L'inspiration d'Ian Tyson

A Florentine cutaway is the sharply pointed cutaway on the treble side of an acoustic guitar, providing easier access to the higher frets. 

Unlike a rounded Venetian cutaway, which can be formed simply by bending the guitar’s side into the cutaway shape, a Florentine requires considerably more skill. The treble side is first bent as though the guitar will have a full, uncut body, then precisely cut where the point will be formed. The cut section is reversed and reattached to create the distinctive sharp point. It is a more demanding construction technique, chosen for the Ian Tyson Inspiration for both upper-fret access and the elegant, unmistakable profile it gives the guitar.

The Ian Tyson Inspiration is particularly well suited to singer-songwriters and players who move between different styles. It responds well when driven with a pick, retaining clarity and definition as volume increases, while preserving the nuance and detail that fingerstyle players depend on. Its balanced voice also leaves room for vocals rather than competing with them.

Bolivian Rosewood is a dense tonewood that contributes depth, sustain and harmonic complexity. Paired with the responsive Sitka Spruce top, it helps produce strong bass, articulate trebles and rich overtones while maintaining clarity across the frequency range.

The Alberta is our proprietary body shape derived from the old-time Jumbo, originally developed for the MacKenzie & Marr Algonquin 12. It provides a generous internal air volume for a full, authoritative voice while remaining comfortable and well-balanced in the player’s hands. On the Ian Tyson Inspiration, that body shape helps deliver depth and projection without sacrificing clarity or responsiveness.

Yes. A light fingerstyle touch brings out nuance, harmonic detail and individual note definition, while the guitar has enough dynamic range to respond when played much harder. That ability to move naturally from delicate fingerpicking to strong strumming is one of its defining characteristics.

Ian Tyson was one of Canada’s most influential singer-songwriters, known first as half of Ian & Sylvia and later for songs rooted in the landscapes and culture of the Canadian West. The Ian Tyson Inspiration grew from conversations with Ian about building a distinctive Florentine-cutaway acoustic guitar at a price working musicians could reasonably afford. After initially doubting that it could be done, Ian played the finished guitar and famously told us, “I hate the taste of humble pie.”

A traditional dovetail creates a strong wood-to-wood mechanical connection between the neck and body. We consider that connection an important part of the guitar’s acoustic system, allowing string energy to move efficiently through the instrument and helping the neck, top, back and sides work together to produce projection, sustain and musical overtones.

A well-executed Florentine cutaway is a testament to the skill of the builder. Unlike a rounded Venetian cutaway, which can be formed by bending the guitar’s side into the cutaway shape, a traditional Florentine is considerably more demanding to build. The treble side is first bent as though forming a full-bodied guitar, then precisely cut where the distinctive point will be created. The cut section is reversed, carefully fitted and rejoined to form the sharp Florentine point. 

The additional skill, precision and labour involved are among the reasons Florentine cutaways are more often found on higher-priced guitars and typically command a premium. Beyond providing excellent access to the upper frets, the Florentine gives the Ian Tyson Inspiration its unmistakable silhouette — and represents a level of craftsmanship you can see before you ever play a note.