2007 Kevin Aram, “Isla-May”

• Top: Premium European Spruce, with beautiful bear claws

• Back and Sides: High-grade Central/South American (CSA) Rosewood. The back features a striking, clean straight-grain figure with rich, dark chocolate undertones.

• Finish: Hand-applied Oil Finish, characteristic of Aram’s signature style, allowing the wood to breathe and resonate completely unrestricted.

• Scale: 650mm scale / 55mm nut

• Price: $6,000

  The Luthier

  Kevin Aram is widely regarded as one of the finest contemporary English luthiers, celebrated for his highly refined craftsmanship and lifelong dedication to the traditional, Torres/Hauser designs. Based in Devon, England, Aram’s work is deeply influenced by the instruments of Vicente Arias and Julian Bream’s beloved Hauser I. His guitars have been championed by world-class artists, most notably Julian Bream himself, who bought and performed on multiple Aram instruments. Aram is famous for giving each of his guitars a unique female name, treated as a distinct individual with its own personality rather than just a production number.

  The Sound

  Sonically, "Isla May" is an absolute powerhouse of traditional lyricism. Thanks to the ultra-thin oil finish and Aram's masterful bracing, the wood has an immediate, uninhibited responsiveness that usually takes decades of playing to achieve.

  • The Voice: This guitar captures that rare, elusive "English-Hauser" archetype. It possesses a highly focused, noble, and aristocratic voice. It's like a turbo charged Torres.

  • The Basses: Deep, firm, and incredibly powerful. They provide a dark, velvety cushion that anchors the instrument without ever bleeding into the mid-range.

  • The Trebles: Bell-like, pure, and incredibly thick. They have a brilliant, laser-like projection that cuts through a room while retaining a warm, rounded sweetness at the very top of the register.

  Condition and Playability

  While it features a wider 55mm nut width, the neck profile is shaped so masterfully that it feels remarkably comfortable.

  Note on Condition: The spruce top has developed a few hairline cracks over the years. These have been completely addressed—meticulously stabilized, reglued, and cleated where necessary by an elite technician. Because of the natural oil finish, the repairs blend beautifully into the grain and are structurally rock-solid, having absolutely no impact on the guitar's magnificent projection or acoustic longevity.

  Final Thoughts

  The 2007 Kevin Aram "Isla May" is a rare opportunity to own a world-class, Bream-caliber concert instrument. Because of the top repairs, we are able to offer this masterwork at a highly accessible price point. It is a highly sensitive, deeply artistic, and an incredibly lyrical vessel to connect you to the world of Julian Bream.