The Black Forest

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From the workshop

The story behind The Black Forest

The Black Forest was one of the guitars from my original First Fleet. I built it with Brazilian rosewood, a wide-grained European spruce top and red bloodwood binding.

The name is probably less romantic than people expect. I just love Black Forest cake. I’ve had plenty of birthdays where I’ve ended up with more than one, and once this guitar started coming together, the name made perfect sense. The dark Brazilian rosewood looked like chocolate, the pale spruce reminded me of cream, and the red binding gave it that cherry-and-berry colour.

Brazilian rosewood even has a sweet, chocolate-like smell when you sand it, so the whole thing kept reinforcing the idea while I was building it.

Something about the timber, the colour, the smell or the way the guitar is developing starts to suggest a personality, and eventually the name just sticks.

That’s how a lot of my guitars get their names. I don’t usually sit down and decide on one beforehand. The Black Forest was exactly like that.

For the player

For someone who values rare timber, strong visual character and a guitar with a story of its own, The Black Forest is a special instrument. It has the richness and individuality that serious players and collectors look for, while still being made first and foremost to be played and enjoyed.

Meet the proud owner

Welcome to the club Will Watkins!

Will is a passionate guitar player with a fine eye for a quality instrument.

"I wanted a handmade guitar crafted from the finest tonewoods by a true master of the craft — and Andy Allen delivered exactly that, and more.
With over 30 years of experience, Andy built the most beautiful instrument using Brazilian Rosewood and Honduran Mahogany. The tone, resonance, and sustain were beyond anything I expected. Honestly, my ability doesn't do the guitar justice, but I absolutely love it.In fact, I loved it so much that I snapped up a second — made with different tonewoods, but no less beautiful.
What really struck me was the passion Andy pours into each instrument. You can feel it in every detail. I'm incredibly fortunate to be part of ‘The Club’ and to own these guitars. They continue to inspire me every time I pick them up."
- Will Watkins

Specifications

Guitar Name The Black Forest
Serial Number AC004
Body Style 000
Cutaway No
Year Built 2024
Wood – Top Master Grade European Spruce
Wood – Back & Sides Brazilian Rosewood
Wood – Neck Honduran Mahogany
Fingerboard Ebony
Bridge Ebony
Status Sold
Case SKB
Machine Heads Grover Nickel Tulip
Strings D'Addario 12-53