William Kraus, who uses the logo (in highly stylized abalone) “WK” in which both the W and the K seem to be mating or something, is a maker of extremely fine sounding, beautifully hand-crafted guitars, in the traditional design of the great dreadnoughts of the past. This one, however, exceeds all expectations of excellence and beauty in that it has a Honduran rosewood back, sides and headstock overlay.
About Honduran Rosewood, according to the website “globaltrees” (edited): Honduran Rosewood is a valuable timber species. Honduran rosewood – a/k/a Dalbergia stevensonii is known only from Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico. Its valuable rosewood timber is highly sought after for quality products including musical instruments, turnery and carving. Honduran rosewood is reportedly the best wood for marimba and xylophone keys and it has been suggested as an acceptable substitute in guitars for Brazilian rosewood – Dalbergia Nigra -- (international trade in which is now banned under CITES.” Because it is a Dalbergia, like Brazilian, it sounds absolutely unbelievable! Here’s what the builder, himself, says about this amazing guitar:
The back and sides of this instrument are very dark, unstained, natural Honduran rosewood. Binding on the body and fingerboard, as well as the tail wedge (unlike our own) is Indian Rosewood. The headstock veneer is light Honduran Rosewood that matches the color of the one-piece mahogany neck and said neck is topped of with chrome Gotoh 510 tuners. The fingerboard and bridge are ebony, as are the abalone dotted bridge pins and end pin. This guitar also has a full round neck, which, while bigger than some, seems to be unusually comfortable (many people at this summer’s shows commented on how they like the neck). The nut width is 1-11/16", scale length is 25.4, and the neck includes a double action truss rod. The top is Sitka spruce, as are the 5/16" scalloped braces that cross one inch in from the sound hole. The bridgeplate is rosewood (as they are on a Huss and Dalton).
As far as protection (Dylan says we could all use some in “I Shall Be Released”), please observe the clear Mylar pickguard and the deluxe Cedar Creek case. The instrument is now set up with Phosphor Bronze light D'Addarios, but there is a set of mediums in the case if one prefers (which do you prefer and how long have you felt this way?). This guitar has been displayed at a few shows this summer, and shown to some local musicians. There are a few minor indications it has been played (a few minor dings in the finish) and in addition there are three finish checks – all on the treble side of the face – one below the bridge, one under the clear pickguard and one 2” to the east of the “abalone moon” inlaid ebony fingerboard. Considering its radiant beauty and all that refreshing, invigorating sound, the perfection of its workmanship, and the way you feel when it is positioned in the middle of your lap, this new guitar is extremely reasonably priced.
Our Discount Price is $3,706.00 and Our Cash Discount Price is $3,595.00