When I was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer in late 2008, I promised myself two things when I got through the upcoming trials and tribulations. An overseas trip, and a handmade Brazilian Rosewood acoustic guitar. Nearly 2 years, 2 operations and 6 months of intensive chemotherapy later, I have just completed the month-long trip, and taken delivery of this beautiful guitar from Gerard Gilet. I chose a small-bodied parlour size guitar (this one is essentially a size '0') as I have found my taste in acoustics changing over time from big Jumbos, down through Dreadnaught and down to the smaller sizes (my gigging acoustic was an OM Palm, which was replaced by the 1998 OO Brazilian Rosewood Gilet), and also because I sorely missed the circa 1900 Bauer Brazilian Rosewood bodied parlour guitar I sold some time back when an offer was made for it right at a time I was cash-strapped, but which I have since been fortunate enough to re-purchase. Here is the description of the guitar from the Gilet website, which says it all. "Featured at the 2010 Melbourne Guitar Makers Festival this is a true 'Presentation Level' instrument. The rare Swiss Pine top is highlighted with Paua shell rosette and purflings. The back and sides are made from fine old Brazilian Rosewood. The Honduran Mahogany neck is dressed up with stunning Brazilian Rosewood veneers on the front and back of the slotted peg head which is fitted with top quality gold Waverly tuning machines. The guitar features an African Ebony fingerboard with diamond inlays and a traditional Brazilian Rosewood pyramid style bridge. This guitar must be seen to be truly appreciated." I love it, and it's most definitely not for sale! not for sale
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