After a 3 year wait, we have finally received our 12-string Jumbo acoustic guitar, a custom order we made in 2018 from luthier Leo Buendia, aided by the help, wisdom and guidance of Paul Heumiller, from Dream Guitars.

Inspired by the Guilds played by Ralph Towner, this instrument has Adirondack spruce top, old growth Brazilian rosewood back, sides and headplate, ebony bridge and fingerboard,  and mahogany neck. It is 2-inch width at nut, and sports Gotoh tuners, golden Jester EVO frets and James May’s ultratonic pickup.

The instrument carries a number of stunning custom appointments, including an interrupted rosette made in ebony and red stained burl, a Buendia trademark. Red stained burl appointments also appear in the backstrip, back of neck and head plate, the latter shaped after Leo’s native country, Argentina.

Sonically, it is all we wished for, a huge orchestral, pianistic-like sound that envelops the player and seems to last forever. Powerful, yet very well balanced, with crisp trebles, clear midrange and a thick, cavernous bass. A dream come true.