Greg Smallman, 1998

Greg Smallman is one of the most innovative and influential luthiers of the modern era. His lattice-braced designs, famously played by John Williams, revolutionized the projection, sustain, and tonal power possible in a classical guitar. This 1998 example comes from a particularly desirable period in Smallman’s career — the very last year his labels read simply “Greg Smallman” before Damon and Kim Smallman were officially added.

It also hails from the era when Greg personally built his own heavy-duty flight cases, and this guitar still comes with its original, extremely robust custom Smallman case.

This instrument has been played and concertized for more than 25 years and carries honest signs of use — small marks, nail wear, and surface scratches — but remains in excellent structural condition with no cracks. The light wear gives it a comfortable, broken-in feel without the worry of adding the first mark to a pristine top.

• Top: Cedar, lattice braced

• Back & Sides: Amazon rosewood (arched back)

• Neck: Comfortable medium C profile

• Year: 1998 (last year before Damon and Kim Smallman joined label)

• Original custom-built Smallman flight case included

• Condition: Excellent structural condition (no cracks or repairs, original polish). This guitar was played professionally, so there is lots of evidence of it with scratches and wear. 

Tone & Playability
This guitar delivers the hallmark Smallman experience: huge volume, exceptional sustain, and a rich overtone palette. Compared to more recent examples, it has a slightly more natural, broken-in tonal character, likely owing to decades of cedar top vibration and maturation.

The basses are cavernous, blooming with depth and power, while the trebles are clear, singing, and fully present — never overpowered. Dynamic range is vast, allowing for effortless pianissimo playing that still carries in the hall, and fortissimo passages that fill the space without harshness.

The neck profile is extremely comfortable, with a medium C-shape and low, buzz-free action. The balance between responsiveness and control makes it an inspiring instrument for both concert performance and recording.

Provenance & Legacy
Smallman guitars from the late 1990s are highly sought after, not only because of their association with players like John Williams, but also because they capture a sweet spot in Greg’s evolution as a maker — blending monumental projection with an organic tonal warmth.

This 1998 example is an opportunity to own a piece of classical guitar history from one of the most important luthiers of our time.

If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com