Alastair Miller OM

Made in Montreal, Canada, 2004 anno domini. OM model.
Solid Spruce one-piece top, Brazilian Rosewood back & sides.
French-polished shellac finish. 'Fast' mahogany neck, 14 frets to the body, bound ebony fretboard. Brazilian Rosewood veneer on front & back peghead. Came in a classy (TKL?) tweed hardshell case.

This acoustic guitar should come with a volume control. When I first plucked only 3 of its strings, I was startled at how loud it was. But clear. All the fundamentals, with rich overtones. I've played Martins, Gibsons, Goodalls, a Laskin (www.williamlaskin.com), a Beneteau (www.beneteauguitars.com), and a Manzer (www.manzer.com). I own guitars built by the latter two. I've played the works of several other fine luthiers. This is, I think, the finest guitar I've ever held & played. That it has beautiful Brazilian Rosewood and a one-piece (seemingly thick1) spruce top is just icing on the cake. It may get as good, but I don't see how it could get better.

Action is a bit high for my taste, but I've not felt the need to change anything yet. As regards fit & finish, this is a standard to which others can aspire. The French-polished shellac is expertly applied.

I have no intention of taking this instrument on the road. I wouldn't have thought my matte-finished Beneteau would have survived the past 15 years, but it's in fine shape. The Miller seems more solid. I haven't decided yet if I'm going to put in a pickup or strap buttons. I'm inclined against it.

Not corresponded with Alastair yet, but I would like to tell him how I'm enjoying the finest instrument I've ever had the privilege to play (actually, I did briefly play a David Wren about 20-25 years ago, but I don't think I was good or knowledgeable enough then to appreciate what I had in my hands). In any event, Grant McNeil & David Wren of the 12th Fret in Toronto, Canada, where I bought the instrument, are without doubt among the nicest, most reputable folks in the business.

I've been playing for 30 years. I own a Larrivee L-09, a Manzer cutaway acoustic and a Marc Beneteau Florentine cutaway. All very fine guitars. None on par with this Miller. If it were stolen, I'd track down the perpetrators. If it were lost - well, I simply would not allow that to happen. In any event, I certainly would consider having Mr. Miller build me another -- but this is one of those guitars that sounds open right out of the shoppe - I've played another of his that was a fine guitar, but it's not gonna sound like mine for some years yet. I don't expect that his guitars will stay this (relatively) affordable for long.

I just recently purchased a custom Om from Toronto based luthier Alastair Miller(apprentice to master luthier Sergei deJonge, and a past employee of The deJonge Guitar Comapany) who's currently working from his shop in Montreal. Its Brazilian Rosewood with a beautiful sitka top and a Brazilian rosette, and front and back head veneers. This guitar has been french polished which I think is partly responsible for its exquisite tone. This guitar came equipt with gold schallers with ebony buttons and a tweed TLK hardshell case.

I play mainly finger style and have played professionally for many years, and this is the best guitar i've found for under $7500, and I guess thats because Alastair is still a young luthier working on his reputation. It has a wonderful focused sound yet rich and well balanced.

The guitar came set-up perfectly and plays like butter, and there is not a single flaw in the wood selection. It's BEAUTIFUL!

This guitar will withstand the rigors of the road, but not without some TLC. I'm not sure how well the french polish will stand-up to the test of time, as its a thin finish, but whats a little wear in exchange for that TONE, anyhow it adds character.

Customer support is superb as there is only one person to deal with and he stands behind his product 100%

This is the best acoustic guitar i've ever owned and i've owned them all at one point in time, if it were lost or stolen I don't know what i'd do........i'd probably cry, and then start working to save up $$$ for another.