As a builder, working with dealers is something that can be mutually beneficial and hassle-free or in other cases a relationship fraught with second-guessing and difficult negotiations.  I have had both experiences in the past 20 years but I am a little more selective these days.  My latest collaboration is with Richard Sayage of Savage Classical Guitar.  Rich has been easy to deal with, very supportive and is certainly one of the more knowledgeable dealers I have had the pleasure of working with.  A dealer, guitar-maker or player can only be great when his he is drawn to the guitar by passion and consuming interest in the guitar.  If the love is not there you might as well be selling cars.  I had already heard about Rich’s honesty and responsibility from a guitar-maker in Massachusetts but I am glad to be finding out for my self now. 

The rosette on the guitar I sent him is based on a design by my teacher Rolf Eichinger although it must be said that it is simple enough that it has surely been used before.  However, I am not the only one using this idea lately.  A least two other disciples of Rolf’s and one disciple of a disciple are using something similar and you can find photos of these guitars around the internet.