Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Sen Goh, a fellow classical guitar enthusiast and guitar maker.
Sen was kind enough to reshape a saddle Kris Barnett had sent me for my guitar.
Sen did an excellent job, and the saddle now sits perfectly in its bridge.
I also played a guitar that Sen made. Sen has only made 1 classical guitar thus far, but I was very impressed with his budding instrument.
The instrument was powerful and responsive with a strong fundamental tone. It featured a spruce top with Torres-styled fan bracing in a Hauser plantilla shaped body. It was the best locally made classical guitar I have ever played. If you are a Singaporean classical guitar enthusiast, you have to try this instrument.
I’m very excited by this discovery and I’m anxious to try Sen’s future instruments.
Sen is a good guitarist and I’m sure his keen ear will help him in voicing future instruments.
He builds alone with no apprentices. He does not use much power tools. He builds almost everything by hand. He shapes and cuts almost everything, including the backs, sides and tops.
His skills as a luthier are still in its infancy. But if his first instrument is anything to go by, he will become an excellent guitar maker in no time. I will be watching this Singaporean guitar maker with great interest.
You can visit Sen’s website here.
Listen to Sen perform on the first guitar he made:
[audio:http://www.dedrickkoh.com/Music/ElTestamentDAmelia(SenGoh).mp3]
Performer: Sen Goh
Guitar: Sen Goh #1
Recorder: Zoom H2
Year of recording: 2010
Arranger: Miguel Llobert
omg i wanna see the rosette
You can view pictures of the rosette at http://senguitar.blogspot.com/2009/12/fret-crowning-headstock.html
I was thinking about taking more photos of the guitar. But the instrument was still in a prototype/experimental state. I decided against taking photos out of respect for the maker. Besides, taking photos of the guitar in an unfinished state seems unfair to the builder.
But the guitar sounds great. Give it a try if you get the chance.
Hi Dedrick
Interesting to know a Singaporean Luthier!
Do you happen to have Sen’s e-mail? I like to contact him to see if he can make a guitar for me. I have interest to puchase one of his guitar.
Thanks
R. Phang
Hi Raymond. I’ve sent you an e-mail. The classical guitar scene in Singapore is full of surprises!
Stay tuned, I’m always on the lookout for interesting personalities to feature on my website.