Greg Smallman
Encyclopedia
Luthier
A luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
known worldwide for his innovative guitar designs. Although his guitars are in outward appearance similar to a traditional Spanish classical guitar
Classical guitar
The classical guitar is a 6-stringed plucked string instrument from the family of instruments called chordophones...
, there are numerous innovative differences. Among them is the use of a high, arched and carved back for the guitar, which is considerably thicker and heavier than a conventional guitar. The back is typically made of Brazilian rosewood
Rosewood
Rosewood refers to any of a number of richly hued timbers, often brownish with darker veining, but found in many different hues. All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish, being suitable for guitars, marimbas, turnery , handles, furniture, luxury flooring, etc.In general,...
. The top, by contrast (which is almost always made of Western Redcedar) is very thin. What gives the top its amazing resonance and strength is the unique system of bracing. The top is braced using a "lattice" framework composed of balsa wood and carbon fibre. By contrast most classical guitars use struts made of cedar or spruce in a "fan" shape.
Smallman's most famous client is the world-renowned classical guitarist John Williams
John Williams (guitarist)
John Christopher Williams is an Australian classical guitarist, and a long-term resident of the United Kingdom. In 1973, he shared a Grammy Award win in the 'Best Chamber Music Performance' category with Julian Bream for Julian and John .-Biography:John Williams was born on 24 April 1941 in...
. Also playing Smallmans:
In 1999 the Greg Smallman label changed to Greg Smallman & Sons Damon & Kym. Based for many years in Glen Innes, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, in 2002 the Smallmans briefly relocated to the Mornington Peninsula outside Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
. The Greg Smallman and Sons workshop is now located near Esperance, Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
.
Greg Smallman is admired for the open way in which he shares his ideas. He does not hide them from fellow luthiers
Luthier
A luthier is someone who makes or repairs lutes and other string instruments. In the United States, the term is used interchangeably with a term for the specialty of each maker, such as violinmaker, guitar maker, lute maker, etc...
, nor has he patented them. Many luthiers worldwide now also build lattice braced guitars.
Quotes
Criticism
While some people are positive towards innovations that directly affect a guitar's loudness (thin lattice-braced top); there are also a number of people who are critical of the tonal qualities of these guitars.External links
- Name's Greg, not Jose - Guitar Maker Greg Smallman Interview with Greg Smallman, John Williams and Craig Ogden (28 November 2009; Robyn Johnston and David Le May; ABC Radio, IntoTheMusic) audio interview