I've been building guitars on a steady basis since 1981. I met with archtop builder Jimmy D'Aquisto in 1969 to put in an order for an archtop guitar; the minute I stepped into his shop my whole life changed. In July of 1972 I picked up my instrument from Jimmy. It was and still is a masterpiece.
At that time I had been studying classical guitar for a few years so my musical tastes were changing. I asked Jimmy if he could possibly teach me some guitar building basics. He agreed and I would go to his shop whenever he had the time. Although he was an archtop builder, he knew everything about classical guitar construction. I was in contact with Jimmy until the time of his tragically early death.
I build nylon-string instruments exclusively, all in the Spanish tradition with the body joined to neck by slots cut into neck. My instruments models are Classical, Flamenco, and Nylon Jazz in 6, 7, and 8-string versions. I primarily use hand tools except when heavy stock has to be thinned to working dimensions. All of my instruments are French polished.
Classical Guitars
My instruments are mainly 650 mm scale with back and sides constructed of East Indian rosewood, Honduras rosewood, or figured maple. Western red cedar, Engelmann spruce, and Sitka spruce are my choices for soundboards. Cedro and mahogany are used for necks.
Flamenco Guitars
My Flamenco instruments are constructed with Spanish cypress or Canadian cypress (my preference) back and sides. Engelmann Spruce and Cypress are my choices for soundboards.
Nylon Jazz Guitars
These instruments are constructed with the steel-string player in mind, featuring a 640 mm scale with the neck joint at the 14th fret and cutaway at the 16th or 19th fret. Fingerboard width at the nut is 1 7/8" or 1 3/4" if desired. Archtop players find these instruments very comfortable.
7-String Guitars
I construct two 7- string models; Classical and Nylon Jazz
8-String Guitars
I construct traditional 8-string classical guitars and a special 8-string model- the result of brainstorming with Michele Ramo www.ramomusic.com. We worked feverishly on his idea for about a year until we came up with the present RAMO - HEI-D - MOSTRO model. His concept astounded me and his musicianship and technical wizardry continue to amaze me.
The RAMO - HEI-D - MOSTRO guitar is basically a 650 mm scale classical joined to the body at the 15th fret (20th fret on the cutaway), with an extended fingerboard that yields a high D. The 7th string is tuned to low A (.070) and the 8th string is a low D (.080). The range of this instrument is 6 octaves. The 7th and 8th strings lie over a fretless portion of the fingerboard. LaBella Strings makes an 8th string specifically for this instrument. You can hear this instrument on my website www.dicarloguitars.com. Ramo uses the 8-string to its best advantage. The bracing on this and my other 8-string guitars is an intricate cross-lattice pattern, strong and responsive but not any heavier than my normal 6-string bracing.
Rosettes
My current rosettes are primarily mosaic marquetry in octagonal abstract designs and shapes. All of my rosettes are one of a kind and unique to the instrument and the client.
Bracing Patterns
I use 5- fan and 7-fan traditional bracing or cross-lattice bracing on all of my instruments, depending on the type of sound the player is seeking.
The electronics used in my instruments (when desired) is the RMC POLYDRIVE IV. This pickup system offers absolutely the finest reproduction of the acoustic sound.
Pricing and Terms of Purchase
My instruments range in price from $5,500 to $12,000:
Basic Acoustic Nylon Jazz - $5,500.
Special Nylon Jazz - Starting at $6,000 including a RMC PolyDriveIV pickup system
Classical or Flamenco - $5,500.
7-String Classical & Nylon Jazz - $5,700
8-String Classical - $5,900
10-String Classical - $6,100
8-String "RAMO HEI-D MOSTRO" model - $12,000
(Add $500 for RMC Polydrive IV pickup system)
A deposit of $1,000 is due at the time an order is placed, and when building actually starts, half of the remaining balance is due. When the instrument is picked up, a two-week period is established to confirm that the client is satisfied. If you are not satisfied with the instrument, your money will be refunded minus the down payment. The instrument, however, must be returned in pristine condition and the buyer pays shipping. At present there is a one-year wait for my instruments.
If you have any questions or requests for a special addition or adornment on an instrument, please feel free to contact me via e-mail: rich@dicarloguitars. You can also check out my web site at: www.dicarloguitars.com.
