2016 Robert Garcia

• Top: Spruce

• Back & Sides: Rare "Spiderweb" Indian Rosewood

• Bracing/Structure: Classic Torres 7 struts. 100% Traditional (No Nomex, balsa, or double-top core materials)

• Rosette: Intricate, exceptionally beautiful traditional design

• Price: $6,800

The Luthier

Based in San Jose, California, Robert Garcia was famously a foreman and one of the absolute best builders in Kenny Hill's workshop. Given Kenny Hill’s renowned reputation for modern double tops, one might logically assume Garcia’s incredibly powerful guitars use the same composite technology. However, Garcia never built double tops. He achieves his phenomenal volume and dynamic range entirely through his masterful command of traditional lutherie.

The Sound

This guitar is an absolute powerhouse—purely natural sounding in its DNA, but noticeably louder than a German Double Top. It is extremely loud and powerful, boasting limitless headroom that allows you to drive the top as hard as you need to. The trebles are thick, velvety, and creamy, singing with incredibly robust fundamentals that feel so dense you can practically grip them in your fingertips. The basses are earth-shattering, delivering a profound, woody, and natural rumble. The harmonics are incredibly rich with no weak notes in the upper registers. When played, the sound blossoms and blends together beautifully, much like a grand piano.

Condition and Playability

The guitar is in very beautiful condition with no cracks in the wood. It offers an incredibly open and responsive feel. Despite its massive volume, it plays effortlessly—delivering room-filling projection and clear note separation without forcing the player to over-exert the right hand.

Some minor and honest dings on top.

Final Thoughts

This guitar perfectly answers the question of why players seek out elite independent luthiers over high-quality factory double tops. It offers the holy grail combination: the lyrical, woody soul and beautiful tone of a traditional instrument, paired with a volume and power that effortlessly rivals modern composite designs. For the serious performer or collector, this is a truly exceptional, uncompromising masterwork.