Malcolm Rose-Zadow · 2026
An acoustic archtop from Canadian-Belgian luthier Malcolm Rose-Zadow, built in his Brussels workshop for the 2026 Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival. This one pairs a sinker cedar top salvaged from Haida Gwaii with a highly figured set of “olive” ash. An unusual combination, and a guitar that became a favorite of several attendees for its acoustic voice.
Malcolm brings a fascinating background to his work, beginning with harp-guitar maker Benoit Meulle-Stef, followed by four years studying classical guitar making and historical instrument restoration at the International Lutherie School of Antwerp. He also spent six months apprenticing with Ken Parker, exploring the tools, materials, and construction possibilities of the acoustic archtop. His own adjustable neck joint, inspired by Stauffer, earned him the Innovation Prize at the 2024 Paris Guitar Festival. Take a look through the specs for additional, unique innovations.
Inquire about this guitar →
Specs / Measurements
2026
Salvaged Haida Gwaii Cedar / “Olive” Ash
“Olive” ash armrest and neck veneer
Oil finish
~1.70” nut
~25.5” string length
~2.17” string spacing at saddle
Stauffer-inspired adjustable neck (incorporates some lateral flex for neck bending techniques)
Side sound port
Adjustable height armrest
Violin edges (but check out the “binding” inlaid into the rims!)
Lollar single coil (modified for bronze strings)
Removable pickup assembly with jack (can convert to full acoustic, no wires inside body)
Goth tuners
Brass tailpiece
BAM case
Condition / Setup Notes
New; While the guitar has never been owned, it shows some light wear in the top from its time at the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival where it was played with great enthusiasm. Some of this wear has been shown in the last pictures. Currently set up with string height about 5/64” to 4/64” from bass to treble, with just a touch of relief. String height is easily adjustable under tension with a hex wrench.
Additional Thoughts
I love seeing contemporary builders explore the acoustic possibilities of the archtop, and Malcolm’s work is very much about that. Volume, clarity, power, and bass response are central to his approach, along with making the guitar comfortable and easy to play. His background in historical instruments, combined with his time working with Ken Parker, provides a solid foundation to achieve these goals.
The wood choices here are especially appealing. Salvaged sinker cedar from Haida Gwaii carries a history of its own, and the figured olive ash is a beautiful choice to pair with it. There’s a lot of individuality in that combination, even before getting into the construction.
At a gathering like the Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival with so many exceptional instruments available to hear and play, having attendees single this one out for its acoustic voice says something. Indeed, it has a captivating and unique voice, with a big bass resonance while maintaining that archtop character to the sound. A young builder to follow, and a lovely example of what he’s working toward. *Additional videos are available on the Essential Guitars YouTube channel.
Inquire about this guitar · Purchase & shipping policies
Watch performance 1 on YouTube→
Watch performance 2 on YouTube→
Watch performance 3 on YouTube→
Malcolm Rose-Zadow · 2026
An acoustic archtop from Canadian-Belgian luthier Malcolm Rose-Zadow, built in his Brussels workshop for the 2026 Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival. This one pairs a sinker cedar top salvaged from Haida Gwaii with a highly figured set of “olive” ash. An unusual combination, and a guitar that became a favorite of several attendees for its acoustic voice.
Malcolm brings a fascinating background to his work, beginning with harp-guitar maker Benoit Meulle-Stef, followed by four years studying classical guitar making and historical instrument restoration at the International Lutherie School of Antwerp. He also spent six months apprenticing with Ken Parker, exploring the tools, materials, and construction possibilities of the acoustic archtop. His own adjustable neck joint, inspired by Stauffer, earned him the Innovation Prize at the 2024 Paris Guitar Festival. Take a look through the specs for additional, unique innovations.
Inquire about this guitar →
Specs / Measurements
2026
Salvaged Haida Gwaii Cedar / “Olive” Ash
“Olive” ash armrest and neck veneer
Oil finish
~1.70” nut
~25.5” string length
~2.17” string spacing at saddle
Stauffer-inspired adjustable neck (incorporates some lateral flex for neck bending techniques)
Side sound port
Adjustable height armrest
Violin edges (but check out the “binding” inlaid into the rims!)
Lollar single coil (modified for bronze strings)
Removable pickup assembly with jack (can convert to full acoustic, no wires inside body)
Goth tuners
Brass tailpiece
BAM case
Condition / Setup Notes
New; While the guitar has never been owned, it shows some light wear in the top from its time at the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival where it was played with great enthusiasm. Some of this wear has been shown in the last pictures. Currently set up with string height about 5/64” to 4/64” from bass to treble, with just a touch of relief. String height is easily adjustable under tension with a hex wrench.
Additional Thoughts
I love seeing contemporary builders explore the acoustic possibilities of the archtop, and Malcolm’s work is very much about that. Volume, clarity, power, and bass response are central to his approach, along with making the guitar comfortable and easy to play. His background in historical instruments, combined with his time working with Ken Parker, provides a solid foundation to achieve these goals.
The wood choices here are especially appealing. Salvaged sinker cedar from Haida Gwaii carries a history of its own, and the figured olive ash is a beautiful choice to pair with it. There’s a lot of individuality in that combination, even before getting into the construction.
At a gathering like the Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival with so many exceptional instruments available to hear and play, having attendees single this one out for its acoustic voice says something. Indeed, it has a captivating and unique voice, with a big bass resonance while maintaining that archtop character to the sound. A young builder to follow, and a lovely example of what he’s working toward. *Additional videos are available on the Essential Guitars YouTube channel.
Inquire about this guitar · Purchase & shipping policies
Watch performance 1 on YouTube→
Watch performance 2 on YouTube→
Watch performance 3 on YouTube→
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