1967 Levin Model 113 (Goya G-30) Classical Guitar

Almost all Levin-made classical guitars on these shores are seen under the Goya brand where this would be called a G-30 model (more or less). This is fairly high up the ladder of Levin classical products and is appointed (and built) beautifully. It features a thin, lightly-braced spruce top over flamed maple back and sides. The neck is multi-piece and perfectly stable and has an ebony board compared to the more-usual rosewood ones from the company. Also, compared to a "normal" G-30, this Model 113 has rosewood binding vs. maple, which really looks snazzy with the figured maple back and sides. Said back and sides seem a little fancier than the average G-30, too. It's a slick guitar.

In sound and performance, it apes some of the German school of classical design -- clear, clean, focused sound with a rich bottom -- but not saggy or overly-boomy like many Spanish-style classicals which can be pretty sultry. Still, it's warm enough that I have to really back the mic away from it in order not to overdrive the bass (and I still didn't do that well in the video clip).

This one's here on consignment and it didn't need much to get it going. Now that it is, it's an easy, strong player. It has a set of older Aquila Nylgut strings on it at the moment that aren't too traditional in tone, however, so I expect with a fresh set of normal nylon strings on it the tone would be a bit fatter and rounder.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, cleaning, and setup.

Setup notes: it plays spot-on with 3/32" action overall at the 12th fret and a straight neck. The medium-style frets are in good order and will get through several more level/dress jobs if need be.

Scale length: 25 5/8"

Nut width: 2"

String spacing at nut: 1 3/4"

String spacing at bridge: 2 3/16"

Body length: 18 3/4"

Lower bout width: 15"

Waist width: 9 7/8"

Upper bout width: 11 3/8"

Side depth at endpin: 3 3/4"

Top wood: solid spruce (European)

Back/sides wood: solid flamed maple

Neck wood: mahogany, 2 piece w/center strip

Bracing type: light fan

Fretboard: ebony, synthetic original nut

Bridge: rosewood, synthetic original saddle

Neck feel: slim-medium D shape, flat board

Condition notes: the guitar had previously had its saddle lowered and the front top-edge of the bridge lightly shaved to allow for more saddle to be proud of its top. Because of this I strung it "ball-end" style to add extra back-angle on the saddle for better tone/response. The finish looks glorious overall but shows a few minor nicks/scratches here and there and fine weather-checking throughout. It looks as it should -- but kept-well and maintained.

It comes with: an older Guild 000 case that fits it nicely.