Greg Smallman

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Greg Smallman is an Australian luthier widely known for his innovative guitar designs. Although in outward appearance similar to a traditional Spanish classical guitar, there are numerous innovative differences. Among them are the use of a high, arched and carved back for the guitar which is considerably thicker and heavier than a conventional guitar. The back is typically made of Brazilian rosewood.

The top, by contrast (which is amost always made of cedar wood) is so thin that players are warned not to rest the palm of their hands on the top lest they break through the top. What gives the top its amazing resonance and strength is the unique system of bracing. The top is braced using a "lattice" framework composed of balsa wood and carbon fibre. By contrast most classical guitars use struts made of cedar or spruce in a "fan" shape. His most famous client is the world-renowned classical guitarist John Williams (guitarist). Also playing Smallman guitars is Ben Verdery, a renowned recording artists and professor of classical guitar at Yale. His shop, Smallman & Sons is located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Smallman's Distinctive "Lattice" Bracing

Smallman Rosette

Smallman Label Until 2002

Early Smallman-Biffman Label

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