Michael Menkevich, a Philadelphia-based builder, makes hand-built replicas of the greatest classical and flamenco guitars of the last 175 years. About this model the builder says ‘This 25th Anniversary design is a culmination of every thought and feeling I have for the classical guitar. Designed for ultimate sensitivity and performance, the LaDonna produces a most sensuous response in the music, the player and the listener. Highly figured materials are used when creating this model. Select Spanish cedar and black ebony for the neck and high profile nickel-silver tuners complete this stunning instrument.’ The top is bearclaw spruce which many feel imparts a nearly magical openness to the tone and volume. The soundhole rings are 7/8” of wood marquetry in earth tones, the top and back are bordered in four plies of black and crème; the unbound ebony fretboard measures 2” at the nut. The fingerboard is “neo-classical” meaning it has no inlays – nor does it have side dots to light your way through the existential corridor, but that’s typical of a classical guitar. The back of the neck has a center stripe of a dark wood, possibly rosewood. The bridge saddle is set to its lowest position but the action is comfortable to play. Gold-colored tuners are high grade with a festival of engraving and pearloid buttons. Its sides are bordered in tortoise shell celluloid and its back and sides are a tiger unleashed. Not like that other Tiger that’s been in the news lately. There is a black and maple purfling pair on each side. For the player that has reached that time of life when moving up to something extra special is their personal road to continual happiness, the prize for a life well lived is this exceptional classical instrument.