Suguru Shiraishi is selling a baroque guitar by Stephen Barber, modelled after René Voboam (Paris, 1641) and built in 1992. A fine instrument with excellent sound quality, reflecting the skilled workmanship of Stephen Barber and Sandi Harris.
The yew back displays a beautifully figured grain with rich natural character. Its grain pattern closely matches the photograph shown on the maker’s website, suggesting it may possibly be the same instrument.
The fingerboard features a custom-ordered inlay made of mammoth ivory — a beautifully executed and highly labor-intensive decorative feature (currently listed at approximately GBP 1,600 on the maker’s website).
The instrument was checked and set up in December 2025 by a luthier specialising in historical and early music instruments. Maintenance included minor French-polish retouching and re-gluing of the rosette (previous partial separation). Minor wear is present only in areas that naturally come into contact with clothing (abdominal and elbow contact areas); it is very slight and visible only upon close inspection.
The instrument is well suited for both solo repertoire and continuo playing, with no issues affecting playability, performance, or structural stability. It appears to have been very lightly played and carefully maintained, and remains in overall very good and clean condition with only minimal signs of age. While not this exact model, leading players such as Rolf Lislevand and Stephen Stubbs have performed on baroque guitars made by Stephen Barber.
A demonstration video is available on YouTube.
Details:
- Maker: Stephen Barber & Sandi Harris (London)
- Model: After René Voboam, Paris 1641
- Year: 1992
- Scale length: 672 mm
- Soundboard: Spruce, with no significant cracks or dirt
- Back: Yew, beautifully figured
- Sides and pegbox: Ebony
- Fingerboard: Mammoth ivory inlay (custom)
- Strings: Aquila Nylgut
- Case: Kingham case included
- Condition: Very good, lightly played
Shipping: Worldwide free shipping via DHL, insurance included. Buyer is responsible for import duties and VAT. The instrument can be tested in Tokyo, Japan.
Price: EUR 7,500
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Contact: Suguru Shiraishi — thirdsugad@gmail.com
