Yulong Guo "Philharmonic", 2026
Cedar / Indian Rosewood
Overview
This brand new 2026 Philharmonic by Yulong Guo represents a substantial leap forward in his flagship double top design. I have spent time with Yulong Guo at his workshop in China, where we discussed at length the recent changes he has made across his models. Having played many earlier examples, we both immediately noticed a dramatic improvement in refinement, balance, and voicing in this latest generation, building upon a guitar that was already extremely impressive.
The Philharmonic is Guo’s top model, where he reserves his very best woods and devotes immense time to carefully voicing each soundboard. I am pleased to be the exclusive North American dealer for the Philharmonic, and only a very small number of these guitars are produced each year. As a result, they are increasingly difficult to secure and are not always listed publicly.
This 2026 example is exceptionally lightweight, remarkably open straight out of the case, and already exhibits a maturity of sound that normally takes far longer to develop.
Key Features
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Year: 2026
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Top: Cedar double top with Nomex core
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Bracing: Five-fan bracing between the double top layers
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Back & Sides: Indian rosewood with tapered center strip
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Fingerboard: Elevated ebony fingerboard
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Scale Length: 650 mm
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Nut Width: 52 mm
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Neck: Slim, comfortable C-shape
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Finish: French polish with selective matte areas on armrest and bridge details
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Soundport: None
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Extras: Integrated armrest, upgraded smooth-action tuners
Sound & Playability
This guitar delivers serious power while maintaining clarity and control across the full dynamic range. Unlike many cedar double tops that remain locked into a purely warm palette, the Philharmonic can open into a brighter, more projecting voice when asked, without ever sounding forced or brittle.
Sustain is a defining strength. Notes ring evenly across the fingerboard, with excellent consistency from the basses through the upper trebles. Slow melodic repertoire blooms beautifully, and technically demanding passages reveal none of the weak spots often found in very loud modern guitars. The instrument feels alive in the hands and highly responsive to subtle changes in right hand touch.
The neck profile is outstanding. Its slim C-shape will suit a wide range of hand sizes and makes long playing sessions effortless. The raised fingerboard improves upper register access without compromising the traditional feel.
Design & Craftsmanship
Visually, the guitar is elegant and confident. The Romanillos-inspired rosette is clean and precisely executed, with excellent symmetry and detail. The bridge features distinctive rounded terminations that subtly echo elements of the headstock design.
The Indian rosewood back is beautifully selected, with a center strip that tapers gracefully toward the heel, a small but thoughtful detail that adds refinement. The headstock design is modern and distinctive, with a hollowed profile that quickly becomes familiar and visually compelling. Upgraded tuners on this 2026 model are noticeably smoother than earlier Philharmonics and feel precise and stable in use.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Yulong Guo Philharmonic offers an exceptional level of performance for its price point. It delivers the projection, sustain, and refinement associated with far more expensive double tops while remaining one of the strongest value propositions among modern concert guitars. For players seeking a powerful, responsive instrument with genuine nuance and long singing lines, this flagship model stands out clearly.
I currently have limited stock of the Philharmonic model!
If you're interested in purchasing, please write to me at evan@guitarcollection.com or proceed through the check out.
Please note: Free UPS 2nd day air shipping is included if paid via a feeless method. Please contact for payment information.