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2008 Beauregard MB Semi-Hollow Maple/Spruce
At Dream Guitars, we often have players visit of such calibre that we’re struck dumb when they take a guitar down to play. Not nearly as often are we reduced to silence simply at the sight of a guitar–but this 2008 Beauregard MB is just such an instrument. Whoa! Beauregard has outfitted this beauty with two powerhouse P90 pickups which can scream for Blues while at the same time remaining fat and warm for Jazz. Versatile, in a word. This is as dynamic as they come, with a glossy finish that is feather-smooth to the touch. With arcing curves like a drop of water sliding along the face of a wineglass, this Beauregard MB in Maple and Spruce might be the most beautiful Semi-Hollow or Archtop guitar we’ve seen. Its previous owner has been incredibly careful, too: this is a gem with no discernible marks to mar the surface of the Spruce or the Ebony bridge and tailpiece.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.69 in String Spacing 2.13 in Woods Spruce - European, Maple 2008 Benedetto Sinfonietta, Maple/ Spruce
This guitar is a masterpiece. ‘Sinfonietta‘ is an Italian word meaning ‘little symphony’ — this is probably the most accurate name for a guitar of all time. From Benedetto, this archtop from 2008 is superlative to all that is an acoustic archtop: depth, warmth, resonance, power, and meticulous fit and finish. Really, this instrument will do whatever you could ask of it. For the player and collector alike, this instrument will do one thing exceptionally well: enhance your musical life. Gorgeous Maple and tightly grained Spruce, which has loads of medullary rays. The demo speaks for itself. What a true joy to have this in the shop!
Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, jazz, traditional, modern, 5447GP
1988 Benedetto 17″ Fratello Archtop, Maple/European Spruce
Widely considered to be the successor to D’Angelico and D’Aquisto, Bob Benedetto is today’s leading Archtop luthier. This Fratello 17″ model from 1988 is a testament as to why. Gorgeous Maple, and European Spruce — tonewoods in this case that speak for themselves. MOP block inlays, Benedetto humbucker; the list of amazing appointments goes on! If you’re looking to get into an incredible guitar made by one of the most profound builders of our time, look no further.
Other keywords/misspellings: Lutherie, jazz, hollowbody, schaller, 14888
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.125 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce - European, Maple 2010 Benedetto 16-B One-Off, Birdseye Maple/Spruce
The name of the game is quick, when it comes to this 2010 Benedetoo 16-B One Off. Slim body and a slim neck make for a very comfortable playing experience, as well as a quick and easy setup with a 25″ scale. Benedetto humbucker with volume and tone sound juicy and fat, even on this narrow-depth body. Finely figured Birdseye Maple back and sides (and neck) plus Spruce on top.
Other keywords: lutherie, bob benedetto, bendedeto, s1985, duane simpson
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.688 in String Spacing 2.063 in Woods Spruce, Maple - Birdseye 1996 Benedetto Limelite, Maple/European Spruce
This guitar comes with an extra set of socks, since the pair you’re wearing at the first strum will be blown to smithereens. An archtop of this calibre, we see one but rarely: a 1995 Bob Benedetto Limelite. Lightly figured Maple back and neck, dyed-to-match Euro Spruce top, and a 25 inch scale per the original owner’s request. This Benedetto came out of Bob’s East Stroudsburg shop, straight from Bob’s hands to the current owner’s. As such, this is a single owner Benedetto that’s been well-cared for and plays like your grandma’s butter.
The Benedetto humbucker and integrated pickguard volume knob are simple and no-fuss, offering a thunderclap bass and great string-to-string response. The acoustic voice keeps the embers burning in the middle register and fans the flames out to bass and trebles: lively, energetic, with great projection.
How lucky are we to have such a beauty from Bob’s own hands? If you’re feeling lucky too, you can take this 1995 Benedetto Limelite home with you today.
Common misspellings: benedeto, benedtto, bendetto, limelight, european
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.156 in Woods Spruce - European, Maple 2007 Benedetto Bravo Elite Maple/Spruce
This is a top of the line Benedetto Bravo Elite, fully hand carved shallow body 16″ Archtop. At 2 1/2″ deep, the Bravo Elite offers a guitar that’s easy to hold but has that full Benedetto voice and character. The tone is achieved by it being fully carved and hand graduated from premium Curly Maple and Spruce. Finished in a subtle violin burst with all solid Ebony appointments it is also a stunning guitars with simple elegance. We all love the feel of this fine Benedetto, it plays easy and fast.
2008 Benedetto Bambino Maple, Espresso Finish
Here we have a post-Fender Bob Benedetto “Bambino.” Don’t let its small stature fool you — it’s got a voice big enough to fill a room. Designed with the gigging musician in mind, this guitar is lightweight and compact. Its laminated maple top and back and maple neck are designed for comfort. The two nickel plated Benedetto A6 pickups are all you’ll need. If you’re looking for a huge sound in a compact package, the Bambino was designed by The Master himself with you in mind.
Benedetto/Mohychi/Giuliano Project Archtop Flamed Maple/Spruce 16 Inch
at one of Bob Benedetto’s guitar making classes in 1992 but the instrument was not completed. The parts were later brought to famed luthier Giuliano’s Guitar Shop in White Plains, NY. Giuliano, if you are not familiar with his name, was the one who refinished the famous D’Angelico “Fin” archtop owned by Scott Chinery. Giuliano assembled and finished the guitar to perfection. All the work is top notch especially Giuliano’s finish. The guitar is signed inside by Bob Benedetto as well as Bob Moyhchi and dated 9/92. An amazing story for a brilliant guitar.
Benedetto Manhattan Flamed Maple/Euro Spruce
The flagship of the Benedetto line, Bob personally selects the tonewoods, reviews the voicing and inspects each Manhattan model. That’s the reason this guitar has a strong acoustic tone and amazing amplified voice. The Opulent Brown finish is just stunning and the Benedetto abbreviated fingerrest and cell style tailpiece complete the look. This one has been upgraded with a hand made Kent Armstrong PAF pickup. First rate in every way.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.19 in Woods Spruce - European, Maple 2015 Tom Bills Cremona 16″, Curly Maple/Sitka Spruce
Tom Bills‘ status as a premier builder of archtop guitars is manifest in this gorgeous Cremona 16 inch from 2015. Not only is the fit and finish perfect, the setup glassy, and the neck-to-weight ratio dialed in–the voice, both acoustic and electric, is rich and warm and immediately envelops you. This instrument is an absolute treasure to play. Bigleaf Maple body with Sitka Spruce top, Tom’s custom French Polish shellac finish throughout, and on this Cremona Tom spec’d a rare short scale neck that makes left hand work effortless, and allows for easy bends. Falling across the fingerboard you’ll find several oak leaves rendered in MOP, and elsewhere this Bills Cremona is trimmed in flamed Maple and appointed with Ebony hardware. The humbucker is a custom Lollar with Ebony cover that ties into the pickguard.
If you’re looking for a 16 inch archtop that can keep up with you, that offers new avenues of play, is plain inspiration, this Tom Bills Cremona should fit the bill nicely.
Check out another video of this Tom Bills featuring Duane Simpson: https://youtu.be/pVcltKcVuS0
Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, art of lutherie, 1825, duane simpson, fingerstyle, jazz box
SOLD Sale! Read moreScale Length 24.75 in Nut Width 1.688 in String Spacing 2.125 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Maple - Bigleaf 2007 Blanchard Archtop, Maple/Spruce
Mark Blanchard does. it. all. We love his flattops, his nylon string crossovers, and now we love his archtops too. This beauty comes to us from 2007 with light honey Maple and Spruce, and a Lollar gold foil pickup with volume knob integrated into the finger rest. Round hole rather than F holes, and we feel that does add a warmth and roundness to the voice, too. Acoustic or amplified, this Blanchard is sweet, balanced, and warm—easy playing to boot. 16 inches at the lower bout makes for a comfortable archtop build, and Snakewood bindings (plus knobs on the Waverly tuners) tie it all together.
Other keywords: arched top, lutherie, luthier, boutique guitar, mop, fingerstyle, p/up
SOLD Sale! Read moreScale Length 25.25 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Spruce, Maple Brand New Blue Arch Big Bang Archtop, African Padauk/Western Red Cedar
Our own Paul Heumiller said, “Dreaming on a guitar like this is easy.” What more is there to say? Gorgeous aesthetic, powerful sound and a fit and finish that screams pristine. This instrument is powerful and inspirational. Dressed in African Padauk and Western Red Cedar, this ain’t your grandpa’s archtop, but it sounds like it would have been. It’s no coincidence this instrument has been dubbed “Big Bang.” That is as much of a descriptor as it is a title, both unplugged and amplified it’s resonance is prominent. From the carbon fiber bracing, to its custom humbucker this guitar seems to have neverending features that draw the player in. Listen and see for yourself.
Other keywords/mispellings:Luthier, lutherie, archtop, jazz, tric,
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.188 in Woods Cedar - Western Red, Padauk Boaz SS Jazz Archtop European Maple/German
This is an amazing sounding SS Jazz Archtop from renowned Israeli builder Elkayam Boaz. The design is completely original and and employs parallel braces making this one of the most responsive archtops you’ve ever played. Acoustically it’s very loud and there is a custom handmade Lace pickup originally designed for Jimmy D’Aquisto. The neck is designed for a lifetime of accurate play and complimented by another Boaz original idea, a bone saddle with staggered heights for instant adjustment to the action. There are amazing details ranging from the fingerboard inlay, side inlays, custom pickguard with hidden volume control and hand hammered tailpiece. Completing this beautiful archtop is a wonderful Ribbon inlay on the back of neck. This is a player, a collector piece and a work of art all at once!
2018 Borghino Mirragio 7 String, European Maple/Italian Spruce
We’re no strangers to Mirko Borghino’s work here at Dream Guitars. Not only is he the maker of John McLaughlin’s Shakti (here we’ve got one of his McLaughlin Signature Series in right now, check it out: https://www.dreamguitars.com/shop/builders/borghino-guitars.html), he also builds a wide range of steel and nylon string instruments. And then there’s creatures like the Mirragio 7. An archtop engineered for the veteren 7-string player, but also accessible and appealing to the 7-string-curious-6-string player. Effortless is the experience of playing this beauty from 2018. We currently have it set up with roundwounds, and it would also be a beast with flats–but currently it’s got a bit extra bite in the voice, which the custom I-Spira Replica Vintage pickup takes to handsomely. The body is figured European Maple with Ziricote bindings and appointments throughout; Italian Spruce top; and a flame Maple neck that manages to retain a C profile even as wide as it is with the added seventh string. That in itself is a feat.
Hands down, this 2018 Borghino Mirragio 7 is a complete instrument, designed for extended range while maintaining playability and comfort. Sky’s the limit.
Other keywords: lutherie, borghino guitars, miragio, 7 string, duane simpson
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5 in Nut Width 2.031 in String Spacing 2.438 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Maple - Flame