Kevin Ryan "Elderwood" Nightingale Grand Soloist - Sitka Spruce & Indian Rosewood #1293

Crafted by master luthier Kevin Ryan, this extraordinary Nightingale Grand Soloist from the celebrated “Cellar Door” Collection is a breathtaking union of artistry, innovation, and tonal sophistication. Finished in the mesmerizing “Elderwood” treatment, the master-grade Sitka spruce soundboard evokes the ancient character of weathered timber and fine whiskey casks, rich with dramatic texture, organic depth, and visual movement that feels almost alive beneath the light. Paired with beautifully resonant East Indian rosewood back and sides, the result is an instrument that radiates warmth, complexity, and unmistakable presence before a single note is played.

Built in Ryan’s renowned Nightingale Grand Soloist body shape with a 1.75" nut width and 25.7" scale length, this guitar delivers remarkable balance, projection, and responsiveness. The Florentine cutaway adds a striking sculptural elegance while allowing effortless upper-register access, perfectly complementing the guitar’s refined modern voice. Every contour reflects Kevin Ryan’s legendary attention to ergonomic design and acoustic performance, making the instrument feel as inspiring in the hands as it is to the eyes.

The appointments throughout are nothing short of exquisite. An ebony binding theme frames the body with understated luxury, while Black Tahitian Pearl purfling adorns the soundboard, sides, back, fretboard, headstock, and bridge with shimmering depth and sophistication. The rosette is especially captivating, featuring Black Tahitian Pearl accented by luminous Blue Paua purfling and an outer circlet that glows with iridescent color. Ryan’s signature design language is evident everywhere, from the elegant Ryan-style headstock, bridge, and fretboard termination to the stunning Blue Paua “R” logo inlaid with Mother-of-Pearl MicroPearl.

The fully realized “Ghost” fretboard inlay, executed in Black Tahitian Pearl and Gold Mother-of-Pearl, drifts gracefully across the fingerboard like an apparition in motion, while the matching Ghost bridge wing inlay ties the entire visual narrative together with remarkable cohesion. Finished with Gotoh Super 510 black chrome tuning machines embossed with the iconic “R” logo, every detail speaks to uncompromising craftsmanship and artistic intent.

Beyond its beauty lies the heart of Kevin Ryan’s innovative engineering philosophy. This Nightingale incorporates Ryan’s acclaimed Innovation Suite, including the ergonomic bevel with flutes, EO bracing system, Acoustic Honeycomb construction, titanium bridge pins, A5 “Racing Stripe” kerfed liner, and Ryan’s micro-adjustable truss rod system. Together, these features create an instrument of extraordinary resonance, dynamic range, sustain, and comfort, capable of delivering nuanced fingerstyle passages, articulate accompaniment, and commanding solo performance with equal grace.

At just 4 lbs 15 oz, this guitar feels astonishingly alive and responsive in the hands. Protected in a premium Calton flight case, the “Elderwood” Nightingale Grand Soloist stands not merely as a world-class acoustic guitar, but as a collectible work of modern lutherie art, an unmistakable expression of Kevin Ryan’s visionary craftsmanship and the rare beauty of the Cellar Door Collection.

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