FS/FT - 2002 Ed Claxton Malabar in Brazilian Rosewood/German Spruce - Calton Case - £11,999

Castro

This stunning and rare Malabar is a 12-fret OO-sized masterpiece by now-retired luthier Ed Claxton. When this was built back in May 2002, Ed had built 107 guitars and this was only his second Malabar.

At the time of Ed's retirement, his base price was $17,000 - that didn't include Brazilian Rosewood!

This gorgeous example features an exquisite set of Brazilian Rosewood with a handsome German Spruce top. It is an inspiring and responsive instrument for everything from traditional fingerstyle, singer-songwriter strumming/fingerpicking, to explosive flatpicking moments. 

With the 12-fret nature of the Malabar, the bridge is placed in the coveted 'sweet spot' of the lower bout, which adds to the projection and sweetness of the guitar. 

This exceptional instrument comes in a unique Deluxe Calton Case. 

I would consider a part-trade plus cash.

The video link is of this actual guitar. I can also show the guitar via WhatsApp.

• Top: German Spruce 
• Back and Sides: Brazilian Rosewood 
• Rosette: Wood mosaic 
• Body Binding: Rosewood 
• Neck: Mahogany 
• Fretboard: Ebony 
• Headstock Veneer: Brazilian Rosewood
• Fretboard Binding: Ebony 
• Tuners: Chrome Schallers
• Bridge: Ebony 
• Pins: Ebony 
• Saddle: Compensated Bone 
• Nut: Bone 
• Pickguard: Clear 
• Nut Width: 1-3/4" 
• Scale Length: 25-3/8"

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pjf

Stunning as always. Love the Calton too! 

barnstorm

That’s a great rosette design. Might be a candidate for a consignment sale?

Castro

@pjf the Calton was originally battleship grey - a bit dull - so I gave it the 'Pollock' treatment myself.

@barnstorm I'll give it a few months on Reverb.com before I consider consignment. I don't expect it to sell quickly given the value.

bermudianbrit

What incredible pieces!

Good luck with the eye op. As a blind person myself I know loads of folks who pass through Moorfields for treatment, to restore their sight or to preserve what they have left. They're the best. Its a scary time I know.

Matt

Castro

@bermudianbrit thank you for the kind words. My fianceé Bell has had about 20 operations over the last 35 years. She's somewhat hardened to the situation but it's still difficult emotionally. And yes, Moorfields are brilliant.

mikew

Wow. Another one! I thought you’d moved all your amazing instruments on (I’ve got 2 of them).  

The hole that’s burning in my pocket will never attain that level though. 

Castro

Hi @mikew this Claxton is truly special.

Of all the 250+ guitars I photographed and played over 15 years at The Acoustic Music Company in Brighton - now closed down - Ed Claxton and Jeff Traugott stood out as my favourite luthiers. I bought the guitar from TNAG and it is without doubt the best small-bodied guitar I've ever played.

I hope you're enjoying your toys!

DeftTungsman

A friendly bump for one of the very best of people and one of the very best guitars!

For those who do not know him, Castro is extremely knowledgeable and exceedingly honest.  

I wish I had the funds to make this Malabar mine.  Ed Claxton is one of the all-time greats.  I have never played a guitar that I've liked more than my Claxton OM, and only a tiny handful I've found to be equally rewarding.

Best of luck to you and Bell, my friend.

Castro

Incredibly generous words @DeftTungsman ;

Castro

Magnificent Malabar!

joeW

Sounds as good as it looks.  What a piece of art 

Castro

Thanks @joeW it is a masterpiece.

If you pass Chippenham at some point, pop in and play it, even if you're not a potential buyer.

steveh

I rarely wander into the "acoustics" section here, but amazed to find a Claxton. 

For many years I owned the Claxton cuban mahogany OM that TNAG ordered. Astonishing guitar.

A pal had a 13-fret BRW/German Malabar that he bought directly from Ed - that guitar probably had the best trebles and midrange I've ever heard from a steel-string, and I've played zillions, including all the "uber" stuff. 

GLWTS!

Castro

Glad to find a fellow Claxton fan @steveh ;

Castro

£2,000 price drop.