Thomas Humphrey, 1998

This 1998 Thomas Humphrey “Millennium” is a beautiful and highly collectible example of one of the most important modern American classical guitar designs. Built with a spruce top and striking Brazilian rosewood back and sides, this guitar has the visual elegance, projection, and unmistakable playing experience that made Humphrey’s Millennium model so influential.

The top is in exceptionally clean condition, with only very light signs of use, and the Brazilian rosewood has a deep, dark, chocolatey figure that gives the guitar a particularly luxurious presence. There is one professionally repaired crack in the back and sides, but overall the guitar remains in excellent condition with only small signs of wear throughout.

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Specs

Luthier: Thomas Humphrey
Year: 1998
Model: Millennium
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 52mm
Tuners: Gotoh Premium
Condition: Excellent
Repairs: One repaired crack in the back and sides
Strings: D’Addario XTC45FF, carbon G and B, with the first string replaced by a high tension Pro Arte nylon 1st string
String Link: https://ddar.io/guitar-collection

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Final Thoughts

This is a fantastic example of Thomas Humphrey’s celebrated Millennium model: powerful, colorful, easy to play, and visually stunning. With its spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, elevated fingerboard design, and excellent overall condition, it offers both historical importance and a deeply rewarding playing experience.

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

Sound

The sound is colorful, immediate, and full of life. This guitar has the kind of voice that feels direct under the fingers, with notes that speak right away and sustain beautifully. The spruce top gives it clarity and definition, while the Brazilian rosewood adds depth, richness, and a gorgeous bass character.

What stands out most is the evenness. The upper register is unusually strong and consistent, with notes that remain present, full, and singing across the fingerboard. The guitar has a large palette of colors, from clear and lyrical trebles to growling, resonant basses, making it an inspiring instrument for players who want both power and nuance.

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Playability

Humphrey’s Millennium design is famous for its elevated fingerboard, which gives the player easier access to the upper register while retaining the feel and balance of a classical guitar. This 1998 example is very comfortable to play, with a 650mm scale and 52mm nut width that will feel familiar to most concert players.

The response is immediate and satisfying. It does not feel like the sound arrives after the note is played. Instead, the guitar speaks right away and holds the sound beautifully, giving the player a real sense of control.

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Aesthetics & Craftsmanship

Visually, this is a stunning guitar. The spruce top is remarkably clean for a 1998 instrument, with no significant string dings or heavy wear around the bridge area. The Brazilian rosewood back and sides are especially beautiful, with a deep, dark color and dramatic figuring that stands out immediately.

The rosette is also a highlight, elegant and distinctive, and the overall impression is of a guitar that has been carefully preserved while still being a serious concert-level instrument. The Gotoh Premium tuners complete the package with smooth and reliable performance.

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