Founded in 1995 by luthiers Jeff Huss and Mark Dalton, Huss and Dalton has become a premier builder of high-end steel-string flattop guitars. Located in Staunton, Virginia, the company’s guitars are based on classic American designs, built in a small-shop environment, and often feature original elements, such as pronounced top and back radii and appointments that differ from those of vintage instruments.

To celebrate two decades in business, Huss and Dalton is offering a special 20th-anniversary package that can be applied to any of the company’s existing models. Most significantly, the package includes a thermo-cured red spruce top and back and sides made of either sinker mahogany (from Belize) or bubinga (also known as African rosewood). Appointments include cocobolo binding on the body, fingerboard, and headstock; a cocobolo rosette; and a 20th-anniversary fretboard inlay. The package also includes Waverly tuning machines with snakewood buttons.

We were able to check out a Huss and Dalton OM built with the sinker-mahogany version of the 20th anniversary package ($6,867). Essentially built to traditional Martin OM specs, the guitar delivered on just about everything a good mahogany OM promises. It had a complex, dynamic, and clear voice with excellent highs and balanced lows; its neck (1¾ inches at the nut) provided great playability; and the 000-size 14-fret body was comfortable to hold.

The guitar’s craftsmanship and quality of materials was first-rate throughout, a reflection of the consistency and excellence that the company is known for. Check out this video to hear the guitar flatpicked and played fingerstyle. hussanddalton.com

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