The Cabaret
The Cabaret is the perfect blend of traditional classical guitar and an acoustic archtop guitar. Specifically designed to meet the needs of the jazz or fingersytle player, the Cabaret is based on the Herman Hauser I classical guitar design. The Cabaret incorporates traditional classical building methods with the modern innovations necessary for today's jazz and fingerstyle playing. The graceful cutaway facilitates greater access for playing the upper register of the fretboard. Its carved back, unique among nylon-string guitars, enhances the lower midrange while aiding in projection. The two-way adjustable truss-rod gives easy access at the headstock for a perfect set-up. Special pickup systems are available for amplification of that beautiful acoustic sound.
Cabaret Specifications
| Base Price | $8,500 (A $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is required) |
| Body Width | 13 7/8" (Cabaret) - 14 3/8" (Grand Cabaret) |
| Body Depth | 3 5/8" (cabaret) 3 3/4" (grand cabaret) |
| Neck | 2” neck width (other neck widths available upon request). A one-piece quarter-sawn Honduras Mahogany neck. 25 ½” scale length, 20 frets |
| Back & Side Wood | Choice of East Indian (when available) or Bolivian Rosewood, Highly Figured Flame Maple or Mahogany back and sides (other exotic woods optional) |
| Top Wood | Engleman Spruce or Master Grade Western Red Cedar |
| Cutaway | Single Venetian |
| Binding | Matching wood binding and custom purflings |
| Fingerboard | Ebony fingerboard with Ebony binding |
| Tuners | Choice of Gilbert Tuners or Sloan Tuners both with Ebony Buttons |
| Pickups | A wide variety of Pickups to choose from depending on the players needs |
| Sound-Hole | Comes Standard with Round Sound-Hole with Classic Rosette or for an additional charge the Oval Sound Hole with Rosette inlayed with Snakewood and Mother of Pearl Ribbons |
| Case | Custom-made 5-ply double-arched plush-lined Signature case |
| Other | Lattice bracing |
| Wait | Wait time is 1 to 1 ½ years. |
Cabaret Options
| Highly Figured Exotic Woods (based on availability) | Priced Accordingly |
| Snakewood motif - beautiful snakewood appointments on fingerboard, bridge, binding, headstock veneer, Tuner Buttons and heel cap | $1,200 |
| Snakewood fingerboard (when available) | $500 |
| Snakewood bridge | $300 |
| Snakewood binding | $300 |
| Snakewood Tuner Buttons | $300 |
| Brazilian Rosewood Variable Down-Bearing Bridge | $100 |
| Vine inlay on fingerboard | $1,200 |
| Stainless Steel Frets | $100 |
| Custom color (for maple guitars only) | Priced Accordingly |
| 7-String option | $800 |
| Left-handed | $800 |
The Cabaret Headstock
The Cabaret headstock is based on the timeless Herman Hauser I design and features the Buscarino Signature "B" in Mother-of-Pearl. Shown here with an optional Macassar Ebony headstock veneer (standard headstock veneer is Pau Ferro).
The Cabaret Neck
The Cabaret neck is made of the finest quality quartersawn aged and seasoned Honduras Mahogany and features a two way truss-rod adjusted at the headstock for ease of set-up. The neck is contoured to flow with the cutaway for greater access to the upper frets and is adorned with an Ebony heel-cap.
The Cabaret Body
The Cabaret comes standard with a fully arched back carved from a solid block of East Indian rosewood or Bolivian rosewood. Sides are made from the same wood as the back.
The Cabaret Bridge
The Cabaret comes standard with a solid Ebony classical guitar-style bridge utilizing the traditional loop system. The string tie-block is inlaid with a border of Abalone. Exotic Snakewood Bridge also available. All saddles are set up for best intonation.
The Cabaret Sound Hole Rosette
The Cabaret comes Standard with a classic Round Sound Hole Rosette (pictured). Also Available with optional Oval Sound Hole Inlayed with Mother of Pearl and Snakewood Ribbons. (see photos)
The Cabaret Binding
The Cabaret comes with a fully bound body of matching wood binding and purflings of ebony and dyed pearwood. The Ebony and dyed Pearwood combination adds a unique look to this fine instrument.
The Cabaret Tuners
The Cabaret comes standard with John Gilbert hand-crafted tuning machines. We believe these tuners offer the greatest durability and smoothness of any tuner we have tried. They feature a solid roller gear system with Teflon back lash adjustment. Your choice of Ebony or Snakewood tuner buttons (as shown). For a different look you can also choose Sloan Tuners (see photos).
The Cabaret Pickups
The Cabaret was designed as a professional performing and recording instrument. Having worked closely with the finest jazz and fingerstyle guitarists John offers several different pickup options which can fit a variety of player's needs.
Acoustic Amplification Technology has improved and changed so drastically in the past few years that you might find it hard to keep up with the latest and greatest pickup options available. Have no fear, John has spent considerable time testing and comparing all the different brands and methods that are currently available so you don't have to. John will work closely with you to help you determine what the best pickup option is for your individual situation.