What People Are Saying About Calvo Instruments. . .

“I am a full time musician. I specialize in Early Music. This past year I asked Paul to build me a Baroque Guitar. Paul's attention to detail is amazing. During all aspects of the build, Paul stayed in constant contact with me, offering options, suggestions and updates. In an effort to provide an instrument suitable for Historically Informed Performance, Paul went above and beyond to ensure that the instrument would look and sound as it should. I have used this instrument for Early Music performances in Maryland and New England thus far. I am currently recording a CD with Abby Michaels (The Harper and The Minstrel) and am using the Baroque Guitar on several tracks. I am very happy with the sound and the look of this instrument. If you need a Baroque Guitar, I recommend talking to Paul about a build. If you need repairs or adjustments on any of your string instruments, I also suggest that you talk to Paul. His knowledge and insight is amazing. He is also a kind and thoughtful person!”
- Jay Michaels, MA

“I’m a retired electrical engineer who has played guitar off and on since I was a teenager. . . I started playing again in 2017, but have noticed a decline in flexibility in my hands, which is slowly increasing. I play renaissance, classical and easy chord melody arrangements, early intermediate level. I also have an interest in guitar history, and was looking for a small guitar with a historical context. Paul’s Torres design Sarita was a perfect match. Being an old engineer, working with Paul on the modifications I wanted was fun and educational. We lengthened the scale, which meant Paul had to figure out where to place the bridge. We also narrowed the nut, lowered the action, and chose woods that Torres could have used. All in all, a fascinating project. The result was an amazing sounding, gorgeous looking, and easy to play instrument. Paul’s attention to detail and craftsmanship are first class in every way. “
- Richard D., CA

“Definitely stunning guitar! As soon as I opened the case I was in awe. And it is set up perfectly! Action and everything feels great. Literally nothing needs to be adjusted. Nailed it! Intonation is spot on (better than my other acoustics) and even more amazing is that I really think Paul captured the feel of a 19th century instrument. It definitely doesn’t feel from this time, but in a completely good way. The resonance has this sparkle when performing arpeggios. Tone is incredibly sweet -- sweet/romantic are literally the perfect words for the sound. If I had one word to describe it, it would be ‘magical.’”
- Bryan B., VA

“I received my [Curadh] from a good friend. It has motivated me every time I look at it. My playing skills are getting there, but the truth is that it’s like playing a piece of artwork.. the detail are too many to mention and all specific to me which made it the best gift I have ever received.. I would highly recommend Paul and his absolute master craftsmanship.. I have shown my guitar to life long players and the only word that makes sense is ENVY. Went to my first lesson the other day. . . The instructor was floored by the craftsmanship . He asked to play it and even showed it to others.”
- Peter B., PA

A lifelong musician, I lost the ability to play piano following an injury to my arm. On a whim, I contacted Paul and asked if he had ever built a psaltery. He had not, but said he would be happy to try and so began the journey of my “Luster”. What a joy it has been to watch my instrument being built thanks to the photos posted during its construction. Just one month after it was commissioned, it arrived on my doorstep and I cried with joy as I unwrapped the beautiful piece of art. Ignoring the instructional video, I sat down and made music for the first time in two years. I cannot put into words what that moment meant to me. The ridiculous smile on my face will last a very long time. I highly recommend his work. The level of craftsmanship is exquisite, the instrument was packaged with great care and the quality of the music is hauntingly pure. Thank you Paul.
- Sherri M., KS

. . . and Calvo Repairs

“Calvo Lutherie has done several fine repairs for me, including restoring my grandmother's banjo ukulele beautifully. But he just outdid himself and restored my favorite guitar, which I bought 45 years ago. After 25 years of hard use, including rainy outdoor gigs, and several unfortunate accidents, it ended up in a case in the attic, damaged beyond repair, according to lesser luthiers. I brought it to him, with the intention to give it to him to use for parts, and he said, "I can fix this". And he did. It looks and sounds just as wonderful as it did in its glory days. I cannot thank him enough for his talent, expertise, craftsmanship and care. He has restored more than an instrument. He has restored a piece of my history, and a bit of my soul.”
-Glee V., CT

Glee’s 1970s Yamaha FG300 “red label” was indeed a basket case. Repairs included patching the top and back, stabilizing a loose brace, patching fall damage on the lower bout, replacing the disintegrated pickguard, re-radiusing the fingerboard to compound radius, and finally re-fretting and re-binding the fingerboard. ~ P

The action is much lower and the guitar is easier for me to play.  The intonation up the neck is very good (I have perfect relative pitch) and quite pleasing to the ear. The overall aesthetics of the guitar are good.  The repair (mahogany wedge under the fingerboard) is attractive.  The extra mass on and thickness of the neck make it more stable and reduces hand fatigue.  Overall, playing the [Cervante] Crossover II guitar is once again a very satisfying experience. - P.C., MA

“Calvo Lutherie is amazing! I had no idea that he could work with a violin, but he repaired my violin bridge in an amazing way. The resonance is changed and I can feel it in my chin and neck. I enjoyed the sound before but something is different now that I can't quite understand. I believe he understands vibrations in wood beyond what even accomplished musicians can hear. It is the wood that makes the sound. And every little piece that attaches to the instrument affects its sound. Even something as simple as a bridge has made a world of difference to how my violin sounds.”
-Audrey K., MA