New Orleans, LA
Dear Chris,
Received the guitar in perfect condition and right on schedule.
I'm writing from my office and wish I was home playing the instrument.
The sound is superb and, of course,it's a beautiful piece of work that I will treasure for years.
Would you remind me what you use to inlay the rossette and expand a bit on the finish (french polish?)
Thanks .....David
New Haven, CT
Chris,
Just wanted to let you know that the guitar is awesome.
It's working out really great and the midi is working really well
Thanks again.
I'll give you a buzz when I go to Dallas in a couple months
Take Care
David, Yale School of Music
New Haven, CT
I am so happy with my Carington classical guitar with MIDI
electronics. Not only does this guitar sound great as a concert level
guitar it also acts as a means to record MIDI through my various
computer music programs. To have both of these qualities in a
classical guitar is truly amazing. Thanks Chris!
Marco Lipari, Yale School of Music
from a US Army Soldier in Iraq:
Man, Chris...if you even remember me!
I haven't even checked this email account in ages! Ya know what happened...
and I meant this in the most complimentary way...
I got hold of this guitar and for got all about you! (I really do mean that as a compliment!)
I have been loving this guitar for almost a year now.
Forgive me for my lack of correspondence!!!! Please!!!
Chris...everybody I show this guitar to nearly falls over dead!
I could go on all day about how pleased I am, but for starters, the sound is soooooo complex.
It is like tasting a fine wine, ya know, I hear a new hue of color and character every time I play it.
This guitar has such a wonderful range. I have never heard a guitar with whose sheer volume
I am even nearly as pleased with. but even played softly it is so penetrating, clear and defined.
I can tell that you did not put second level quality into this guitar. I can seriously feel a "soul"
in this instrument that only comes with care in workmanship.
Chris...I am sorry for my lack of correspondence. I know you worked hard on this guitar...I can hear it.
For that I am extremely grateful.
I am currnetly studying under Anthony Glise, (ya heard of him?), He loves it.
He pointed out to me how the arch over the center back brace is rare, and how
there is a lack of what he calls "flutter" bracing around the sound hole,
(I honestly don't know that much about luthiery, but I like finding out good things aobut my guitar!).
He loves it, and I can tell that every time he looks at this guitar he is refreshed that there are artists
who care like you do. This is silly, but it makes me proud that people are seriously jealous of my guitar.
Man, sometimes it feels like I could physically pull sound out of this guitar when I play it.
Chris, sincerely thank you. Thank you for this guitar. I never expected to be this pleased.
St. Paul MN
hey man,
what a GREAT guitar. i want to sell mine now and get one of these. you're getting better and better!!!!
Sarasota, FL
Chris,
It arrived in good shape and is stunning. You out did your self with spectacular workmanship.
This weekend I hope to get some time to play and give it a work out. I will write again next week.
Bob
I just wanted to say thanks again for the amazing guitar. Of course I am
biased but I really believe it sounds better than any guitar I have ever
played. I am getting ready to write a review of it to post on a
classical guitar forum I participate in and can send it to you when I'm
done for your Website.
NYC ,
Dear Jeff,
I can't recommend Chris Carrinton guitars enough for a few reasons{.I've copied him.} Great sound ,playability,electronics,insane price and great fellow to deal with.
Be well!
Email to Chris Kachian after a concert in Twin cities
chris
outstanding concert on saturday! thanks so much for letting me know about it.
steve kakos was there, I had told him about your last concert and he mentioned he'd like to hear you,
so I told him about this one.
hearing your carrington makes me want another one.
you sound so good. I noticed the rosette is different, looked like maybe two rings of little triangles?
cool. is this something chris is doing now? or was it special on your guitar? mine was a single ring of abalone dots.
take care chris and thanks again for the concert
bob owen
Seattle
I'm very pleased with this guitar. The joints are
carefully fit, the neck is a dream, the details are
carefully done, the wood is nice, it looks good.
And it also sounds good too. I agree with you. I think
the guitar sounds good at the start, and will play in
and sound even better.
In addition, those Gilbert tuners are so superior to
the tuners on other guitars I've had. I'm really
impressed by them as well.
In short, I think you did a great job. I'll definitely
be showing this guitar to others and enjoy it myself.
Thanks,
Mike
Dallas TX
The guitar is great. I have one other that has almost as good a sound but
the extra harmonic overtones, vibrations, etc. of yours put it in a class by
itself. It is fuller and richer than all the others. I'd like for Russell
Cleveland to see it. I'd be willing to bet he's try to buy it from me. It
is so unique that every one who sees it falls in love with it. There are
some advanced players, I can't remember their names right now, Carlo's
students, that are coming down from Denton tomorrow to see my C.C.
Wonderguitar and, believe it or not, my old vihuela. My left hand fingers
still get confused about where to go on that wide fingerboard but I truly
love it nonetheless. You created an instant collectors item when you made
that thing. My only complaint is that I have almost no time to fool with my
guitars.
Chcago
Chris,
I recieved the guitar on Tuesday. You did an incredible job. Everything is
perfect. The neck feels nice and the action is perfect. I appreciate it.
Thanks again.
From Berkely CA
The guitar sounds and plays great.
Overall i'm loving it. I finally have an instrument that is
well balanced across the strings and up and down the neck, as well as
having a rich and complex tone.
From the DC area:
It's been about 6 months now since you sent me my beautiful cedar/indian
rosewood guitar. I couldn't let you know any sooner how much I like the
guitar because I didn't want to set it down long enough to write to you.
Finally a string broke, so I decided, before I rushed to change it, that I'd
finally e-mail you to tell you how great the guitar is and how much I love
it. Thanks so much for a wonderful instrument.
From Yale U.
I recieved the guitar. It's GREAT. I can't believe it. So much volume,
warm tone, easy to play. I've been looking for a guitar like this for
years. Thanks a million.
We'll be in touch. I may want a spruce top sometime in the future.
from Wisconsin:
Thanks for the great new instrument. I've played it for about an hour and it exceeds all my expectations.
Great bass, very warm; trebels are very resonant. Intonation is impeccable.
I finally got a chance to get a two hour work-out on my new#182 Chris Carrington guitar.
It is without a doubt the finest instrument I've ever played.
No kidding.Also, I like the action just where it is. (The shorter neck compensates for the higher action.)
Thanks again,
From Tulsa, OK
I have been very happy with the guitar. It sings. Although I don't do it
justice,
I love playing it and have found time to do so virtually everday since I
picked it up.
Thanks for you fine work.
From Osaka, Japan
Today arrive great guitar! Thank you! This guitar is very very great!
1,Best playability. 2,Good response. 3.Very good sound.
After I sure order NEGRA.
A review in the Dallas morning news, 10/02, of the Vivaldi Guitar Concerto in D major:
(using no amplification)
Mr. Carrington proved to be a clean and lively guitarist whose playing was
refreshingly free of extranaeous squeaks.
Performing on an instrument he made himself, he achieved an excellent
balance with his colleagues, the guiitar being audible at all times.
Tony S. in the DC area:
This guitar is the sweetest thing I've put my hands on in a long time (aside
from my one-year old daughter). She projects as well as any guitar I've ever
played and has that dark and sweet sound I was looking for -- reminds me of
a good cognac. I like the fact that she's not too moody; it takes about 2
minutes to warm her up each day and then she sings like a Roman siren. She's
also very well balanced in the upper and lower range, bringing my bass notes
out much more clearly with less effort. I had problems with technique on my
last guitar (which I haven't played since I bought this one) that have
disappeared now, so the time we spent measuring for my hands paid off. She's
even better when plugged in and turned on. I'm amazed that a guitar with
such a good acoustic quality sounds so natural when amplified. I've been
playing in public frequently lately and have never heard a richer sound come
from an amplified classical guitar. I pieced together a stereo jack and when
both channels are connected she rips!
A.L. in New York
Howdy Chris, I just wanted to let you know that I’m still loving your guitar. You might have heard already or not that Fred Hand is now the guitar teacher at Purchase instead of Ben Verdery. Anyhow, Fred has really been knocked out with the guitar you made for me and I thought you might enjoy hearing that. Thanks again and take it easy.
D.O. in Arizona
Received the guitar yesterday. It was on the porch when I got home from work.
It is a beautiful instrument! Of course I immediately had to try the RMC pick-up.
The analog works great. I haven't had a chance to try the midi. I noticed it came with a tapping plate(pick guard) too! What type of saddle is that! It's very interesting.
It seems like it will be a very versatile instrument to use for playing different venues. This is the guitar I needed for years! I may have to raise the action a bit if I play classical gigs or get used to playing closer to the bridge when playing rest stroke passages. Do you recommend tying knots at the end of the string rather than looping it over the bridge as I noticed you had done that.
H.A. in New Jersey
What an amazing job you did.
It looks and sounds amazing.
I did not get much time
playing (too much travelling this week)
but I cant wait to go back home and play it.
Thank you very much.
Someone in Singapore
Hi Chris,
After hearing BEN played your guitar in Singapore
Guitar Fev Saturday. I was astonished. what a great
sound! I am very interested in your guitar, wanted to know
more about them.
D.S. in Canada:
I like the guitar! The construction and finish are superb. In addition,
this could be the most playable instrument I've ever had my hands
on. The volume is excellent.
MM in Texas
the guitar kicks ass man.
thanks
P.F. in New Jersey:
I got home last night to find the guitar here. It is very
beautiful! After playing it unplugged for some time I gave the pick-up a
go through the Roland. I've still got a silly smile on my face. This is
exactly the instrument I was hoping to find. Thank you for your
artistry! It has a wonderful tone as a straight acoustic that I know
will open up beautifully with some playing and the RMC is really going
to change the way I use the Roland synth and how I compose.
Not to be rude ... but I'm going to go back to playing now ...
C.M. in Texas:
just an update on the 8-string. She's amazing! I've spent many hours
with that guitar, and I still can't get over how great the sound is. You
are truly an artist, and your guitars are definantly going to make their
mark. Thanks again for building me such wonderful instruments.
A.B. in New York:
yes it does feel very nice to play. the neck feels much more comfortable
than my 650. it makes a difference and i find that my hand falls into a
much better position for playing [the curvature of my fingers, etc. i don't
have to stretch]. the wood on the back and sides looks gorgeous. i've
recieved many compliments on the guitars looks and that is always the
favorite part. did i tell you i put some flatwounds on it? they sound
spectacular. their tone matches perfectly for the guitar. it sounds so
warm, but also very clear. thanks again for all your help. your e mail
coorespondance was really encouraging and made me feel good about the
guitar's progress. thanks again. this is a quality instrument. do you
make any other stringed instruments, i.e. electric guitars, mandolins, etc.?
S.O. in Texas:
As I sit in my favorite chair listening to Christopher Parkening playing
Chaconne by Bach, I can't help but take a few glances over at my brand new
Spruce and Brazillian Chris Carrington guitar and dream of greatness. A new
guitar doesn't make one great, but it sure is a wonderful catylist for
motivation and inspiration.
After my long seven-week excursion to Spain, Holland, Germany, and Austria
looking for an upgrade to my other guitar, I came home dissapointed but
hopeful after a friend reffered me to Chris' guitars. I thought that for
the price they would probably be in the good-but-not-the-best caliber
instrument. After I played my #164, however, with its boomy, rich, round,
and responsive colors, I felt like my palette had been upgraded from Crayola
to Technilolor. At first, since the guitar IS only a month old, it felt
stiff, but after about half an hour came alive.
But spending a four-figure amount on anything requires microscope-esque
examination, so I talked Chris into letting me take #164 to the Christopher
Parkening master class in Montana. It soon got praise from not only the
students, but was given a real christening in my heart after Mr. Parkening
asked who makes the guitar and in my best Texas accent I told him. After
playing it, he remarked that it had a "High-Fi, Surrounding sound" and asked
if people in the back noticed the volume of the guitar. They nodded, and
then I knew it would have to be my guitar.
Chris not only helped me in finding this guitar, but he also has spent care
and time explaining how he crafts the nuances of the instrument and how
things work in his shop, which I appreciate. He obviously loves his work
and I am proud to now own my Chris Carrington Spruce guitar and will enjoy
breaking it in in the years to come.
Thanks Chris!!
Chris,
Received the guitar yesterday.
It is a beautiful instrument! Of course I immediately had to try the
RMC pick-up. The analog works great. I haven't had a chance to
try the midi. I noticed it came with a tapping plate(pick guard) too!
It seems like it will be a very versatile instrument to use for playing
different venues. This is the guitar I needed for years!
Thanks again
David
I purchased a flamenco guitar with cypress body and a cedar top from Chris
in March 1999. I have enjoyed it since.
One thing, perhaps the first thing demanded of a guitar intended for
flamenco accompaniment is a certain level of volume. After all, the
flamenco technique of thumb rest stroke and treble rest stroke picado is
designed to allow the instrument to be heard over singing and dance. My
Carrington flamenco shines in this department, as do his classical
instruments in their own realm.
It is not easy in the U.S. to find one flamenco guitar, let alone several to
compare side by side. A few months ago I had a chance to compare the
Carrington with a late 1960 Ramirez, a recent Jose Romero blanca, and a
recent Pedro de Miguel negra. All played by a professional player, the
Carrington held up very well, had the greatest volume of any, and seemed
particularly good for bulerias.
I think it is remarkable that Chris is able to make an instrument so well
suited and adjusted to the rather specialized world of flamenco. I hope to
enjoy mine for many years.
D.M. Dallas
Dear Chris,
I've been playing your guitar non-stop. It has such a
beautiful round sound. Other people that play it can't get over how
easy it is to get around the neck. You definitely bring the player's
perspective to your guitars and they are so much fun to play because of
that element. I played the guitar unamplified the other night in a solo
setting and people commented that they liked the large bass sound.
Also, I used the electronics in a chamber rehearsal and the flute player
said that he could hear my part very clearly.
Keep up the great work,
Hunter Perrin
Yale U.
Hi Chris,
I got the guitar. It is very nice looking. The wood you selected has a
really nice pattern. It is also very easy to play, very comfortable. But the
most outstanding thing about it, is the sound. The sound is simply amassing,
particularly for a new guitar. What a beautiful sound and it is also sounds
somewhere between flamenco and classic
Thank you very much for the guitar, I'll treat it right
I hope ot see you soon, please give me call when you can make it to Michigan.
Nader
Hi Chris,
the more I play the guitar the more I like it.
It has really an outstanding sound, in addition to its beautiful look.
Thanks
Nader
Hey Chris,
"I think you've found "it". By "it" I mean the seemingly perfect combination
of concert classic guitar and electro-acoustic instrument. It works in all
contexts (I've used it for gigs, chamber music as well concertos.) and
through any system. It plays evenly throughout its entire range, has a very
punchy top range, a delightfully sonorous middle range, and the loudest bass
response I've heard from any guitar. The true wonder of all this though, is
that all those qualities translate into the amplified application. I prefer
to play it through the Playmate mixer and then into a pair of AR studio
monitors. Congratulations on a fine discovery. I look forward to even more
great realizations of your ideas."
Chris Kachian,
Prof. guitar and music, St, Thomas U.
Dear Chris,
Chris Carrington made me a guitar that has been invaluable. I originally
bought it to use as an electric classical guitar for chamber music, my group
Ufonia and concerti. I was overjoyed to find it was a wonderful concert
instrument at an extremely affordable price. Thank you!
Benjamin Verdery,
Guitar Dept Head, Yale school of Music
Hi Chris,
I just saw Ben Verdery perform last night on one of your guitars here in
Santa Cruz. He also played a Smallman for some of the pieces. I was
struck by the "presence" of your guitar. Just a chord by Ben while
tuning, and I said "Wow, what a sound!" The bold, commanding sound took
over the hall. And he was just tuning!
Just wanted to pass on my enjoyment and appreciation of your fine
instrument. Build on!
Regards,
David Hilyard
Hey chris
Got the guitar wednesday,it looks very
beautiful and sounds great.good volume.Thank you for building me a great
guitar.Now I have to start building a list of transciptions to play.
I plan on using this guitar to play in church.I will be leaving to Boston at
the end of the year to study at the New England Conservatory to study with
Elloit Fisk.This guiar will be my main instrument.Thanks alot.
Joe Gonzales
I picked up the guitar and played it for a minute. It's beautiful. This afternoon
iI'll spend more time with it.
It is really nice and comfortable , it sounds great too. Totally balanced.
The neck is perfect. I have big palms, and the shoulder helps me with my
thumb position automatically. No pain radiating up my neck. I m thinking I
may want a full body in about a year with a neck just like it.
I tried the electronics last night at my regular gig. It sounds great. So
real. I love this guitar. It us absolutely perfect!
Jim in New York
Hi,
The guitar did indeed arrive yesterday afternoon.
It looks, sounds, and feels completely wonderful.
Thanks so much for making the
guitar and getting it to me on time. I'm very grateful. Yours,
Stephen
Student at Yale U.
Chris,
Well, here is yet another accolade for your web site... I've had my 635 cutaway for over a month and have come to the inescapable conclusion that buying it is one of the very best things I've ever done for myself. I continue to be astonished at the true, bright and brilliant tones that come from this baby. And this guitar maintains these articulate qualities whether played sweetly and gently or driven to what may modestly be called a stunning" volume. Also, your workmanship is impeccable, and I try to guard this gem jealously against nicks and scratches.
For you readers on Chris's web site who have not had the pleasure of meeting him, I would like to add that Chris is a highly gifted and seasoned player, and studying with him continues to be a huge inspiration for me. I feel like a tennis hack being tutored by Andre Aggasi; that is, very fortunate and understandably amazed. Chris' robust nature and sense of brilliance and perfection that manifest in his playing are literally embodied in his guitars. Every time I pick up my Carrington #147, I know that Chris is alive and well.
Chris, thanks so much for enhancing my life with the richness of whatever you touch. The very best to you, your beautiful wife Diane and your boys.
Steve Saunders
Garland, Texas
Stephanie Khoury:
My seemingly endless search for the perfect guitar led me to play dozens of
fine instruments, in search of the reigning king of fat tone. None struck
me as even close to the instrument I chose. My teacher, Adam Holzman,
introduced me to Chris and his guitars, bringing resolution to a very
difficult chore.
My guitar, I feel certain, has the most beautiful, round, clear, loud tone
in the universe. It has a cedar front with Brazilian Rosewood back and
sides. The back is an artistic masterpiece, with organic golden streaks in
the wood artistically mirroring each other. I have traveled with my guitar
throughout the continent and I continue to be bombarded with comments about
the beautiful tone and the artistic design. One comment I also frequently
hear is that the harmonics are unbelievably loud and clear - truly the sign
of master craftsmanship. I will continue to play and recommend Carrington
guitars throughout my career. Thanks Chris.
Dear Chris:
Thank you for building me such a fantastic guitar. I am
thrilled by the extreme playability of the instrument. The guitar has an
incredible deep, rich tone. The tradition of past masters such as Fleta
and Friederich are well represented by your guitar. Visually, the guitar's
design is exotic and unique. I love the Islamic-inspired headstock and
the mother of pearl inlays as the rosette. The instrument is an absolute
joy to play, even when it plays wrong notes. I am looking forward to
hearing it's full, robust, and powerful sound as the guitar continues to
open up.
My best regards, Tom Clippert, Grtr Professor, Chicgo, Avanti Trio
Chris,
I recently acquired classical model #97 from a guitar store in Kent, Ohio.
I just wanted to let you know that I am already in love with this guitar.
Alongside the expert craftsmanship, it sounds so very
balanced, sonorous, bass expressive and sweet. I also really appreciate
that way it conforms to my hands when I play. I base this on the fact that I traded in my 1979 Kohno
for it, and had no idea I would be doing so when I walked into the store.
Tommorrow night we'll be playing our first recital together, and I'm
really excited. Wish me luck.
Thanks again,
Michael Vernusky
Andrew Landry, New York City
I must tell you that the sound has
opened up beautifully. Ben notices it every week at
each lesson. I'm really not believing how great the
sound is. You are not playing around man! It's got a
great sound, unreal sustain, plenty of volume. It's a
classy instrument, and it rocks. Thanks very much for
making it so well, and for such a modest price!
p.s. - I got to hook it up to Ben's P.A. System this
morning and was completely blown away. I didn't want
to leave. I've got to get one of those, but
seriously...unplugged, it still tramples all over most
$5,000 guitars. Thanks again.
Dominic Frasca, New York City
Chris Carrington is one of the most open minded and creative guitar makers
on the planet, he understand what a player wants and needs from a guitar
becuase he is a player , and a bad ass one at that. His guitars represent the
future of classical guitar.
Daniel Rodriguez, Texas
This guitar is wonderful. In my opinion, this model is Mr. Carrington's best work. Not only is the guitar beautifully made, but the sound is of the sort that is conducive for creating a compelling musical experience which many serious guitarists would want. My professor Robert Guthrie and my other collegues have all commented on the explosive bass notes and the clean trebles. This new axe is loud and has more than enough volume to allow the player to add depth to his pieces. Overall, Chris Carrington's fine craftsmanship, along with his guitar playing experience, is evident in the guitars hea has built. He knows what a guitar should sound and feel like.
Kurt Krueckeburg, Texas
The flamenco guitar Chris built for me is gorgeous.
It is extremely light weight and incredibly easy to play, much easier than my Contreras.
And the sound tore my head off.
Ms. Ward, France
I am writing to you to tell you how how happy my son is with the guitar you built for him. Being French, Classical music is very important and so is the instrument. We were not sure at first whether to buy a new guitar or have one made by a luthier-your reputation as a very good luthier decided us to have one built and we have no regret.
The guitar is very beautiful and unique. As we had the pleasure to see it built in your workshop. The greatest pleasure3 came when my son played the instrument. First the neck was made to his hand and he feels very comfortable with the guitar. The sound is excellent and gets better week after week. The sound is very powerful but stays melodeous and it's a delight for me to hear my son play. His teacher was very impressed with the guitar and likes playing it. I must say, you have built an outstanding guitar by all means and many thanks for it. You are a great guitar player, but also a great luthier. Do not stop making guitars to give others so much pleasure as my son.
Lee Wilson, Alaska
Well, I know I said I'd get back to you next week but that's too long. The guitar is wonderful. It's beautifully
finished and generally quite striking in appearance. It's the sound that sells it, however. You described it very well - good balance, singing trebles, lovely tone - and I am very happy with it. Not only should you cash the check, you should know I placed an ad to sell the Lopez. So this summer I'll be watching your page for an "extra" instrument, this time with a spruce top. Speaking of tops, I was surprised to see so much silking in the cedar. Very attractive.
Thanks again for your help and your selection.
Donny Blair, Texas
I am almost without words regarding this guitar. If it were a woman.....well,we won't get into that.
Seriously, though, it is a beautiful instrument. There are two things that struck me immediately.
First, the absolute concert quality of the guitar, plugged or unplugged. The intonation is perfect.
Second, I was stunned by the high fidelity produced by the electronics. Absolutely incredible!
And when I added the chorus and reverb I found a beautiful tone that I intend to use in the upcoming
recording project. So, all of this is a tribute to you, an extremely gifted luthier and guitarist.
Your combination of talent is extremely rare, and I feel very lucky to have stumbled upon you as I did!
Rick Telep, Mass.
Yesterday I received #102, or my new guitar as I like to call it. It is beautiful and sounds the same. Thanks.
David Ochsner, Mich.
Chris, received the guitar yesterday and have been playing if ever since! It sounds fabulous! It's a beautiful instrument and a very well designed case. I particularly like the rosette design and though you tried to talk me out of it thanks for the dot marker. Thanks again for building this wonderful instrument.
Bob Owen, Minn.
I am certainly not the best guitar player to own one of Chris Carrington’s guitars, but I may well be the most satisfied. I would say that this guitar has taught me to listen, but that’s not entirely accurate since I was
literally swept away by the beauty of it’s sound. Chris has an intuitive ability to craft an instrument of exceptional quality, when quality is measured by what really counts, how an instrument feels and sounds. His
guitars are truely works of art.
Roger Reitzel: comedian/guitarist/writer Disney Studios, Calif.
I wanted to buy a world-class concert guitar and I'd decided on an instrument from one of the big-name luthiers. I figured it was the only way to get a guitar with really spectacular sound. So I went to a couple of guitar "salons" - wonderful, inviting places with comfy chairs, rich oriental rugs underfoot and absolutely first-rate cappuccino. Oh, and they let me play a variety of truly outstanding guitars - truly outstanding and very, very expensive guitars. But hey, spectacular doesn't come cheap…
Then I got the chance to play a Carrington. And when it came down to actual check-writing time, I bought the Carrington for the following reasons:
1) It has a big, rich tone from top to bottom that's equal or superior to the
names we all worship and adore.
2) It has a unique and gorgeous look coupled with tremendous playability.
3) It cost way less than half the price of its more famous competition.
As decisions go, this was pretty much a no-brainer. The Carrington is the world-class guitar I was looking for. The only problem so far is when other guitarists play my Carrington, I usually have to wave around a small handgun
to get it back…
Al DiMeola, Internationally recognized guitar virtuoso.
"Chris began building guitars at about the same time I had him start going on concert tours with me. With each tour, he'd bring a newly finished guitar fit with electronics that he would play in my shows. You could say that he learned his craft through constant testing and retesting of his designs while actually in concert. We really put his guitars through the ropes on tours, and they held up exceptionally well. I am very impressed and pleased with the "Carrington" guitar that I own. I highly recommend these guitars to anyone looking for a professional concert instrument."
Chris Kachian, Prof. GTR. St. Thomas U.
"When I heard that Chris Carrington was building guitars, I called and had him send some up. The first three sold immediately. One was a cutaway with MIDI accessability, and the other two were traditional concert guitars. I was truly amazed to see guitars with electronics sound comparable to much more expensive concert guitars. My students have purchased several of Chris's guitars, and I own a spruce top with a MIDI pickup. My strongest recommendation goes out for these wonderful, innovative guitars. "
Todd Sharp, Guitarist w/Rod Stewart, Hall & Oates, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie
"I just remembered how much I love to play the guitar. Thank you for reminding me"
Frank Koonce, Prof. GTR. Arizona St. U.
"I custom ordered a cutaway classical guitar with a Baggs system from Chris in 1993. I have found it a delight to play, and it has a good natural tone quality. When I need to use amplification, I believe the Carrington guitar to provide the best sound available."
Giampiero Scuderi, studio and performing artist
"Throughout my career I have either owned or played many fine acoustic instruments built by well known makers. If ever there was such a thing as an 'inspiring instrument', Carrington's guitars are just that. From the original aesthetics to the powerful, expressive sound, every part of the instrument is very original and beatifully put together. The guitars ar light and are a pleasure to hold and play. The top vibrates freely and reacts very responsively to a player's touch, making the instrument quite expressive. Basses are warm and full whilst the trebles resonate with a loud singing voice that cuts through with ease in an ensemble setting. Sustain is exceptional even when playing in the highest positions and the neck is comfortably shaped. Carrington's guitars are obviously made from a player's point of view and clearly benefit from the maker's extensive experience acquired in his illustrious career as a concert and touring guitarist. They are truly a 'player's instrument'."
David Patterson, New World GTR Trio, Boston.
"Christopher Carrington guitars are carefully crafted to meet an individual's needs based on style, sound, and range. Acoustically, the instruments have a rich, even tone as well as style and grace. Electronically, they are unparalleled. I have yet to hear a more accurate, authentic sounding and versatile amplified nylon string guitar."
Enric Madriguera, Director of Guitar Studies at UT Dallas, and Eastfield Coll.
"The Carrington guitar blends new and innovative ideas with tradition in a fine handmade concert guitar. Quality is of the international level of builders."
Carlo Pezzimenti, Prof. GTR. Texas Womens U.
"I have the pleasure to inform you about the outstanding Carrington guitars. I have been playing them for the last four years. I have found in them all the necessary elements needed to perform at the concert level. If anyone is interested, I would be glad to speak further on their superb quality."
Steve Mackie, Composer, Prof. of Music, Princeton U.
"Christopher Carrington guitars bring the classical guitar into the next century. It sounds great as a purely acoustic instrument, it records very well, and amplification set-up gets a remarkably good sound, works well with effects, and has given me no feed back problems. The most important thing for me though, is that it feels good in the hands. I do a lot of improv and used to use only a '68 Les Paul. But my Carrington classical is so playable that I find myself reaching for it more and more."
Jason Bucklin, Session, Studio Top Dog Pro in Dallas
"After selling my 1967 Ramirez 1A a few years ago, I soon realized that it would be difficult to find a guitar that had the same rich, singing quality in the treble strings. With my Carrington, I have not only found an instrument that sings in the upper register, (surpassing even the Ramirez) but is balanced by a bold and pronounced sound in the bass strings as well. I'm continually amazed by the guitar."
"I am a collector of fine classical guitars; I own examples of every maker of note since, and including A. Torres. In my collection are three Carrington guitars; they are truly world class in both sound and appearance. I have made my collection available to Chris Carrington for study, and he has produced some tremendous guitars, I think due partially to his attention to my collection. I have only the highest confidence in recommending his guitars to anyone looking for a first rate concert instrument. One of Chris’s guitars is pictured in the book that was written about my collection. "
Russell Cleveland,
Renowned Collector of Guitars ,
“The Classical Guitar, a Complete History” Tony Bacon’s book documenting the Cleveland Collection
Daniel Medlin, Michigan:
The guitar (635mm scale) is superb..I had a teacher play it for me and he offered to buy the guitar from me right then. This guitar plays very very easy...I don't play it as often as the spruce top of yours, because I think I might get too lazy...either way, both guitars are beautiful...many thanks...I don't know whay one would pay $5000. or $6000. for a guitar when one could purchace one of yours and get a better tone and more sustain (I could go on and on)..keep up the good work..
Thorkell Daniel Jonsson, Iceland:
I have now been playing the guitar for a week and I love it. Since I have a limited vocabulary in English I a having difficulties finding the right words to describe what I like about it. Its sound is beautiful. I visited a friend and we compared your guitar to his Ramirez and found that the Carrington had a much warmer sound. I liked it better. My teacher tested it today and had no doubts about its quality. I find the guitar easy to play and it was nice to feel how it responds to my attacks. Now forte is forte wwithout buzzes. Finally, I want to thank you again for your work and to answer all my questions however. It has been a real pleasure doing business with you.
Rachel Graves, Mass.:
I brought the guitar to my lesson this week and my teacher thinks it is a really nice instrument. We were both impressed buy the volume output/dynamics capabilities on top of the beautiful tone and resonance. I love your guitar and my playing sounds notably better. Thanks again for all your help.
