Alexandr Misko is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand acoustic guitarists in the world today—as evidenced by his current tour schedule. And then there’s his Baton Rouge Signature Guitar, which is now celebrating its one-year anniversary. A perfect time to look back.

“The process felt like a thriller.”

Almost exactly a year ago, we presented the Alexandr Misko Signature Guitar (AR31S/AJ-AM) here at the Guitar Summit. The months leading up to that were intense and full of ups and downs. For nearly two years, we supported Alex in getting his permanent visa application for the Schengen area processed by the German embassy in Moscow. The whole process felt like a political thriller. Alex had submitted the application even before the war in Ukraine began, but it sat untouched in a pile at the embassy. The war certainly didn’t speed things up—in fact, it made things even more difficult for Alex. Although he was abroad, he couldn’t access his Russian bank accounts due to the SWIFT blockade. Just before his travel visa for the Schengen area was set to expire in May 2023, the embassy in Moscow finally confirmed that he could pick up his visa there. 

Alex was supposed to travel to Russia to collect his Schengen visa—risking that he might not be allowed to leave again.

It was an almost cynical situation. Alex was expected to return to Russia to collect his visa, risking that he might not be allowed to leave again—or worse, be drafted into the war. For weeks, we worked with authorities to find an alternative solution. In the end, German diplomacy came through: Alex only had to travel to Vienna, where he was able to collect his visa.

Since then, things have become much easier. Alex has settled in Gomaringen near Tübingen, and we were finally able to launch his signature guitar. The past year has been a true highlight. Collaborating with an artist to develop a guitar that we then release—closely aligned with his community—is something truly special. Not to mention, the guitar itself is a one-of-a-kind piece. Fanned frets are unheard of in this price range for acoustic guitars. The combination of tonewoods and the optional features—banjo tuners and Tamara string drops—are also unique. 

“… an outstanding and one-of-a-kind instrument.”

All in all, it’s an exceptional instrument that even sold out at times during its first year. The Alexandr Misko Signature Guitar is the result of a shared journey through politically turbulent times and the beginning of a close friendship. Thank you, Alex, for walking this path with us.