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 Douglass Scott No. 147 is an especially compelling example of his work. Despite its immense power and responsiveness, this is not a lattice guitar or double top, but rather a traditionally built seven fan braced instrument with a rich, overtone-filled voice and a deeply musical character. The cedar top and Indian rosewood body produce a warm, open sound with exceptional clarity and projection, while modern appointments such as the miniature ebony tornavoz, raised fingerboard, soundport with magnetic cover, and seamlessly integrated armrest make this an extraordinarily refined and comfortable concert instrument. Well played over its first two years of life, the guitar already has the openness and maturity of a much older instrument.
Sound
Douglass Scott guitars are known for combining the warmth and lyricism of a traditional Spanish guitar with the power, balance, and responsiveness demanded by modern concert players.
This example stands out immediately for its projection and overtone content. Every note seems surrounded by a natural chorus of sympathetic resonance, giving the guitar an almost glowing quality throughout the fingerboard. Despite this richness, the sound remains remarkably clear and balanced, with deep supportive basses, punchy trebles, and excellent separation between voices.
One of the most impressive aspects of this guitar is how forgiving and relaxed it feels under the hands. While highly responsive and capable of tremendous power, it never feels tense or overly exposed. Instead, the guitar feels cooperative, secure, and effortless to shape dynamically.
The miniature ebony tornavoz subtly deepens the body resonance, adding warmth and richness without sacrificing clarity or openness.
Playability
Douglass Scott’s background as a classical guitarist is immediately apparent in the feel of his instruments, and this guitar is no exception.
The 650mm scale and 52.5mm nut width provide a spacious but highly comfortable setup, paired with a slim ergonomic neck profile that feels fast and effortless in the left hand. The raised fingerboard allows particularly easy upper fret access, while the integrated ebony armrest greatly enhances right-hand comfort during long playing sessions.
The setup is very low and responsive, yet the guitar remains stable and buzz-free even under aggressive attack. Combined with the soundport system and exceptionally lively response, the instrument feels highly refined, modern, and extremely easy to play.
Aesthetics & Craftsmanship
Douglass Scott’s work is elegant and understated, prioritizing tonal performance and clean execution over excessive ornamentation.
The cedar top displays a warm mature appearance, complemented beautifully by the dark figuring of the Indian rosewood back and sides. Scott’s rosette work remains tasteful and precise, while modern elements such as the miniature tornavoz, raised fingerboard, ebony armrest, and magnetic soundport cover are integrated seamlessly into the design.
The Torres-inspired headstock and Gotoh tuners with black rollers complete the guitar’s refined, player-focused aesthetic.
Condition
This guitar shows visible signs of regular musical use, including scratches, nail marks, and rasgueado wear on the top, along with some finish wear on the back and sides.
These marks are entirely consistent with a well-played concert instrument and do not affect the structural integrity or performance of the guitar. In many ways, the openness and maturity of the sound reflect how actively the instrument has been enjoyed over its relatively short life.
Specs
Maker: Douglass Scott
Year: 2024
Number: #147
Top: Cedar
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 52.5mm
Bracing: Traditional seven fan bracing
Tornavoz: Miniature ebony tornavoz
Soundport: With removable magnetic cover
Fingerboard: Raised fingerboard
Armrest: Ebony armrest
Tuners: Gotoh with black rollers
Finish: French polish
Strings: D’Addario XTC-45FF with nylon normal tension first string
Condition: Visible signs of play including scratches, nail marks, and rasgueado wear on the top, with some finish wear on the back and sides
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If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com
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