John M Gilbert (b.1922)  is regarded by many as one of the finest luthiers in America, and also among the most innovative. His guitars, for example, feature a unique bridge design that not only better distributes the load driving the top but allows the height of each string to be adjusted separately. His guitars are played by guitars such as David Russell, David Tanenbaum, and Fred Hand. This is a player's guitar: great volume, controlled but powerful basses and polished singing trebles, well balanced, evenness of tone throughout.