Thomas Humphrey, 2000

Please note: This is an abbreviated description. A full listing with additional details and playing impressions will be available soon.

This 2000 Thomas Humphrey “Limited Edition” Millennium is an exceptionally rare example from one of the most important American classical guitar makers of the modern era. While Humphrey’s raised fingerboard model had long carried the “Millennium” name, only a very small number of true Limited Edition instruments were made in the year 2000, using his finest materials.

This guitar arrived somewhat as a mystery, with only a brief description and no photos. What we found was far more exciting than expected: a year 2000 Limited Edition Millennium with a beautifully figured spruce top, top-grade Brazilian rosewood back and sides, lattice bracing, carbon fiber reinforcement, and one of Humphrey’s unmistakable elevated fingerboards. In many ways, this design helped define the modern raised-fingerboard classical guitar.

The sound is exactly what one hopes for in a great Humphrey: huge, woody, open, and powerful, yet still elegant and refined. It has the punch and projection associated with his later, most sought-after lattice-braced instruments, but with a warmth and musicality that makes it immediately compelling. It is easy to understand why so many of the world’s great artists performed and recorded on Humphrey guitars, and why many still hold on to them so dearly.

Maker: Thomas Humphrey
Model: Millennium “Limited Edition”
Year: 2000
Top: Spruce
Back and Sides: Brazilian rosewood
Bracing: Lattice braced with carbon fiber reinforcement
Finish: French polish
Scale Length: 650mm
Nut Width: 52mm
Condition: Excellent, near mint condition with no cracks or repairs. Fret ends could use light polishing.

This Humphrey is a dream to play. It has a very round, comfortable neck profile and low action, making it feel immediately inviting in the hands. The raised fingerboard is also something to behold, both visually and functionally. It is one of the defining trademarks of Humphrey’s Millennium design, and it gives the guitar a distinctive elegance while also making access to the upper register feel remarkably natural.

This guitar is in excellent condition with no cracks or repairs. The Brazilian rosewood back and sides are especially beautiful, and the spruce top is clean and well preserved. The only note is that the fret ends could benefit from some light polishing, as they are slightly sharp.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable versions of Thomas Humphrey’s Millennium model, built in the year 2000 as a Limited Edition with his finest materials. If you have been looking for a truly great Humphrey, this is a very special one.

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