Douglass Scott, 2026

Douglass Scott guitars have become some of the most sought-after traditional concert instruments in the world. With a multi-year waitlist and demand from top players internationally, his instruments are admired for their rare ability to combine the warmth and lyricism of a great Spanish guitar with the power, clarity, and balance modern concert players expect.

This 2026 instrument, No. 162, was a custom order for a client, and it is a superb example of Scott's latest work. It is built on a 628mm short scale, and that is the first thing worth noting, because it is remarkable how much sound Scott has coaxed out of it. The cedar top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides give the guitar a robust, muscular, and deeply singing voice that you simply do not expect from a shorter scale. Fresh out of the box and up to pitch, it is already open, alive, and full of character.

Modern appointments including a soundport with removable magnetic cover, a raised fingerboard, an integrated armrest, and elegant Alessi tuning machines make this an exceptionally refined and comfortable concert guitar, while Scott's newest rosette design gives it a fresh, quietly beautiful signature at the soundhole.

This instrument has already found its owner. If you would like an instrument like this one, please contact us to reserve the next Scott to arrive.

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Specifications

Luthier: Douglass Scott
Model: No. 162
Year: 2026
Top: Cedar
Back & Sides: Solid Indian Rosewood
Construction: Traditional five fan bracing
Finish: French polish
Scale Length: 628 mm
Nut Width: 51 mm
Fingerboard: Raised fingerboard
Features: Side sound port with removable magnetic cover, armrest
Tuners: Alessi tuning machines
Strings: D'Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
https://ddar.io/guitar-collection
Condition: New

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Sound

For a 628mm guitar, the power here is genuinely surprising. The voice is robust and macho yet lyrical and singing all at once, with a clarity and openness that runs the length of the fingerboard.

The trebles are the immediate showstopper. The first string is remarkably open and expressive, and notes seem to explode off the string, especially as you climb into the upper positions where the guitar really comes alive. The basses roar with authority and depth, giving the instrument a foundation that belies its scale. Sustain is exceptional, with notes that bloom and hang in the air long after they are struck.

The overall impression is of an instrument that is both muscular and elegant, powerful enough to project in a concert setting while rewarding the most delicate, colorful touch.

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Playability

Scott's background as a classical guitarist is immediately apparent in the feel of his instruments. The 51mm nut width and 628mm scale make for an easy, comfortable, and fast setup that is a genuine pleasure under the left hand, particularly for players who find a standard 650mm scale a stretch.

The raised fingerboard allows easy access to the upper register, the integrated armrest greatly improves right-hand comfort during long sessions, and the side soundport with removable magnetic cover lets the player tailor how much direct sound reaches the ear. Altogether the guitar feels lively, responsive, and beautifully refined in the hands.

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Aesthetics & Craftsmanship

Scott's work is elegant and understated, prioritizing tonal performance and clean execution over excessive ornamentation. The cedar top has a warm, inviting appearance, complemented beautifully by the dark figuring of the solid Indian rosewood back and sides, all finished in traditional French polish.

The standout visual detail is Scott's newest rosette design, a fresh and tasteful signature that suits the instrument perfectly. Modern elements including the raised fingerboard, integrated armrest, magnetic soundport cover, and Alessi tuning machines are all integrated seamlessly into the design.

Internally, the guitar is built with a five fan bracing pattern with small reinforcing patches flanking the center seam, part of what gives this compact instrument its surprising power and sustain.

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New. Just arrived and up to pitch.

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