Soundboard Construction
I use a lattice-braced carbon fibre reinforced design. My version of this lattice design is quite different to other makers. I have mixed traditional designs with the modern lattice design, which has given my instruments their unique character.

The lattice is used to reinforce the soundboard and is made by gluing balsa wood struts together to form a criss-cross pattern or lattice design. The advantage of using this design is its lighter weight, superior strength and the shape of the lattice stimulates the soundboard more than a traditional fan-braced guitar. The soundboard is domed which creates strength and the finest sound.

Back and sides
I mainly use Brazilian rosewood timbers. The back is a braceless arched back design made this way to produce maximum volume, projection and tone.

Braceless arched back
The back of the guitar is one of the many features of Ziata Guitars that is unique. The arch is very deep and shaped like a cello, it is a very important feature helping to create powerful notes with more volume and sound projection.

12th fret position
On my guitars the 12th fret is slightly further away from the body than other classical guitars. I found this feature to be more useful when playing in the higher positions on the fretboard. In moving the 12th fret I was able to fit in a 20th fret without obstructing the sound hole and interfering with the projection of sound.

Headstock design
This is an original design that is unique to my instruments. I have managed to create a design that is simple and elegant, with my source of inspiration being a semi-opened rose bud.

Bridge & Rosette
The bridge is carved from Padauk timber which is the same species as Rosewood but is much lighter and therefore good for creating more volume. For my rosette I use an original designed pattern that is unique to my guitars.

Tuning Machines
Gotoh premium series tuning machines are standard on all Ziata guitars. You can view the complete range I have available in Gallery.

Guitar Neck
The neck is made from Honduras Mahogany and reinforced with a carbon fibre rod. The method I use for gluing the carbon fibre actually infuses the fibre to the timber.

Finishing
I use a two part lacquer. This lacquer provides the guitar with very good protection and is the best available modern blended Lacquer for finishing guitars. Using this lacquer I can apply less coats yet the finish still looks deep. Applying a thinner coat also prevents muffling of the sound. After full curing of the finish the guitar is then buffed to a very high gloss.

Instrument specifications
Fretboard = Ebony
Bridge = African Paduak
Back & sides = Brazilian rosewood (Braceless arched back)
Neck = Honduras Mahogany
Headstock veneer = Brazilian rosewood
Binding =Tasmanian flame blackwood / rock maple 1.2mm wide decorative strip
Sound board = Engelmann Spruce or Western Red Cedar
Inside strutting = Carbon fibre / Balsa wood Lattice Braced
Tuning machines = Gotoh premium range tuners
Frets = 20
Scale length =650mm
Click to view more photos in Gallery