Tyler Robbins R.2 - Carpathian Spruce & Bois de Rose #2504

Tyler Robbins has a remarkable ability to bring together beautiful materials, imaginative design, and a deep understanding of acoustics in a way that feels entirely his own. His R.2 in Carpathian Spruce and the exceptionally rare Bois de Rose is a gorgeous example of his work, combining an elegant, comfortable body with extraordinary tonewoods and some truly inspired craftsmanship. The richness of the rosewood, the intricate green Box Elder Burl appointments, and the graceful, almost sculptural quality of the instrument make this one of those guitars that becomes more beautiful the longer you spend with it.

Tyler's background is as impressive as the instruments he builds. His journey into lutherie led him to the renowned Galloup School of Lutherie, where he studied under Bryan Galloup and Sam Guidry. What began as a short course developed into an intensive two-year apprenticeship, eventually leading to positions as one of Galloup Guitars' lead builders and head of its repair department. That experience gave Tyler an exceptional foundation in both traditional guitar making and the more technical aspects of acoustic design. His approach is thoughtful and meticulous, with a particular emphasis on understanding the physical properties of his materials and how they contribute to the finished instrument. There is a tremendous amount of experience behind his work, but what makes his guitars so appealing is the individuality and artistic expression he brings to every build.

The Bois de Rose used for the back and sides of this R.2 is absolutely magnificent. A true rosewood native to Madagascar, Dalbergia maritima is among the rarest and most sought-after tonewoods available to contemporary luthiers. Historically prized for its extraordinary beauty and density, Bois de Rose has become increasingly difficult to source due to extensive harvesting, habitat loss, and strict trade protections. Finding material of this quality, let alone a set large enough for an acoustic guitar, is something quite special. This particular example displays a stunning combination of deep burgundy, crimson, and dark violet coloration, with beautifully defined grain running the length of the back. The wood has a richness that is difficult to capture in photographs, revealing subtle variations in color and figure as the light moves across its surface. Tyler has also selected Bois de Rose for the fingerboard and bridge, carrying this beautiful material throughout the instrument.

For the soundboard, Tyler chose Carpathian Spruce, supported by carefully selected Italian Spruce bracing. Known for its sensitivity, dynamic range, and excellent strength-to-weight characteristics, Carpathian Spruce is a particularly appealing choice for a guitar designed around responsiveness and musical versatility. Paired with the exceptional density and reflective qualities of Bois de Rose, this combination offers the potential for a wonderfully rich and articulate voice, with strong note separation, beautifully developed overtones, and a long, lingering sustain. It is a pairing equally suited to the delicate nuances of fingerstyle playing and the demands of a more assertive approach.

The R.2 is an especially appealing design within Tyler's lineup, offering the comfort and immediacy of a smaller-bodied guitar without the restricted feel that can sometimes accompany more compact instruments. Its 15-inch lower bout and 19-inch body length provide a wonderfully manageable playing experience, while the generous 4.75-inch body depth gives the instrument a substantial internal air chamber. The 12-fret neck joint places the bridge farther into the lower bout, an important consideration in Tyler's approach to soundboard design. The 25.5-inch scale length provides familiar string tension, while the 1.75-inch nut width and 2.25-inch bridge spacing offer comfortable room for intricate fingerstyle work. An elegantly executed Florentine cutaway provides easy access to the upper register without interrupting the beautiful lines of the body. At just 4 pounds, 2 ounces, the guitar feels wonderfully light and balanced.

The appointments on this instrument deserve particular attention. Tyler has created a gorgeous geometric rosette using natural and green Box Elder Burl, with an intricate arrangement of shapes that gives the soundhole a distinctly architectural appearance. The brilliant green accents continue around the edge of the soundboard in the top purfling, beautifully complementing the warmth of the Carpathian Spruce. The headstock is another highlight, featuring a striking combination of Bois de Rose and vividly figured green Box Elder Burl, finished with gold Gotoh 510 Mini tuning machines and custom black, gold, and Bois de Rose buttons. The deep red of the rosewood against the green burl is an especially beautiful pairing, giving the guitar a distinctive appearance without overwhelming the natural character of the woods.

There are equally thoughtful details throughout the rest of the instrument. Pure silver side blocks set in resin serve as elegant player position markers, while the gold EVO frets provide a subtle visual complement to the hardware. The beautifully sculpted ebony arm rest and rib rest are particularly impressive, flowing naturally into the body's contours and providing additional comfort where the guitar meets the player. Black Rocklite bindings frame the instrument, while the Honduran Mahogany neck, clear pickguard, and ebony bridge pins complete an exceptionally refined presentation.

What makes this R.2 particularly special is how naturally everything comes together. The stunning Bois de Rose could easily have been the entire focus of the instrument, but Tyler has given just as much consideration to its proportions, playability, and overall presentation. The result is a beautifully cohesive guitar, full of subtle details that reveal the care and imagination behind its construction. With its exceptionally rare tonewoods, distinctive aesthetic, and thoughtful modern design, this Tyler Robbins R.2 is a wonderful example of what makes contemporary handmade acoustic guitars so exciting. Complete with a custom Calton flight case, it is a truly special instrument from a builder whose work deserves serious attention.

Other specifications include:

• Carpathian Spruce Top
• Italian Spruce Braces
• Bois de Rose Back & Sides
• Bois de Rose Fingerboard & Bridge
• Black Rocklite Bindings
• Ebony Arm Rest & Rib Rest
• Honduran Mahogany Neck
• Green & Natural Box Elder Burl Rosette
• Green Box Elder Burl Top Purfling
• Green Box Elder Burl & Bois de Rose Headstock Veneers
• Pure Silver Side Blocks in Resin Player Position Marker Inlays
• Gold Gotoh 510 Mini Tuning Machines with Black, Gold & Bois de Rose Buttons
• Ebony Pins
• Gold Evo Frets
• Clear Pick Guard
• Florentine Cutaway
• 12 Fret Neck Joint
• 25.5" Scale Length
• 1.75” Nut Width
• 2.25” Bridge Spacing
• 10.75” Upper Bout Width
• 15” Lower Bout Width
• 4.75” Tail Depth
• 19” Body Length
• 39.25” Overall Length
• Custom Calton Flight Case
• 4 lb 2 oz
• #2504

For more information about the Tyler Robbins R.2, please contact us.

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