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1969 Gibson Super 400 from Chinery Collection, Maple/Spruce

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A beautiful example of the 1960s Gibson legacy. This is a gorgeous Super 400CN-WAL coming to us from 1969, and from the Scott Chinery collection along the way. You can find it with its own spread in The Chinery Collection: 150 Years of American Guitars! Figured Maple back and sides with a carved Spruce top, Flame Maple neck, and original gold hardware. The back and sides feature a unique walnut stain that really sets off the honey amber Spruce top. The original pickguard has since succumbed to time (remaining fragments included with purchase), and later replaced with a period correct replica. The instrument has been recently outfitted with an acoustic pickguard (the original, nonfunctioning Dearmond pickup and replica guard are also included with purchase). The voice is characterized by a complexity and airiness that is reminiscent of a modern archtop responsiveness. Lively, expressive, and enveloping.

Other keywords: vintage, blue guitar, super 400, s-400cn, duane simpson, ’69

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Brand New Tippin Staccato, Madagascar Rosewood/”Salmon Crate” Sitka

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This client commission was an honor to work with Bill Tippin on. Bill’s small-bodied Staccato model paired with a 25.7-24.9″ multiscale setup, Madagascar Rosewood body and “Salmon Crate” Sitka Spruce top, African Blackwood bindings with a Koa rosette, and one of Bill’s trademark soundports at the upper bout.

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1995 Ramirez R4, Indian Rosewood/Cedar

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Here we’ve got a lovely Ramirez R4 from 1995 that’s opened up sweetly, and has a lot of tone to offer. Cedar over Indian Rosewood, hardly any marks considering its age–this one’s ready for action.

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1996 Lowden S25-12 Custom 12 String, Indian/Sitka

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This is a lovely Lowden S25 12-String with custom upgrades including the Abalone rosette, gloss top and neck. Back and sides are satin. This guitar was made for recording artist Michael Card by George Lowden himself. This guitar was on the cover of one of Card’s albums. There is also a Baggs Pickup installed and it comes with the original Lowden case as well.

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1935 Gibson Nick Lucas, Maple/Adirondack Spruce

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The Nick Lucas model is consistently sought out as one of the finest sounding and exclusive vintage Gibsons in existence, having only been made from 1928 to 1941, and in that time undergoing a number of transformations. What began as a 12-fret flattop with a 13 1/2” lower bout eventually settled in 1935 as the 14-fret powerhouse with an extra inch across the lower bout and a 4 5/8” body depth, resulting in an injection of extra power and bass response into an otherwise warm, intimate voice. This guitar sings like a big guitar but in a small package–there’s a reason why so many modern builders have attempted to recreate the Nick Lucas model. The V neck is chunky and familiar in hand, and is largely mark free, as is the rest of the guitar. This Gibson comes to us all the way from 1935, approaching a hundred years old, but is remarkably well preserved. Aside from the frets and case, all the components appear to be original, and we don’t believe the neck has been reset before (in spite of the fact that the setup is still easy on the hands, with good break angle at the saddle). Vintage Gibsons have a reputation of not weathering the years very well, but this ’35 Nick Lucas is the exception.
The sunburst is darker and tighter than we what we’d expect from a flattop of this period, which leads us to guess that it may have been a custom order at the time of construction. However, the figure of the Maple still manages to shine through the back and sides, especially at the waist, and ditto for the incredibly tight-grained Adirondack Spruce top.
It’s vintage guitars like this Nick Lucas that get us out of bed in the morning. They’ve been around long enough to really wake up and have something to say, and we cherish the time we get to visit with them. But, this Gibson needs to find its new home, and we fear it won’t be with us. Do reach out if you’d like to discuss this piece with us, we’re more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Other keywords: gutiar, 14 fret, blues guitar, flat top, adriondack, red maple, shade top, sun burst

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2015 E.J. Henderson Slope D, Oak/Carpathian Spruce

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We hear this one loud and clear. E.J. Henderson’s building powerhouse traditional guitars in the spirit of her father, Wayne, but with her particular style and approach to alternative tonewoods. This 2015 Slope D features Oak back and sides and a Carpathian Spruce top, 12 fret neck, and a 1 25/32” nut for a touch roomier lefthand experience. The voice is crisp and quick! Notes fire right out of the soundhole with an even decay that keeps the voice clear rather than lush. The fretboard is decked out with southwest-style inlays, and elsewhere the guitar is trimmed out with Abalone.

Other Keywords: ej henderson, jayne, allen s hadd, 12-fret, 25.4, waverly

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2010 Stephen Kinnaird P-1c, Figured Maple/Engelmann Spruce

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Stephen Kinnaird’s P-1c is a petite powerhouse if ever we saw one. Modeled after the early Martin 1-18 design, the Kinnaird P-1c weighs in under four pounds with a trim lower bout of 12 7/8” and sides that taper from 3 1/2” at the heel to 4” at the tail. This 2010 beauty comes decked out with select Figured Maple back and sides and an Engelmann Spruce top with dark sunburst, Florentine Cutaway for a touch of the modern. Brazilian Rosewood bindings, head plate, bridge, and rosette! And Stephen’s MOP inlay chops sprawling across the guitar from rosette to tuners.
Short scale at 25”, plus a 12-fret body join, makes for sweetness to mellow the bright Maple projection. We enjoyed putting this one through its paces in Standard and Open G, and while it shines best with a fingerpicker’s touch we found it also held up well for some strumming. The treble strings have a round, smooth quality that ties it all together in a sweet voice.

Other keywords: steven kinnaird, parlour guitar, ameritage, englemann

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2009 McCurdy Perfecta, Maple/Spruce

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Ric McCurdy’s Perfecta model is appropriately named, indeed. Ric designed this model in conjunction with the venerable John Abercrombie to offer an archtop voice and play feel in a feedback-resistant electric stage-ready package. This beauty from 2009 is decked out with Lollar Imperials, twin volume & tone knobs, and 3-way switch at the treble upper bout. Maple body with a Spruce top and figured Maple neck; six pounds play weight; slinky smooth setup—our ’09 McCurdy Perfecta is defined by versatility, playability, and sharp looks for the complete package.

Other keywords: McCurdy guitars, jazz guitar, hollow-body, hollowbody, gotoh, cedar creek

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2012 National Reso-Phonic Cutaway T1, Brass Body

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Sweet, complex tricone reso tone aaallll the way up the neck, thanks to a cutaway. That’s what this 2012 National Reso-Phonic T1 has going for it! It’s wonderful to have access to all those upper fret for those of us who don’t have gorilla hands. All brass construction with a tricone resonator for more overtones and nuance, chunky V neck with 1 25/32” nut, and a setup for both bottleneck and fingerstyle playing. This National has been well-cared for, and the metal body retains its mirror luster after eight years.
Modern Nationals lead the resonator pack with their build quality and tone, and this Cutaway T1 proves it yet again.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, slide guitar, blues, resophonic, reso guitar, tri-cone, fingerpicking

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2015 Artinger Convertible, All-Koa

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Pop the top and ride, ride, ride. Here’s a sweet piece of lutherie from the one and only Matt Artinger—the 2015 double Convertible bedecked with Flamed Koa hollow body and Artinger Electric City pickups. The twin F holes are both “convertible” with their removable covers, coil tap for single coil crunch at the touch of a knob, and a tight, tight Flamed Mahogany neck to boot.
The tone of these Electric City humbuckers is fat, juicy, and rich. It’s so much fun to play with this powerhouse! More than dynamic enough to fit right in for Jazz, Blues, Rock, you name it. Additionally, Matt inlaid a series of vines along the fretboard and headplate for a final touch of beauty and elegance on this Artinger Convertible.

Other keywords: cedar creek, electric guitar, hollowbody, hollow-body, gotoh

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2011 DeTemple Spirit Series ’56, Swamp Ash

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Mike DeTemple’s work speaks for itself, but we’ll try and offer our two cents. The Spirit Series ’56 is Mike’s take on the classic strat shape—with a few choice additions which make them another beast. For starters, Mike uses titanium components, from the neck plate to the tremolo, and here upgraded this piece from 2011 with a Fossilized Mastodon Ivory nut (and pickup switch tip), open back Gotoh 510 tuners, and a Red Maple neck. And the cherry on top: Mike’s bespoke, handwound Sweet Spot S2 pickups. Mike works his magic such that the signal is even and clear across all five positions, so you don’t have to worry about compensating on the fly. They play like grass-fed butter: top shelf fat n juicy.
This beauty has been cared for by a single owner since 2011, and is looking for its new home! Comes wrapped up in a G&G case.

Other keywords: de temple, stratocaster, josh smith, red rhodes, alnico 2, electric guitar, shade top

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2000 Martin 000-28H, Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce

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We’ve got an American classic in the shop today. The 000 is one of the most iconic flattops for just about every application, and this beauty from 2000 is decked out with 28-style appointments, upgraded Herringbone trim, and a tasty shade top to boot. Sitka Spruce over Indian Rosewood with a slim neck (1 11/16” nut for easy lefthand work), original molded Martin case, and a fresh setup from our repair folks makes this one raring to go!

Other keywords: cf martin, stika, c.f. martin, fingerstyle

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2018 Martin Custom Shop 000-14 NAMM, Maple/Sitka Spruce

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This is a 1 owner guitar bought at NAMM 2018 with no blemishes at all. Super clean. The voice is clear and present with good power and dynamic range. Well suited for many styles of music. Here’s a chance at a unique Martin 000-14 with upgraded woods and in excellent condition.

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2011 Shanti SF, African Blackwood/German Spruce

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Michael Hornick has been building under the name of Shanti Guitars for years, continually churning out a number of powerhouse flattops. We don’t see them come up often on the used market—and there’s a reason for that: these guitars are powerful, responsive, and really know how to fill a room. This SF model from 2011 is just that, too. Gorgeous African Blackwood back and sides are paired with German Spruce and a generous lower bout (just over 16 inches); chock full of projection, and a crisp, well-defined bass register. Trebles are smooth and even, pairing nicely with the mids and bottom end. We had a great time visiting with this one in DADGAD. Venetian Cutaway for creature comfort, and Hornick added a soundport to the upper bout to help you key in to your playing, even in a busy space. Curly Koa bindings tie it all together, and this Shanti SF comes wrapped in a Hoffee flight case for maximum protection.

Other keywords: sj, fingerstyle, gotoh, sapwood, guitarbuilding, SF-46-136, dove

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2018 Ivanov Petit Salon, Ziricote/Swiss Moonspruce

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Big voice, small mouth. If you’ve spent any time at all with us, you’ll know we love Dontcho Ivanov’s Snow Parlor guitars. Today we’re excited to offer you a different brand of parlor from Mr. Ivanov, a like-new single O Petit Salon model from 2018. Here dressed up in Ziricote and Swiss Moonspruce, the Petit Salon is a livewire for fingerstyle with its warm, wide, and energetic tone. It weighs in under four pounds, has a 12-fret neck for added warmth, and Dontcho built this beauty with a stadium-shaped soundhole in the upper bout to keep the player keyed in to their tone. Fit and finish are (as always) immaculate; Dontcho really knows how to best showcase the spider veins of Ziricote along the headplate and fretboard, and the Maple neck features stunning flame figure as well.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, woodworking, guitarbuilding, fingerpicking, parlour, 0, canadian

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2014 Moonstone 000-42, Brazilian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce

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This 2014 000-42 from Moonstone Guitars is dripping with both prewar aesthetics and tone—42-style Abalone trim throughout paired up with 100-year-old Brazilian Rosewood and an Adirondack Spruce top. Short scale setup is easy on the hands and adds a nice touch of warmth to the bass response. Nitrocellulose finish buffed to a high gloss, Ivoroid bindings and Waverly tuners in a slotted headstock layout bring it all together.
We love how easy and fun this Moonstone is to play, with its silky setup and even balance across the registers. It’s virtually mark-free, too, so you’re getting a new-looking Moonstone with prewar-sounding tone.

Other keywords: 42 style, abolone, brazilain, fingerpicking, adriondack, l120, cedar creek, pre-war

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Brand New Ivanov Snow Parlor 00, European Maple/Swiss Moonspruce

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Deliciously smooth from tuner to tail, sings as easy as breathing, wide awake and ready: our latest Ivanov Snow Parlor. This 00 is an incredible instrument, hands down. The trebles have a sweet clarity that makes the notes really pop off the soundboard, and Dontcho Ivanov matches that top end up with a clean and articulate bass and midrange for an all-encompassing, complete sound. This little guitar has a lot of tone packed under its pale hood.
Figured European Maple make up the back and sides, which Dontcho paired with a Swiss Moonspruce top and birdsfoot rosette. Everywhere else is Figured Maple, from headstock to endgraft. The result is a striking white tonewood showcase, more than earning its Snow Parlor name.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, woodworking, guitarbuilding, fingerstyle, fingerpicking, parlour, 0, 00, canadian, visesnut

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2021 Dion No.04c, Cocobolo/Engelmann Spruce

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Our latest No.04 model from Dion Guitars is the definition of a powerhouse. Perfectly quartered, old growth Cocobolo back and sides paired with Engelmann Spruce on top. A gorgeously expressive voice that’s wide open already, excellent clarity across the registers–responds perfectly to both fingerstyle and flatpicking. We love the satin neck and flawless fit n finish throughout.

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2018 Martin 0000-18 Custom Shop, Mahogany/Spruce

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Here’s a fun one! A 2018 000-18 from the Martin Custom Shop in Mahogany and Spruce—generous lower bout, but relatively slim sides for added projection and power in an easy-playing package. This one responds quite well to a pick (and fingers, if we’re being honest; it’s very well rounded), and weighing in right at four pounds this 0000 feels comfortable and agile in your hands. The body shape and dry voice make for a killer instrument for a wide range of applications: this Martin Custom Shop is just one of those solid, all-around great guitars.

Other keywords: cf martin, fingerstyle, mahagony, 18-style, tkl, 2191216

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2016 McConnell 16 Inch, Brazilian Rosewood/Swiss Moonspruce

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This is what happens when you put the best materials in the best hands—two sets of hands, in fact. Our 2016 16 Inch McConnell is one of Jordan’s masterpieces in Brazilian Rosewood and Swiss Moonspruce, and Jordan paired up with Jimmi Wingert for an inlay package of vines and birds. What a feast for eyes and ears. A multiscale setup from 26.25” to 25.5” further accentuates the presence and drive of the bass response, while keeping a measure of sweet warmth to the mids and trebles that balances intimacy with power.
The Mahogany neck is satin finished, feeling like the touch of an old friend, with a smooth setup to match. The arm bevel is slim and unassuming for creature comfort without taking away from the generous curves of Jordan’s build. Incredibly figured Brazilian Rosewood—these are the kind of brick-red hues that we associate with some of our all-time favorite BRW guitars. The tuners are a custom number from Rodgers with White Pearl buttons and gold hardware that sets off the Jimmi Wingert marquetry and Jordan’s geometric backplate.
It is an honor to offer this masterpiece, but we’ll caution you: it won’t last long. Give a shout to make this one yours.

Other keywords: joran mcconnell, fingerstyle, dadgad, fanfret, fanned fret, multi scale, multi-scale, exclusive

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2007 Traugott R, Brazilian Rosewood/German Spruce

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This beauty has truly come to full bloom. We love the spacious, complete voice of this 2007 Traugott model R; it’s a fingerstylist’s best friend. The setup is silk smooth with a 24.9” scale that manages to ring out with exquisite clarity at concert pitch and right on down to C tunings too. If we had to sum it up in one word, we’d use “smooth.” It feels, plays, and sings like a professional.
Jeff used a set of premium Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides that boasts some serious figuring, and has an almost green hue in the right light. We’ve seen a few of Jeff’s guitars with this kind of BRW, and each one has been an exceptional piece. On top, he used German Spruce with gorgeous alternating colors along the tight grain. Elsewhere, this model R is appointed simply, as is Jeff’s style. We really appreciate letting the quality of the woods speak for themselves (both sonically and visually).

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitar building, traugott guitars, calton, fingerpicking, finger style

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2009 Fender 1961 John Cruz Stratocaster Relic

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The legendary relic artist John Cruz brings the 1961 Stratocaster to life in this beauty in black from 2009. It’s hard to closer to the real deal unless you’re prepared to search and search, and you’ve got an extra arm to pony up. Cruz relic’d the black finish for a well-used but cared-for look that feels right at home with the slightly worn through finish on the Maple neck. The tremolo is currently set up with John’s three spring system, and we have the standard spring system components to include with the G&G case. Weighs in at 7lbs 10oz, this ’61 Strat from 2009 is easy on the hands (ditto for the 1 5/8” nut and 2 1/8” saddle spacing).
Fender relic’d to perfection by John Cruz—worth it.

Other keywords: electric guitar, reliced, jc1409, stratacaster, kluson, duane simpson

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2012 Gibson Collector’s Choice #4 “Sandy”

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The Les Paul from 1959 is one of the most sought-after electrics of all time. And Gibson’s Collector’s Choice series is the most faithful reproduction of this legendary instrument. Here we have #4 from 2012, “Sandy,” an exacting copy of a ’59 LP that had cream of the crop traits: tightly flamed Maple top, faded “dirty lemon” sunburst, zebra-coil humbuckers, low neck pitch and butter-smooth playability. In order to recreate this LP down to the tiniest details, Gibson’s team went so far as to digitally scan the entire original for its neck and top carves, even the grain pattern of the Flame Maple top and play wear patterns.
This work of art is more than a simple reissue, it’s more than a relic’d reproduction. It’s the recreation of a piece of electric guitar perfection, right down to the studs.

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1993 Collings D1, Mahogany/Sitka Spruce

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An older Collings D1 built by Bill himself in 1993, fantastically opened up and wiiiiide awake. The classic combination of Mahogany and Sitka Spruce makes for a crisp and loud strummer with quick decay and a woody response. Dry, energetic tone to boot! We love visiting with a guitar that’s had years of playing to open up, and this D1 is just that–wide open and still raring to go. Mahogany has a way of really waking up over time; the response has gotten crisper and louder with each year. Our repair folks have gone over this one with a fine tooth comb, and we’re happy to offer it here with a clean bill of health!

The setup is a smooth operator with a 1 11/16” nut, and weighing in just over four pounds this D1 is an easy player that’s light and agile in your hands. Comes wrapped up in the original TKL hardshell case.

Other keywords: flatpicking, bluegrass, lutherie, luthier, collings guitars, mahagony, d-1, 684

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Showroom (by appointment only):

108 Monticello Road, Suite 400,
Weaverville NC, 28787

Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm EST

Contact Us
Make an Appointment

ABOUT

COMMUNITY

POLICIES

EDUCATION