Antonio Stradivari- guitar “The Rawilns”, 1700
Stradivari’s guitar are not as ornate as many other Italian Baroque guitars. He used a spruce top and a lush violin-style figured maple for the back and sides. The Rawlins guiter likely reflects Stradivari’s interpretation of the Spanish tradition. It has a rather longer- than usual string lenght, setting it apart from Italian instruments of the previous century. It has a circle -and- diamond inlay motif around the soundhole.The guitar is named in honor of the late Robert and Marjorie Rawlins, whose generous funding made possible the National Music Museum’s purchase of the guitar and the entire Witten-Rawlins Collection.
Stringing: five double courses
Top: two piece spruce
Back: two-piece maple