Archtop and flat top guitars - what are the sonic differences? I get this question a lot and what better way to answer it than with two instruments by one of the world’s finest luthiers - Kim Walker. 

There is a story behind these two guitars - they were made at the same time in 1996 and they both feature ornate Peacock inlays on the headstock. 

For this reason I chose to play my piece Birdseye on both of them. Here's the SJ in Brazilian rosewood and aged German spruce.

The Blue Empress is part of The Blue Guitar Collection - commissioned by Scott Chinery in the 1990s and now under the gentle stewardship of The Archtop Foundation. 

Take a listen to these beautiful guitars recorded in Kim Walker’s workshop. 

I hope you enjoy the video!

Until next time, stay tuned

Michael