Ervin Somogyi Mod D (Revoiced 2016) Quilted Mahogany

Overview

2000 Ervin Somogyi Mod D – Quilted Honduran Mahogany / Sitka Spruce (Re-Voiced by Ervin Somogyi, 2016)

Few names command the reverence in the world of contemporary lutherie that Ervin Somogyi does. Widely regarded as one of the most influential acoustic guitar makers of the modern era, Somogyi fundamentally changed how builders think about responsiveness, voicing, projection, and the relationship between player and instrument. His guitars are not merely handcrafted—they are individually voiced musical instruments, each possessing its own unique personality and extraordinary expressive capability.

This exceptional 2000 Mod D represents one of the finest examples of Somogyi's celebrated dreadnought design. Built with a master-grade Sitka Spruce top and an astonishingly figured set of quilted Honduran Mahogany, it is an instrument that immediately captivates both the eyes and the ears.

The back and sides display some of the most dramatic quilted mahogany one is ever likely to encounter. The figure is so intensely three-dimensional and deeply sculpted that it is frequently mistaken for the legendary material known among collectors as "The Tree." While its exact provenance cannot be confirmed, the resemblance is remarkable—the rippling, holographic quilting possessing the same mesmerizing depth and visual movement that has made guitars built from that legendary mahogany among the most coveted in existence.

Tonally, this Mod D is everything one hopes for from a great Somogyi, and then some. The voice is immense yet refined, producing an enveloping richness that effortlessly fills a room without ever becoming congested. Every note blooms with remarkable complexity, while retaining exceptional clarity and articulation across the entire frequency spectrum. Powerful fundamentals are supported by a wealth of harmonic overtones, giving the instrument an almost orchestral quality that transforms even the simplest passages into richly textured musical statements.

Like all of Ervin's finest work, the responsiveness is almost startling. The lightest touch coaxes out a fully developed voice, while increased attack rewards the player with seemingly limitless dynamic headroom. It is an instrument that faithfully mirrors every nuance of the player's intent.

One of this guitar's most remarkable qualities is its performance in lowered tunings. Whether explored in DADGAD, Cadd9, or other alternate tunings, the low register expands with breathtaking authority while maintaining outstanding definition and focus—a hallmark of the finest Honduran Mahogany. The bass remains deep, piano-like and authoritative without sacrificing balance, while the trebles retain their sweetness, sparkle and singing sustain.

Adding even greater significance to this instrument is its documented return to Ervin Somogyi's own workshop in 2016, where the master himself personally evaluated and re-voiced the guitar using techniques developed later in his career. This highly uncommon opportunity effectively combines two distinct eras of Somogyi craftsmanship: the maturity and openness of a well-played sixteen-year-old instrument with the refinements of his evolved voicing philosophy. The result is a guitar that possesses the openness and complexity of a fully seasoned instrument while benefiting from the very latest thinking of its creator.

Visually, the guitar balances understated elegance with unmistakable sophistication. The traditional mosaic rosette is an uncommon departure from Somogyi's more familiar segmented designs, lending the instrument a timeless aesthetic. Snowflake-inspired Mother of Pearl position markers provide tasteful ornamentation without excess, while the beautifully figured Carpathian Elm Burl headplate complements the extraordinary mahogany body. Rosewood bindings, bridge, and appointments contrast elegantly with the golden Sitka top, and the ebony-bound ebony fingerboard reinforces the guitar's refined, uncompromising construction.

Maker: Ervin Somogyi
Model: Mod D
Year: 2000

Excellent overall condition. Professionally returned to Ervin Somogyi in 2016 for inspection and a complete factory re-voicing, making this a particularly desirable and well-documented example.

Among Somogyi instruments, outstanding examples are already exceptionally rare. Finding one built with such spectacular quilted Honduran Mahogany—wood whose appearance evokes comparisons to the legendary "The Tree"—and subsequently re-voiced by Ervin himself makes this guitar an extraordinarily collectible piece of modern lutherie. It is not simply a world-class acoustic guitar, but a landmark instrument from one of the most influential builders in the history of the steel-string guitar, offering a combination of visual beauty, tonal sophistication, and historical significance that is seldom encountered.

Specifications