2021 Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist 10-String - Bearclaw Sitka Spruce & Myrtle #984

The 2021 Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist 10-String is a breathtaking example of what happens when visionary design, uncompromising craftsmanship, and innovative acoustic engineering converge in a single instrument. Kevin Ryan’s guitars have long occupied a rare space in the world of modern luthiery, celebrated not only for their striking visual artistry, but for their extraordinary responsiveness, balance, and orchestral depth. The Nightingale series represents some of Ryan’s most refined and ambitious work, and this Grand Soloist 10-String stands as a truly inspiring interpretation of the concept.

At the heart of this instrument is a master-grade Bear Claw Sitka Spruce soundboard paired with beautifully figured Myrtle back and sides, both tonewoods native to North America and responsibly harvested from sustainable sources. The pairing is exceptional. The Bear Claw Sitka offers tremendous dynamic range and clarity while introducing a rich visual texture beneath the finish, while Myrtle contributes an alluring tonal complexity that sits somewhere between rosewood and maple, delivering warmth, articulation, shimmer, and remarkable note separation. Together, they create a voice that is expansive, immersive, and harmonically alive, perfectly suited to the lush architecture of a 10-string instrument.

Visually, this Ryan is every bit as captivating as its sound. The ebony binding theme frames the body with understated sophistication, while the Blue Paua soundboard purfling and matching Blue Paua “R” logo add flashes of vibrant color and elegance throughout the instrument. The complete Ghost fretboard inlay in Paua and Mother of Pearl moves gracefully along the ebony fingerboard with a modern, almost ethereal presence that feels unmistakably Ryan in execution and style.

As expected from Kevin Ryan, this guitar is loaded with the company’s renowned Innovation Suite, a collection of groundbreaking design elements developed to maximize comfort, resonance, and structural efficiency. Features include the Ryan ergonomic bevel with flutes for effortless playing comfort, EO bracing, Acoustic Honeycomb construction, Ryan’s micro adjustable truss rod system, titanium bridge pins, and the distinctive A5 “Racing Stripe” kerfed liner system. Every detail serves both aesthetic beauty and acoustic performance, resulting in an instrument that feels remarkably alive in the hands.

The playing experience is equally inspiring. The 25.7" scale length, 1 3/4" nut width, and 2 1/4" bridge spacing provide a comfortable and articulate platform for complex voicings, alternate tunings, and the expansive harmonic landscape unique to a Ryan 10-string. Despite its sonic power and sophisticated construction, the guitar remains astonishingly lightweight at only 5 lbs 3 oz, enhancing its resonance and responsiveness even further.

Though this is a pre-owned instrument, it remains in excellent condition and has been meticulously maintained in a smoke-free studio environment since new. This is a single-owner guitar that has clearly been cherished from day one, now offered for sale with its original Calton flight case.

Rarely does an instrument blend innovation, sustainability, visual artistry, and tonal sophistication at this level. This Kevin Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist 10-String is not simply a guitar. It is a masterwork from one of the most respected living luthiers in the world.

Other specifications include:

For more information about the Ryan Nightingale Grand Soloist, please contact us.

Product Images