Classical Guitar Reviews
and still more e-mails . . .

Kudos to you on an incredible guitar (TP-20). I am incredibly impressed with the level of expertise you presented in setting up the guitar to achieve the “best playability”. The tones are rich and the resonance produced while playing is harmonious. After finishing a few notes I had noticed that the guitar continued to beautifully resonate even after depressing the strings. The only issue I have is that you are currently undercharging for the guitars. I don't think it is fair to you to spend that great deal of time just for the guitar adjustment and not charge for it. You obviously have a passion for the instrument and it is evident in the quality of guitar and setup. I would like to Thank You for allowing the “player” society to be able to afford such a rich tone sounding instrument and also appreciate the high level of service and expertise that you have demonstrated.

Thank You,
Marc Trovarello

Good Evening!
The guitar arrived this afternoon. It is everything I expected . . . and more. Have been playing for the last couple hours, getting the strings "stretched" in . . . Thanks again for your help and a truly beautiful instrument.

Mike

Good afternoon Tom,
This is Jorge. I bought your Pavan guitarra earlier this year with the LR Baggs under the saddle. Tom, it is the most beautiful guitar I have ever played. The sound, the tone is so rich, the body is gorgeous, it smells fantastic and it plays like a dream. Even when amplified it just sounds richer and the tone is to die for. I have played many guitars in my time, but my TP-30 is head and shoulders above any of those. I know I was a bit nervous when I purchased it sight unseen but my fears were allayed as soon as I touched it and it was in my hands.
   I just wanted to thank you Tom very much for Carmen, as I call her. If you wish to add this letter to your testimonials I would be honored to let the world know that it is not just a wonderfully built guitar but that it is also the best bargain you will find in a handmade guitar anywhere. I know, I searched and researched. Everyone that has seen it or played it is astounded by it. They can't believe it cost less than a grand. It's a bargain at twice that much. If anyone wishes to contact me personally, they contact me through my website at www.majical.com and reach me there. Thank you Tom Prisloe. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Yours in music,
Jorge

Hi Tom,
Just a quick note to tell you how much I am enjoying my TP-30. I attended a four day classical guitar workshop at a local university and received many positive comments regarding the guitar. One participant who played a custom made instrument was amazed that I had only paid about $1000!
   Also, I took my TP-30 to a local luthier to have a small fret marker placed at the 7th fret. His first comment upon removing it from the case was,"Who made this?" When I returned to pick up the guitar, I found that he had set in a small piece of abalone instead of a basic white dot. To me, this is another compliment from a very skilled and well known individual.

Dave Chase

Dear Tom,
I've had my TP-20 for a week now and have a couple of comments. This is a really nice guitar. I like it better every time I play it. Your assurance in recommending it is completely justified, and the testimonials on your website are not exaggerated a bit. It's well built, has good woods finished nicely and sounds wonderful. It looks much better in real life than it does in the photos on the website. My only regret, if I can call it that, is that I didn't spring for the TP-30.
   Thanks for your time and for a really good deal on a really good guitar.

Chuck Teague

Hi Tom,
I received the TP-30 three weeks ago and wanted to send you a note to thank you for your help. It has a most beautiful sound. I do not know how to compare it to other fine instruments in terms of cost. It has been hard to shop in the middle of Iowa as I mentioned, but I can honestly say that it is the best classical I've played, one of which was $1,700.00 used.
   It is everything you said it would be in terms of voice, evenness, sustain and projection. I have played it for over 2 hours every day since receiving. Each and every time I reluctantly put it down, my thoughts turn to the next time that I will pick it up. It is a true joy to play and to learn it subtleties. My skills are improving daily and I know this instrument will take me very far down the path.
   Thanks again for your help and for your answers to my questions. It is a pleasure working with you.

Mike

Hi Tom,
Received the guitar friday in perfect condition. It "sings"! Just love it.

Thanks,
Bob

Tom,
Hello there. Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier. I received the TP-30 and it was everything I thought it would be and more. I am very happy with the tone and volume and appearance. My guitar teacher said that it has great projection and it would be great for concerts. I appreciate you putting the silver tuners on it as well. I have recommended you to some of my friends who need guitars, so we may be doing more business in the future. Thanks for everything and God Bless.

Marshal

Hello Mr. Prisloe,
I've had my TP-30 for about 5 months now and it is a pleasure to play. I practice 2-4 hours per session about 4 to 5 times per week and the more I play it the better it sounds. Notes are clear and beautiful. My wife loves listening to it and is very happy that I decided to go back to playing.
   I appreciate the fact that you make such fine guitars like the Pavan available in the manner that you do. I'm in an out of music stores and always take a look at the classical guitars they are selling. While some are nice, none of them possess the quality of your Pavan. I am completely satisfied with my TP-30.

Thanks again,
Cliff

Tom,
My guitar arrived on Tues. What an instrument for the money ! A very nice guitar and I am well pleased. The shorter neck length is great for my shorter fingers. The guitar is everything you said it would be—great volume, great tone, great sustain. It will serve me well until until you build my ultimate guitar. Thanks again. I feel great !! Keep up the good work ... I have a great trust in you and your work.

The best to you and your family,
Neil Barnes

The guitar arrived this morning safe and sound — just spent my lunch hour tuning and playing a couple of pieces — it is, truly, everything I had hoped for. Can't wait to have my lesson tomorrow evening.

thanks for everything,
Skip

Hi Tom,
Just to let you know I've been performing and recording with the Spanish guitar (TP-20 I bought from you last year) and have been receiving extremely favorable comments about the guitar. My classical guitar teacher said it's a really good guitar, and the engineer at the recording studio was really impressed with its tone.

Take care,
Rod

Tom,
I have taken safe delivery of my TP-30, what a stunning instrument it is. I had my lesson on Monday. My teacher who is classically trained and has played professionally for 30 years played a few pieces on it describing all the components and woods that made the guitar as he was playing. Needless to say he gave it a five star rating. Superb does not begin to describe the quality of build and sound that it produces. I will not hesitate to recommend you and your guitars in the future. If this e-mail helps someone make the decision to purchase then that will be fantastic. Feel free to quote any or all of this e-mail in any way you see fit either on your website or newsletters.

May I wish you all the success you desire in the future,
ken pearson

Tom,
The guitar finally arrived last night in perfect condition. It's a beauty! When I opened the case, I fell in love with it. It looks, and smells, like a new Ramirez 1E I have, but even before I played it, I noticed a difference. The Pavan's resonance was remarkable. Because I live in a small condo, I can't play guitar late in the evening, so I just played "Alhambra" very quietly. As I tuned the guitar, and played, it was obvious, it is far superior to the 1E in every respect. The tuner moves far smoother, and your setting is perfect. It's the most playable guitar I've ever played in the past 28 years, including my 1a Ramirez (marked TM). And the sound... so clear, so warm... It is the sound I expect from an extremely well-built Spanish guitar. As you said, it can compare with a 4E or maybe SP Ramirez, with the price so incredible. The Ramirez family raised the prices of the guitars in Japan a month or so ago, and a 4E now costs about, in retail price, $4,000; I did not need to pay $1,000 for this magnificent instrument. I'd love to hear my instructor's comment when I bring it to him in the next lesson. I don't know how to thank you, Tom. If a Pavan TP-20 is this nice, what can I expect from your custom built guitar?

Thanks again.
Akira Sato

Hi Tom,
Once again I want to thank you for selling me the Pavan TP-30 guitar. I have enjoyed playing it so much this past week. The acoustic sound this guitar produces is unbelievable. The craftsmanship is top notch. Everyone who has seen it are amazed at its beauty. Well, the true test came Saturday when I brought it to the one person in town who knows guitars and has owned a guitar shop in Baton Rouge for 30 years. He also happens to be the best fingerstyle guitar player around and he knows a great guitar when he sees one. He has always been brutally honest with me when I brought him my latest guitar. To make a long story short when he looked at it, he immediately could tell this was a well built guitar but when he played it a funny smile came over his face and he looked at me and said "David this guitar sounds better than a $10,000 Ramirez Guitar I owned in the past and better than a $5000 classical guitar I have previously owned." He was in shock at how I got a guitar of this quality for only $1000. He told me to look no farther for a better sounding classical guitar because I would be very hard pressed to find one even if I spent 1000's of dollars. To say the least he was more impressed with this guitar and more so than any guitar I have ever brought to him in the past and he told me so. The list of guitars I have brought to him is very long so this is a great complement.

Thanks again Tom for the great guitar I will pass this secret along to my guitar buddies.

David Brignac

Tom,
I just wanted to let you know that my first concert back home was a success. I played 23 songs ranging from Tarrega, Barrios, Bach and Handel to name a few. I had many compliments on my playing and also on the guitar. I added your name in the program notes so that people would know who to contact if they liked the guitar.
   After having so much feedback and time playing the instrument (TP-20), I can give you a review of the instrument. The beauty of the guitar is very desirable. I have had many people comment on the beauty and aesthetics of the instrument. Along with sound, it is of high quality. Being in a guitar studio with ten other people, I have found that my guitar has a wider spectrum of dynamic abilities than the rest of the guitars. My professor, George Lindquist, asked me if I paid 2000 dollars for the instrument. I happily told him the price knowing that I had made a wise investment. And the initial guessed price came from a man that scrutinizes everything. To make a long story short, the instrument gives myself a lot of confidence in what I play.

I hope to keep in touch,
Matt Miller
University of Wisconsin Whitewater

Tom,
What a beautiful guitar! I catch the wonderful aroma of cedar every time I open the case and bring the instrument up to my knee. I find it very easy to play. I took the guitar to my teacher to look at and evaluate. He loved it. He was very pleased with the construction, the tone, the action, and the value. In fact, he seemed just as excited about the instrument as I. I'm so glad that I found you through the internet. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to visit with you on the phone. And I look forward to growing in my music skills playing this wonderful new guitar.

Again, Thanks!
Peace to you, to your family, and to our world.
Jason McSpadden

Hello!
The guitar is beautiful! My instructor, W. Redman immediately noticed it when he walked into the class. By his recommendation, I am taking the guitar on Monday to show a friend of his, who needs a new guitar, and giving him your web address.

Sharon Fitzpatrick

Hi Tom,
I wanted to let you know that Carl LOVED the guitar when I gave it to him at Christmas. I've been meaning to write to tell you that, and it's taken longer than I thought it would. In any case, it is definitely one of the best purchases I think I've ever made — thank you again for all your help.

Sincerely,
Renee

Hi Tom,
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you sooner. I received the TP-20 on Dec. 15, just before we left for several days over Christmas. I have not had a lot of time to play as yet, but the guitar is beautiful, has a very good sound and is easy to play. It sounds as good as a lot of more expensive guitars and it is everything you said it would be. I am so glad I found you on the internet because you saved me a lot of money. I was dreading buying a guitar over the internet but you made the experience much better. To have a luthier and classical guitarist recommend a guitar set my mind at ease and after talking to you on the phone, it was settled. Thanks so much and I will gladly recommend you to anyone looking for a classical guitar. I look forward to many years of enjoyment with this guitar. Feel free to use this as a testimonial.

Best regards,
Joe Hopkins

Tom,
I received my new guitar and I am VERY pleased with it!!! It honestly makes a HUGE difference in the sound of my playing. I am really enjoying it!!! Thanks for offering such a wonderful guitar!!!

Kristi Bridge

Tom,
I received my TP-20 yesterday. Played until my wife threatened to leave me ... just kidding.
   The guitar is wonderful and all you claimed it would be. Beautiful tone and playability. Its a pleasure to "get to know." Beautiful hardwoods and perfect finish (I visually checked every inch). The case too, is of exceptional quality.
   I just retired and this is probably my last guitar purchase. I'm so glad to have purchased this beautiful instrument from you. The price was fair, especially compared to not even equivalent guitars at the music stores here in Southern California. Most had solid tops, but veneered sides and backs.

Regards,
Tom Barber

Dear Tom,
Just to say that the TP-30 arrived and that I definitely WON'T be sending it back!
  First of all, I think it's a lovely instrument to look at and hold. I'm no expert but the workmanship seems of very good quality. Second, I am very, very pleased with the playability, and the size is just fine. In fact, it seems effectively smaller than my Martin because it takes less "work" for the hand to produce good sound. (If I recall, that's one of your key objectives in making your concert guitars.)
  Of course, I like the sound and projection—the most important things. More volume and brightness than my old guitar, which combined with quality mentioned above, immediately improves my guitar playing.
  Anyway, can't wait to get home from work and play it. And I thank you for making such an instrument available at this price.

Will spread the word. Best to you and yours for the holidays.
Jeremy Williams

Tom,
Well, I'm halfway through my trial period and I am sorry to say that you can not have the guitar back. I really had no idea what I have been missing until I received the Pavan. Playing 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' on it literally choked me up when I heard the wonderful tone resonate from all the strings and not just the upper register. I was delighted to find out that I have been limited not just by technical ability but by the physical inadequacies of my old guitar and was immediately able to play chords and fingering that had been nearly or completely impossible before and had limited my ability to progress. Your guitar is a beautiful piece of art, easy action, and phenomenal sound. Thank you for making me aware of it and for expediting my purchase. By the way, I'm also very impressed with the case.

Thanks again, Tom,
Lar Tilford

Hi Tom,
I purchased one of your Pavan guitars this past spring and I just want to let you know that I am LOVING it!! Everyone comments on how nice sounding it is, and it is indeed a pleasure to learn on a quality instrument.
  Thanks for going out of your way to provide us with good instruments (especially for us beginning students) at affordable prices.

Thanks again.
Sara Hussong

Hi,
Thanks so much for the quality instrument. I haven't touched a steel string since it arrived. My instructor was incredibly impressed and I think you will have some more Olympia orders at some point. A guy named Brian is a likely candidate.
  Thanks again, Tom. It's a true pleasure to have such a good experience despite the distance and anonymity of the Web.

Marc

Hi Tom,
For the past several days, I have been waiting anxiously for the guitar to arrive and have been tracking on the UPS. I finally received it yesterday afternoon.
  The guitar is beautiful and had the color that I preferred, on the front, sides and back. When I picked it up, it felt very smooth and i have to be careful not to let it slip off my hands. I tuned it up and play a little last night and the sound is what I have been looking for.
  I am still learning the guitar and am not an expert nor have played many good guitars out there to be able to judge this one but this guitar has exceed my expectations on looks and sound quality at this price and higher. Most things in life you get what you pay for and very few things you get more than what you pay for and I believe the Pavan TP-20 is one of those very few.
  Thanks for selecting this guitar for me and making this purchase so easy.

Best regards,
Tan

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