Classical superstar Raymond Burley gets the first ever Santos Martinez signature model

July 27, 2011 - PRLog -- Santos Martinez, the highly respected maker of classical and electro-classic guitars, has produced its first ever signature model, for the world-renowned virtuoso Raymond Burley.

One of the world's most celebrated and experienced classical talents, Raymond has performed solo concerts, concertos, on film scores, radio, and television and in virtually every possible guitar ensemble combination. He has performed at venues worldwide, with artists as diverse as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Rick Wakeman, and Dame Peggy Ashcroft.

Raymond is also one quarter of the talented 4 Parts Guitar group alongside long-time friend and collaborator Gordon Giltrap, John Etheridge, and Clive Carroll.

The new SM2000RB signature guitar is modelled after a Martin Fleeson model that was Raymond's main guitar for more than 20 years. Made it 1985, the guitar was recently retired by Raymond, and Santos Martinez seemed the obvious next step.

After first endorsing the Santos Martinez SM650CEA electro-classic model, the signature model has been built to Raymond's exacting specifications. The guitar, which costs £649 (UK RRP), features a solid spruce top, and solid Indonesian rosewood back and sides. The 648mm scale neck is mahogany, with an ebony fingerboard and a Spanish heel. The bridge is rosewood; the nut and saddle bone. The guitar also comes with a luxury fitted case, complete with a Raymond Burley signature plate.

Raymond said: “The guitar is beautifully constructed; the quality of the woods used is superb throughout, so too is the finish. The playability, owing to the beautifully crafted neck shape and action, is excellent, as is the balance between the treble and bass. From new, the guitar had a surprising amount of volume and this will no doubt improve further the more the instrument is played. The SM2000RB represents amazing quality for a very modest price tag, which is even more astonishing when one considers the instrument comes with a plush shaped hard case.”

For more information, click on the links below. Raymond is available for interviews about his new signature guitar Please contact us to be put in touch with him.

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Useful links:

Raymond Burley:
www.raymondburley.com

Santos Martinez:
www.jhs.co.uk/santos.html