Saeid Aboutalebian, 2026

This brand new 2026 Saeid Aboutalebian No. 67 represents the latest evolution from one of the most exciting makers working in the modern double top world today. Built in Valencia, Spain, this guitar reflects Saeid’s steady refinement of his design, improving on the smallest details with each instrument.

While many balsa double tops tend toward a brighter, more immediate character, Saeid’s guitars stand apart with a deeper, richer tonal profile that still retains the explosive responsiveness players expect from a double top. The result is an instrument that feels incredibly powerful and reactive, yet still carries a distinctly Spanish voice.

One of the most striking characteristics of this guitar is how hard it can be driven. It belongs to that rare class of double tops that invites the player to really push the instrument. The harder you play, the more the guitar seems to come alive, yet it never loses its core tonal identity or begins to feel strained. At the same time, it is equally capable of delicate pianissimo playing, producing a beautiful range of colors and nuance.

With only 67 instruments completed to date, it is remarkable how refined Saeid’s work has already become. The growing international demand and long wait list for his guitars make instruments like this increasingly difficult to obtain.

Specifications

Luthier: Saeid Aboutalebian
Year: 2026
Number: 67
Top: Cedar / balsa double top
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
Construction: Doubletop
Scale Length: 650 mm
Nut Width: 52 mm
Air Resonance: Around F#
Fingerboard: Elevated with 20th fret access, slight radius
Neck Profile: Slim C-shape
Frets: Tall, wide
Bridge: Indian Rosewood
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF with normal tension nylon first string
https://ddar.io/guitar-collection
Condition: New, signed and dated 2026, No. 67

Sound

This guitar produces a deep, rich voice that feels slightly darker and more grounded than many balsa double tops. The main air resonance sits around the F# range, contributing to the guitar’s strong low end and full-bodied response. Across the spectrum, the sound sits beautifully between clarity and overtone richness: notes remain clear and defined, yet every plucked string activates a complex halo of sympathetic vibrations that fills the room with sound.

Each string feels incredibly alive under the hands. Notes jump off the guitar with a sense of immediacy and energy that makes the instrument feel almost like a sports car with a very sensitive accelerator. It delivers enormous headroom when pushed, yet still produces beautiful colors at softer dynamics. The basses are particularly impressive, offering a deep, almost drop-D-like richness even in standard tuning, and the guitar maintains exceptional balance across the entire range, with no weak areas and a remarkable sense of evenness from string to string.

Playability

Playability is exceptionally refined. The slim C-shaped neck sits comfortably in the hand, while the slightly radiused ebony fingerboard makes barre chords noticeably easier and more natural. The raised fingerboard allows effortless access to the upper register, including the added 20th fret. The setup is very low and fast, yet the guitar remains surprisingly resistant to buzzing even when played with considerable power, and tall, wide frets further contribute to the smooth playing feel, making shifts and articulation feel easy and precise.

Construction & Design

Visually, Saeid’s work continues to evolve in subtle but meaningful ways. The Romanillos-inspired rosette reflects a classic Spanish aesthetic, while the updated label design is clean, understated, and elegant. The back and sides feature a beautiful dark set of Indian rosewood, understated and traditional in appearance, allowing the craftsmanship and proportions of the instrument to speak for themselves. The overall construction feels precise, thoughtful, and mature, especially impressive considering this is only instrument number 67 from the maker.

About the Luthier

Saeid Aboutalebian, originally from Iran and now based in Valencia, Spain, has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting rising luthiers in the modern double top world. His guitars are increasingly sought after for their powerful projection, sensitivity, and distinctive tonal depth. With a growing international wait list and instruments already appearing in the hands of serious players, Saeid’s guitars are rapidly becoming recognized as some of the most compelling contemporary double tops available today.

Brand new, 2026 build.