Michael McBroom

Janet Marlow is arguably the most prominent 10-string artist in the world today.  She is an accomplished performer, prolific recording artist and composer, historian, author, and instructor of the 10-string classical guitar.  She studied under such greats as Andres Segovia, Julian Bream, and the maestro of the modern 10-string classical, Narcisso Yepes.  Janet has assumed the role of champion and advocate of the instrument, and has dedicated a large portion of her time, resources, and energy to advancing the 10-string within the music community. Janet also hosts the Ten String Guitar website. One of the biggest problems Janet has faced in convincing 6-string players to try the 10-string has been the cost involved.  Only a few luthiers build 10-strings, and those who do typically charge $5,000 and up for their 10-strings.  Paulino Bernabe, widely recognized as the world's foremost builder of 10-strings, charges 10,000 euros for his magnificent instruments.  Because of the high prices involved for new 10-strings and the scarcity of used ones -- or even ones to try out -- guitarist have been slow to take the plunge.  Janet realized the solution to this problem would be an entry level model, suitable for the advanced student, or professional who might want one but who could not justify the expense. In 2005, Janet and I began discussing an entry level model, and later that year, she and I entered into an agreement where I would build an instrument that she would endorse.  Thus, the Janet Marlow Entry Model came into being.  The Janet Marlow Entry Model is handcrafted in every way.  No shortcuts are taken during the construction of this instrument.  In order to keep my price as low as possible, I have standardized on the woods used, and have simplified some of the cosmetic appointments.  My requirements for the quality of the tone woods are no different than with any of my other guitars.  I believe in using the best sounding woods possible because to me it is a waste of time and effort to use anything less. In 2006, at the  2nd International 10-String Guitar Festival I presented Janet with the first Janet Marlow Entry Model 10-string classical.  The guitar was very well received amongst the players who attended, and Janet liked it so much that she even played it at the concert held on Saturday night of the Festival (shown above)

Janet Marlow Entry Model 10-string classical	Specifications: Soundboard wood: Western redcedar Back and Side wood: Indian rosewood Neck wood: Spanish cedar with ebony reinforcement strip Ebony fingerboard Indian rosewood bridge Bloodwood binding with soundboard purfling only Corian nut and saddle 650mm scale Nut width: 88mm with 9mm string spacing or 86mm with 8.5mm string spacing Tuners: Hauser-style Schallers, cut to fit the 10-string headstock French polish finish Hard shell case. Price: $1750 The only option offered with the Janet Marlow Entry Model is a pickup (Schatten passive soundboard transducer), available for a $180 upcharge	Janet Marlow "showing off" her new Janet Marlow Entry Model 10-string classical, presented to her by Michael McBroom Janet Marlow in concert with her Janet Marlow Entry Model 10-string classical
Copyright © 2006 Michael McBroom, all rights reserved