model 2
While my ambitions for the model 1 are to achieve absolute perfection, with that goal comes an increased cost and wait time. Many guitarists that want a Kingma guitar, simply can't get one either because it is out of their budget or they are unable to wait the many years on the waitlist.
Enter the model 2.
Now that I have an apprentice being trained in the workshop, I am able to offer a cheaper, more accessible guitar that is still built to the same standards as any other professionally made luthier guitar. The model 2 is built mostly by an apprentice in my workshop (currently my brother-in-law, Kheyam Sahak) under my direction. It is still a Kingma guitar, as it is all designed by myself and built exactly how I want it, just the majority of the construction is by the hand of an apprentice. I still handle all the final details and setup to ensure that the guitar sounds great and plays great, all for about half the cost of a model 1.
I was once an apprentice myself, and I built dozens of model 2 guitars under my mentor's name, so I am very happy to carry on the tradition, to pass on my knowledge to others, and in doing so also offer a more accessible guitar to the guitarists that want a luthier made instrument, but are unable to purchase one of the very high end guitars, for whatever reason that may be.
excellent guitar at a lower cost
Every model 2 guitar is built using high quality materials and put together using traditional techniques. My apprentice closely follows my direction to make the most out of the materials and to fine tune specific pieces of wood to get the best sound possible.
The bracing system used in the classical or flamenco model 2 is a traditional system that I designed years ago and has been thoroughly tested. It is more or less the same bracing design used on the model 1, albeit a more simplified version, so it is not too complicated to build, but still produces a great sound.
For the back and sides of the guitar, the options are a bit more limited, but the materials will always be high quality and well-seasoned to ensure an excellent finished instrument.
simplified visual details
One of the ways we can reduce the cost of the model 2 is by making the visual details of the guitar be a bit more simple and standard. Rather than making a unique, personalized rosette for every guitar like the model 1, every model 2 will feature the same handmade model 2 rosette. The bindings and head shape are other areas where we simplify the visual design, which helps cut the material and labour cost of the instrument and passes those savings onto the customer.
supporting new luthiers
Another advantage of buying a model 2 guitar is how it supports in-training luthiers. While there are many duties in the workshop for an apprentice, their main form of training comes from building model 2 guitars. Every model 2 guitar an apprentice makes has a huge impact on their skill and experience. A portion of every model 2 sale also goes directly into the pocket of the apprentice who built it.
inquire today
I am very happy to be able to offer the model 2 guitar and if you have any questions about them, including current pricing and wait times, please fill out the contact form here or send me an email directly to info@evankingmaguitars.com and I will be glad to chat with you about it!
Model 2 Gallery
Below you can see some photos of some Model 2 guitars we have made in the workshop.
