Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends

archtop.com

Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact info@archtop.com. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.

Serial #: 483. Body size at lower bout: 14" Body depth: 2 3/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .81/89, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched Englemann spruce top; handcarved solid flame maple back with matching sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard and truss rod cover; Macassar ebony headstock veneer; dark tortoise body, neck binding and soundhole purfling.

Hardware: Nickel Waverly 16X1 mini-tuners with dark tortoise keys; dark tortoise pickguard; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; aged nickel art deco tailpiece; chrome Lollar Johnny Smith floating pickup; volume and tone controls, 1/4" endpin jack; stainless steel fretwork.

Notes: The Andersen Archie series was a product of a collaboration of two of the most creative spirits on the contemporary jazz guitar scene: master luthier Steve Andersen, and recording star Bill Frisell. Accepting the challenge to create a compact gigging guitar with a 'big box' sound and feel, the pair brainstormed the original Little Archie, an ingenious synthesis of traditional and cutting edge design.

This stunning guitar is a rare oval hole version of this unique model, crafted with AAAA curly maple in the back, sides and neck, and a soundboard of straight grain Englemann spruce. The particularly handsome three tone sunburst finish is complemented with matching dark tortoise binding, purfling, pickguard and tuning keys, for a truly striking appearance, complete with prewar Martin style diamond fingerboard inlays.

Tipping the scales at a phenomenal 4lb 7oz, the fully hollow, all carved slimline body is just 14" wide, and 2 3/4" deep. Lightweight and responsive, the instrument floats effortlessly on the lap or the strap, a genuine delight on the longest gig. Nonetheless, Andersen's innovative X-bracing soundboard produce a voice that is remarkable in its clarity and warmth, with bass response utterly unexpected in a soundbox this size. Fitted with a handwound Lollar Johnny Smith pickup, this Archie has smooth low action over a gentle D profile neck, and a fresh high-precision setup over brightly polished stainless steel frets.

This example has been maintained in splendid condition, without pick, buckle, thumb, fingerboard or fretwear, and showing only a few incidental lacquer nicks. Separate strap pins are installed at both the side and the heel, affording maximum flexibility in strap placement. A delight equally to hold and behold, this compact wonder is an uncommonly tuneful travel companion, and a unique combination of vintage tone and modern playability. Since Steve's well earned retirement, there won't be another: one only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.052). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original custom padded Cordura gigbag.

Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends