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2004 Santa Cruz D Cocobolo/Sitka
This is a very special Santa Cruz Dreadnought, a sweetheart 12 fretter made for the 2004 NAMM show as a Luthier Series custom and signed by Luthier Eric Poulsen (now an independent luthier) and Joseph K. It was originally owned by Nashville musician Dan Kelly. It is crafted from rich and powerful Cocobolo Rosewood and topped with Sitka Spruce for power and a rich tone. The 12 fret design puts the bridge in the sweet spot where it can shake the whole top efficiently. We find this one can go from bluegrass cannon to fingerstyle gem in a flash. This D has been played enough to be wide open and sounding alive. There is also a John Pearse armrest for comfort or it can be easily removed if you prefer.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.38 in Nut Width 1.69 in String Spacing 2.19 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Cocobolo 1993 Santa Cruz Tony Rice Indian/Sitka
Tony Rice is arguably the finest bluegrass picker the world has seen and for him to put his name on a guitar you know it’s special. The Tony Rice model from Santa Cruz Guitars is a powerhouse dreadnought design and this one really projects. The bass is huge and the trebles shoot across the room. The tone has a lot of character as well and like Tony it can handle multiple genres of music.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.69 in String Spacing 2.19 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Indian 1988 Santa Cruz H-50 Brazilian/Adirondack Red
This one-of-a-kind guitar was commissioned by a collector fond of early Santa Cruz instruments. It features custom inlays by the now famous Larry Robinson, done completely by hand. The detail on the inlaid Butterflies is nothing short of amazing. Also featured is some of the nicest Brazilian you’ll find on any SC and Adirondack to top it off. The tone is strong, sweet reminiscent of prewar Martin small bodies. Warm bass and treble strings that are pure and fat.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.81 in String Spacing 2.19 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian New Scheerhorn L-Body Rob Ickes East Indian/Adirondack (Red)
We are proud to have several dobros in the shop from the folks at National Reso-Phonic. Tim Scheerhorn semi-retired in 2010 to focus on only building custom dobros, and parent company National Reso-Phonic took over the construction of his production models–but that doesn’t mean that these Scheerhorns aren’t a force to be reckoned with! Here you’ll find many of Scheerhorn’s innovations to the reso-phonic world, from the mod D “L Model” bodies which create a more dynamic tone with enhanced low-end to his handspun resonator cones and parabolic baffle which helps project the rich tone. This is National’s Rob Ickes signature model, designed to the specifications of the famed dobro player and founding member of Blue Highway. As per his needs, this resonator has East Indian Rosewood back and sides and an Adirondack Spruce top, to bring a much woodier and warmer tone to the world of resonator guitars. The result is a lap steel that sounds more like its cousin, the upright resonator guitar, but retains the warbling sustain of a fine dobro.
SOLD Sale! Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.88 in String Spacing 2.44 in Woods Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Indian New Scheerhorn L-Body Figured Maple/Flamed Maple
We are proud to have several dobros in the shop from the folks at National Reso-Phonic. Tim Scheerhorn semi-retired in 2010 to focus on only building custom dobros, and parent company National Reso-Phonic took over the construction of his production models–but that doesn’t mean that these Scheerhorns aren’t a force to be reckoned with! Scheerhorn’s innovations to the reso-phonic world, from the mod D “L Model” bodies which create a more dynamic tone with enhanced low-end to his handspun resonator cones and parabolic baffle which helps project the rich tone, are found here in this 2015 Maple Scheerhorn. For a resonator, the tonal palette is huge with this guitar, and has enough sustain for you to leave, pour a cup of coffee, come back, and catch the tailend of the resonator’s overtones. This guitar also comes with an original hardshell case.
SOLD Sale! Read moreScale Length 25 in Nut Width 1.88 in String Spacing 2.42 in Woods Maple - Figured, Maple - Figured 2011 Schenk GK Concert Windwalker Tiger Myrtle/Cedar
Tiger Myrtle and Cedar give this Schenk GK Concert Windwalker a very distinctive voice the key elements of which is clarity and separation. The treble strings are so strong and lyrical, your melodies command attention. Tiger Myrtle wood has a very natural, woody voice that blends with the Cedar’s warmth making for a sweet and lush envelope of sound. There is a Microbevel for comfort, a slim, fast neck and the Schenk extra stiff truss rod system that enhances sustain and insures perfect playability. There is also the built in ISD Tuner system that works beautiful. Small fiber optic lights embedded in the side of the fretboard make it a breeze to tune. A Myrtlewood Rosette and intentional omission of pearl give this guitar a natural beauty where the wood itself shines.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5 in Nut Width 1.69 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Cedar, Myrtlewood - Tiger Myrtle Schenk GK Windwalker Brazilian/Cedar
Here we have an elegant and naturally beautiful Schenk GK Concert guitar crafted from premium Brazilian Rosewood and a chocolate Cedar top with perfect grain. There is an understated allure to this guitar, from head to toe the wood shines through. The top has a deep, dark tint and the Brazilian is breathtaking with captivating figure. This guitar is very responsive and open sounding with a big voice, that remains clear and articulate in every register. It’s a great fingerstyle guitar for any style. Players like Mark Casstevens and Franco Marone found their way to Schenk Guitars, here’s your chance.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5 in Nut Width 1.78 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Cedar - Red, Rosewood - Brazilian Schenk GK Windwalker Tru-Fire Special Edition #2 of Series, Indian/Eng.
From Schenk Guitars: “Unleashed at the 2006 Newport Guitar Festival, Schenk Guitar’s Killer Paint Series has burst open the door to a new world of acoustic guitar experience – limitless creativity in sound, playability and now appearance. When it comes to applying the finish to a Masterclass instrument, only a Master will do. Mike Lavalle’s prestigious work at Killer Paint Airbrush Studios has been sought out by clients such as Ford Motor Company and West Coast Choppers. His artistic genius behind the TRU-FIRE painting technique has rekindled the entire automotive art industry. Currently Mike is showing off his amazing techniques on several TV shows airing on The Discovery Channel, TLC, Outdoor Learning Network, The Outdoor Channel, Speed Channel and others.”” With absolutely no compromise in wood quality, sound, and playability, The Killer Paint Series releases a new dimension of musical expression for the artist and a new experience to the audience. What the guitar vocalizes visually sets the stage for what the artist projects musically.” – Rod Schenk This is very cool, this Schenk GK Tru-Fire Special Edition is an all wood guitar crafted with same high quality materials as all Schenk guitars, only these are finished in amazingly realistic Flame motifs by Mike Lavalle of Killer Paint Airbrush Studios. This 2006 Tru-Fire Grand Concert is crafted with Indian Rosewood and Engelmann Spruce and is labeled as the second ever made, #002. Mike Lavalle is well known in the finishing world and this is a very unique approach to guitar finishing. The finish is very thin and does not impeded the tone at all. You just a super cool look and style. Perfect or the stage, this is a true high-end guitar from top to bottom.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.5 in Nut Width 1.81 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Engelmann, Rosewood - Indian Schenk FE Grand Soloist Brazilian/Engelmann
Rod Schenk has made a strong name for himself building top quality guitars inspired by the work of Kevin Ryan, his friend and mentor. Rod has a unique approach to guitar making, employing in-depth computer analysis to determine optimal bracing size and layout to enhance the voicing and capture as much energy as possible. This guitar surely has a lot of energy getting transfered from the strings straight to the top. It’s very lively and spirited. It reminds us a lot of a Ryan Nightingale and very similar is size as well. The Brazilian Rosewood here is just gorgeous and paired beautifully with Engelmann for a lush and angelic voice. There are also many subtle but elegant appointments such as Blue Paua top trim and headstock trim, a Florentine cutaway, Gold Gotoh 510s and a 12th fret Floral inlay. Stunning to behold and to play.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.81 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Engelmann, Rosewood - Brazilian 2007 Schenk 12 String Honduran Mahogany/Engelmann
This is the prototype 12 String design from upcoming luthier Rod Schenk and debuted at the Newport/Miami Guitar Festival. Rod is close friends with Kevin Ryan and has been mentored a bit by Kevin so it’s no surprise that the level of craftsmanship in this 12 string is superb and that it plays very easily. The combination of Mahogany and Engelmann Spruce give this a warmer voice than most 12 String guitars. It’s also nice and lively. The body is bound in Rosewood and the headstock and backplate are Ebony, giving this Schenk guitar a clean and natural look. The string-through bridge is very unique for a 12 string as well.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.88 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Engelmann, Mahogany - Honduran 2008 Schoenberg/Russell 000, Cocobolo/Red Spruce
A 2008 collaboration between Eric Schoenberg and James Russell brought about this 000 with Cocobolo and Red Spruce that is an absolte gem. Wide dynamic response, great string energy, and dressed up with colorful Abalone top trim (a detail Eric swears by for tone). 1 25/32″ nut offers a touch more room for your left hand, and the 25.4″ scale keeps strings crisp and punchy. Other details include a pyramid bridge, Ebony bindings, and open back Waverly tuners.
Other keywords: fingerstyle, ooo, fingerpicking, 12-fret
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.781 in String Spacing 2.406 in Woods Spruce, Rosewood - Cocobolo 2013 Schoenberg Stella, Madagascar Rosewood/Carpathian Spruce
Boy, this little number is a livewire. We don’t know what kind of magic James Russell and Eric Schoenberg worked on this Schoenberg Stella model from 2013, but it must have been a heady brew. Loud, energetic, crisp and defined! Are the words that first come to mind. It’s a fantastic fingerpicking guitar, hands down. Carpathian Spruce on top with Madagascar Rosewood back and sides, 12 frets to the neck and a venetian cutaway, and a slick setup for easy playability. Part of what’s going on here is a build that takes a nod from a 1920s Oscar Schmidt Stella: the sides are more shallow than you’d expect, and that creates a fast response. Take this Stella model down into Open G, and it maintains that quickness and crunchy clarity. This guitar has us impressed, very impressed.
Other keywords: 12-fret, 00, parlor guitar, fingerstyle, waverly, pyramid bridge
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.375 in Woods Spruce - Carpathian, Rosewood - Madagascar 1994 Schoenberg/T.J. Thompson Soloist, Indian Rosewood/Sitka Spruce
Rare and otherwise unobtainable guitars? That’s why we got in this business in the first place, and this T.J. Thompson-built Schoenberg Soloist is our mission statement to a T. Sporting a gorgeous set of Indian Rosewood for the back and sides and Sitka Spruce for the top, this guitar packs a fiendish amount of punch into a comfortable OM-size package. This is one of the 150 guitars which Eric Schoenberg designed and T.J. Thompson crafted the various parts before sending the instrument to Martin for final assembly and finishing.
Each Schoenberg Soloist from 1990 to 1994 is a resounding example of T.J.’s meticulous craftsmanship: this guitar has a crisp, focused voice which gives fingerpicking arrangements richness and clarity–but if flatpicking is more to your liking, this Soloist has a lively response to both strumming and lead work. Featuring a soft V-shape neck, your left hand won’t wear out any time soon; and that’s a good thing, because you won’t want to put this guitar down once you pick it up. Speaking of which, this guitar also comes with a dynamite Highlander IP-1 pickup, so no worries when it comes time to gig out.
Here’s an additional demo with our own Al Petteway: https://youtu.be/lEyWB9UdvGs
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.25 in Woods Spruce - Sitka, Rosewood - Indian 2003 Schoenberg ES-Soloist, Honduran/Italian Alpine Spruce
This 2003 Schoenberg ES-Soloist comes from Bruce Sexauer, replete with Honduran Rosewood (dalbergia tucurensis, according to Bruce) back and sides, an Italian Alpine Spruce top, and Snakewood bindings for style. This Honduran Rosewood is beautifully straight-grained and quartersawn, and pairs well with the aged amber tint of the Alpine Spruce top. Together with Bruce’s lutherie chops, these coalesce into a well-oiled fingerstyle machine. Notes have excellent definition and color, with the treble strings having a particularly full and present timbre, and work well with a balanced bass and mid range response for an even-keeled playing experience.
Hefting this Soloist, you’ll be surprised to find such a featherweight instrument in your hands. This beautiful OM weighs only 3.5lbs. Waverly butterbean tuners help keep the weight down, but it’s really Bruce’s voicing and build style that make this Soloist so agile. The Italian Alpine Spruce top responds so well for both aggressive and lighter attacks, we found it difficult to find a style of fingerpicking that didn’t gel with it at the drop of a hat.
Long story short, this Schoenberg is fabulous. It feels easy, plays effortlessly, and has an immense tonal palette for the player to pick and choose from. The kind of guitar you simply don’t get tired of.Other keywords: eric schoenberg, es-soloist, orchestra model, finger style, finger picking, 25.4, tkl
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.78 in String Spacing 2.375 in Woods Spruce - Italian, Rosewood - Honduran 1993 Schoenberg Soloist OMC Brazilian/Spruce
One of Eric Schoenberg’s earlier collaborations with T.J. Thompson and Martin, this 1993 Soloist OMC is a firebomb fingerstyle guitar: crisp trebles and a glassy setup with a low profile soft-V neck. With some gorgeous Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides (with sapwood colors the envy of Cocobolo) and Adirondack Spruce fo the top, this Soloist has the right calibre munitions to drive its fat, juicy trebles right through the mix.
Played with a flatpick or just nails, the tight, focused voice soars, wel-balanced and clear. These fine tonewoods have had plenty of time to open up, and brother have they–there’s plenty of that quick response and instant projection that only come with age.
SOLD Read moreScale Length 25.4 in Nut Width 1.75 in String Spacing 2.38 in Woods xx, Rosewood - Brazilian