Virtuoso of fingerstyle Richard Smith has a signature model available at Kirk Sands.

The luthier makes the nylon-string acoustic-electric guitars popularized by Chet Atkins and his legions of dedicated fans.

What sets  the Richard Smith model apart from other Kirk Sands guitars is the traditional round sound hole. Most of Sands’ models do not have a sound hole.

As with other Kirk Sands guitars, “the Smith” is available with various options. According to Kirk Sands:

I collaborated with British guitar virtuoso Richard Smith on this model. Richard had been playing my guitars for many years, but was interested in an instrument that had a soundhole for acoustic gigs, yet had the great electronics and flexibility of my electric models.

The Richard Smith model was born. It has the Sand design cutaway for maximum access to the upper frets. The Rosewood body is slim and easy to hold. Models run between 3.5″ and 3.75″ deep. Perfect for standing with a strap, or sit down play.

Either Sitka or Englemann spruce is used on the soundboard. Indian rosewood back and sides are standard. Brazilian rosewood is available at an upcharge.

This instrument has all the features of a fine concert classical guitar. Ebony fingerboard, Rosewood binding, soundhole rosette, wood purfling all around, with Abalone trim optional. Any nut width, neck size and scale length are also available.

You may not play as well as Richard if you own one of these instruments, but it will put you one step closer to that goal!

Steel String Version Available

Sands now offers a Richard Smith steel string model!  It has a belly bridge and different neck joint to accomidate the extra string tension.

More information at Kirk Sands’ official website

Some of my friends are attending a private house concert this Sunday on Long Island featuring Richard Smith. Lucky bums!