Yan Lei, 2025
Spruce / Indian Rosewood
This is my first encounter with the work of Chinese luthier Yan Lei, based in Tianjin, and I have to say I am extremely impressed. This guitar, his 69th build, shows not only refined craftsmanship but also an exciting voice that competes easily with double tops at far higher price points.
From the moment you pick it up, the guitar feels featherlight in the hands, yet with a presence and resonance that immediately respond to even the softest touch. It is an incredibly easy instrument to play, with low action and plenty of room for adjustment.
Key Features
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Top: Spruce double top with Nomex core
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Back & Sides: Indian rosewood with attractive purfling details and center strip
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Scale Length: 650mm
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Nut Width: 52mm
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Neck: Comfortable profile with raised fingerboard for easy upper fret access
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Aesthetics: Elegant rosette and tie block motifs, tasteful headstock design, brass baseplate tuners
The Sound
This guitar combines responsiveness, power, and balance in a way that is rare at this price point. Even the lightest touch brings out a full, rich sound with a surprising depth in the basses and sparkling clarity in the trebles. Chords ring evenly across all voices, with beautiful overtones and natural sustain.
Certain notes glow with extra presence, adding excitement without ever becoming uneven or wolfy. It is the kind of character you might expect from some of the finest traditional guitars, while offering the responsiveness and projection that double tops are known for.
It is hard not to be inspired when playing this guitar. It feels effortless, rewarding, and musical at every turn.
Condition
Brand new, pristine, and representative of Yan Lei’s growing reputation as one of the most promising builders in China.
If you are seeking a lightweight and powerful double top that competes with instruments on multi-year waitlists and much higher price tags, this Yan Lei 2025 is one to strongly consider.
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