Roddy Ellias Endorses Koentopp Classical Guitars

Koentopp Guitars of Chicago, Illinois has recently added Roddy Ellias to its growing list of endorsed musicians.

Roddy Ellias is one of the most well-respected guitarists in Canada. His dynamism as an artist and his consistent pursuit of harmonic and melodic adventure have made him a consummate musician. Known for his energetic performances and his thoughtful renditions of both new and existing works, he continues to surprise and delight his audiences.

Last year he set the stage on fire in a series of duets with other guitarists, including Vic Juris, Gene Bertoncini, Lorne Lofsky, and David Occhipinti, showcasing his versatility and his generosity as a performer. He has been an active performer since 1969, touring both Canada and the United States as well as Europe and Mexico. Roddy has shared the stage with artists as wide ranging as Lee Konitz, Kenny Wheeler, Tom Harrel, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Nat Adderley, Slide Hampton, Cleo Laine, Pepper Adams, Lew Tabakin, Michel Donato, Mel Torme, Bud Freeman, PJ Perry, Rob McConnell, the Montreal Symphony, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and Michel Legrand.

Roddy is playing a Koentopp traditional spruce top classical guitar. Koentopp uses a modern and unique approach to a traditional Torres design. Koentopp constructs the sides to be very stiff, allowing the back and top to be extremely sensitive and work efficiently together. Utilizing a set neck, and a subtle top arch, Koentopp is able to achieve perfect action without any forward neck angle. As a result, these guitars are a dream to play with the right and left hand. These classical guitars are not as loud as lattice guitars but they make up for it in clarity, incredible balance, and magical sustain.

Koentopp Guitars is located in Chicago, Illinois and owned and operated by Dan Koentopp. Dan started his company in 2009 after working for four years with Michael Darnton at Darnton & Hersh Fine Violins. Dan’s craftsmanship, hand-tool approach, and design are all heavenly influenced by his experience working with the best instruments in the world including Stradivari, Amati, and Guarneri violins and cellos. Koentopp’s influences excel in his full line of Archtop, Classical, and Electric Guitars.

Andy Brown, Roddy Ellias, Dr. Mathew Warnock, and Thomas Clippert currently endorse Koentopp Guitars.