PARLOR
My flagship instrument, the Wilborn Parlor, is based on a 1906 Lyon and Healy body shape. I have increased the scale length to a more familiar 24.9”, and for bracing, I use a modified Daily Style fanbracing. The result is an extremely lightweight and comfortable instrument. This guitar is a monster, with incredible volume and sustain that is a complete departure from the timid quacking sound associated with a lot of vintage parlors. 16″ radius on the fingerboard, with a 1.75″ width at the nut.
Daily Style Bracing: I have had the honor and privilege of working with David Daily, the renowned builder of classical guitars. Of the many wonderful techniques and methods I have learned from him, the foremost is the application of his unique bracing style to my steel string guitars, particularly my Parlor model, where this pattern is standard. The freedom of movement this allows the top results in unprecedented volume and articulation, while still preserving the familiar tone profile of an x-braced guitar.
L-STYLE
Based on a mid -1930′s Gibson L-00, this short scale, 14-fret guitar is a pleasure to play. A small body makes it easy to hold, but my top secret bracing allows the top to really flex, creating a sweet, fat sound. Though the original L-00 is often described just as a “Blues Box”, my version has more range. Finger style players as well as flatpickers love this instrument. This model is my personal favorite studio guitar. I love the proportions and feel of this model. 1.75″ nut width. 16″ radius on the fingerboard.
ORCHESTRA
This is the most versatile guitar size. Based loosely on the Martin O.M., this guitar is big enough to handle a large ensemble jam, and sweet enough for a gentle fingerpicker. It has a rich, warm quality to the midrange, a tremendous bass, and a sparkly, yet articulate, high end. With a Sitka or Lutz spruce top, and East Indian back and sides, the Orchestra is the benchmark guitar to compare all others to, and is comfortable for players of all sizes. 25.4″ scale length is standard. A 16″ radius on the fingerboard. 1.75″ neck at the nut.
DREADNOUGHT
The iconic instrument of bluegrass and flat-picking. A big round body with lots of power and drive. Mine is a lightweight version of a prewar Martin, with bracing adapted to give the guitar a more present midrange, and a warmer high end than is generally associated with the Dread. My version has a little bit more depth to the body for an explosive rhythm sound, and a very out-front lead tone – a real “Banjo Killer”. I love this model with Mahogany back and sides. 25.4″ scale length. 16″ radius on the fingerboard, and a 1.75″ width at the nut.