Kevin Ryan "Atlantean" Nightingale Grand Soloist - Alpine Spruce & Madagascar Rosewood #1271

Kevin Ryan’s Cellar Door Series represents the outer edge of his artistic vision. These are not simply custom builds. They are singular statements. Each instrument in the series receives a one of a kind top finish, individually conceived and executed so no two will ever exist again. The “Atlantean” Nightingale Grand Soloist, unveiled at NAMM 2026, stands as one of the most visually arresting expressions to come from Ryan and his accomplished team in decades of masterful lutherie.

At first glance, the Alpine spruce top commands your attention. The finish treatment evokes deep ocean currents moving through ancient stone, streaks of midnight, bronze, and shadow cascading vertically across the soundboard. It is dramatic, moody, and sophisticated without feeling artificial. The figure feels alive. Framed by an ebony binding theme and luminous blue paua purfling, the top shimmers at the edges like light breaking across dark water. The Blue Paua art rosette, encircled by black Tahitian pearl purfling and a brilliant blue paua outer ring, creates a focal point that feels both organic and architectural.

Turn the guitar and the Madagascar rosewood back and sides reveal a rich, earthy counterpoint. The back glows with deep cinnamon and dark chocolate tones, its grain elegant and confident. Madagascar rosewood brings clarity, depth, and piano like separation to the voice, pairing beautifully with the power and headroom of Alpine spruce. The Venetian soft cutaway maintains the graceful Nightingale silhouette while offering seamless upper register access.

Kevin Ryan’s decades as a luthier show in every detail. The Diamante fingerboard inlay glitters subtly against the dark board, while blue paua fingerboard purfling and headstock purfling tie the visual story together from end to end. The Art Deco bridge wing inlay and the fountain headstock motif nod to classic design language, yet feel thoroughly modern. Even the Blue Paua “R” logo and the Gotoh Super 510 black chrome machines with Cosmo Black buttons and embossed “R” branding reinforce that this is a cohesive artistic statement, not a collection of parts.

Under the surface lies Ryan’s Innovation Suite, the result of years of relentless refinement. The ergonomic bevel with flutes enhances comfort without sacrificing elegance. EO bracing and the Acoustic Honeycomb system optimize responsiveness and structural integrity. The titanium bridge pins and A5 “Racing Stripe” kerfed liner contribute to efficiency and projection, while the Ryan micro adjustable truss rod system ensures precise setup control. At 4 pounds 14 ounces, the instrument feels alive in the hands, light yet authoritative.

With a 25.7 inch scale, 1.75 inch nut width, and 2.25 inch bridge spacing, this Grand Soloist is built for players who demand both power and articulation. It offers remarkable dynamic range, crystalline high end detail, and a focused low register that never muddies. Fingerstyle passages bloom with dimension, while flatpicked lines retain definition and authority.

The “Atlantean” is more than a showpiece. It is proof of what happens when a master builder with decades of experience collaborates with a deeply skilled team and allows creativity to lead. Housed in its Calton flight case, this Cellar Door Series instrument is not just rare. It is singular.

Other specifications include:

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

Product Images