and effortless even during demanding passages.
The setup is low and comfortable, making the guitar highly responsive to both subtle articulation and powerful attack. The integrated armrest improves right-hand comfort while allowing the soundboard to vibrate more freely.
The soundport with magnetic cover provides an additional level of flexibility, allowing the player to adjust how much sound reaches the ear during performance or practice.
Overall, the guitar feels lively, cooperative, and extremely easy to play, encouraging both expressive phrasing and technical precision.
Aesthetics & Craftsmanship
Douglass Scott’s work is typically understated and elegant, prioritizing clean execution and tonal performance over excessive ornamentation.
The cedar top displays the warm golden hues typical of a mature concert instrument, while the Indian rosewood back and sides provide a beautiful contrast with their deep, dark figuring. The miniature tornavoz, discreet soundport system, and integrated armrest reflect Scott’s thoughtful integration of modern design elements without compromising the guitar’s traditional aesthetic.
Gotoh tuners provide reliable, smooth operation and complement the guitar’s practical, musician-focused design.
Condition
This guitar shows visible signs of regular musical use.
There are scratches and rasgueado marks on the top, along with some areas of finish wear and light whitening on the back. These marks are consistent with a guitar that has been actively played rather than stored away, and they do not affect the structural integrity or performance of the instrument.
Overall, it remains a strong and vibrant example of Douglass Scott’s work, with all of the tonal richness and responsiveness expected from a recent instrument by this maker.
Specs
Maker: Douglass Scott
Year: 2024
Number: #147
Top: Cedar
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 53mm
Bracing: Traditional fan bracing
Tornavoz: Miniature tornavoz
Soundport: With magnetic cover
Armrest: Yes
Tuners: Gotoh
Condition: Visible signs of play including scratches and rasgueado marks on the top, with some finish wear on the back
Worldwide shipping is available.
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
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