I am constantly amazed at the number of talented luthiers in Canada. It must be the fresh air, cold winters, ample source of local woods, and great outdoors that contributes to the atmosphere that is conducive to woodworking.
Allan Beardsell from Winnipeg Manitoba certainly fits in this category. His guitars push the boundaries of traditional designs — modern yet not radically so. I really like the design aspects of his guitars, and the practical nature of the features. The Model 5 guitar shown here is impressive — an 8-string, multi-scale, indented lower cutaway, oval soundhole, and with dual mics at the headstock and bridge — the latter of which I’ve never seen on any other guitar. Take a look a the back woods on this guitar. Some amazing figuration with tasteful inlays and body bevels. This is just one of a number of impressive models he offers, as he is adept at acoustics, archtops, electrics, mandolins, and banjos. An impressive luthier indeed!
