Bill Tippin is master luthier of the highest regard and he continually pushes himself to discover new design ideas that enhance the beauty, functionality and voice of his wonderful instruments. We all feel this instrument represents the pinnacle of his work, at least to date… This Crescendo “Al Petteway Series” guitar is crafted from Brick Red Brazilian and Moon Harvested European Spruce, see below for more on that. This one is Al’s but contact us to order your own Al Petteway Series Tippin!. From Bill Tippin: “Moon Harvested Spruce comes from Switzerland near the upper part of Italy where Stradivarius acquired his wood.”

This is the very first Bravado by Bill Tippin. In fact it is the Prototype for this his latest SJ body shape. Crafted meticulously from Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce it offers up the rare combination of power and beauty that Bill Tippin has become known for over his 30 plus years making guitars. Special features on this prototype include a Brazilian Bridge with gorgeous figure and handmade Curly Maple perflings and bindings throughout. Here’s a chance to own not just a fabulous guitar but the very prototype for the Bravado Model from Tippin.

This is a rare custom Tippin 000 12 Fret crafted from breathtaking Quilted African Mahogany and Carpathian Spruce. This is one of the prettiest 000s you’ll ever see. In Bill’s typical fashion he allowed the wood to shine on this one. This combination of woods give a great woody tone with good growl and lots of headroom. Carpathian behaves a lot like Adirondack Spruce. This is a superb guitar for blues, rags and Celtic music but you’ll use it for everything. A great Tippin.

This instrument was custom made by Bill Tippin for the current owner. It was modeled after a Martin 12-string that Bill had in his shop that he says was the best sounding 12-string he’d ever heard. This one-of-a-kind Tippin 12-string features the more traditional appointments of an old Martin with the addition of some highly unusual and rare birdseye Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides. From where we sit, this Tippin is simply one of the best sounding 12 strings you’ll ever find, it’s extraordinary…

This is a stunning guitar from Bill Tippin with master grade Madagascar Rosewood and Carpathian Spruce. It is bound with the dynamic Snakewood and the top purfling is uniquely crafted from German Marquetry which is also echoed in the back strip. The Snakewood headplate and first fret flame inlay combine with the Brazilian bridge for an elegant, understated beauty. The tone, as the name suggests, is loud and strong. The projection and sustain of this guitar is outstanding. Beauty and a little beast.

Here is a pre-owned, like-new Tippin in Bill’s most sought after new design, the Crescendo. This elegant powerhouse features rare Birdseye Brazilian Rosewood and a complex and beautiful voice. The bass is extra special on this particular instrument, open and round. Unique Tulipwood bindings and first fret flame inlay give this tonal monster a sophisticated exterior.

What makes this guitar so unique is the ‘curly’ Brazilian Rosewood. This is a rare figure for Brazilian, we’ve only ever seen a handful of guitars made with such wood. It is not only beautiful to behold with the eyes, but it has an amazing tone as well. I suspect the grain has some effect on the voice of the instrument, which is warm, full and huge. The 12 fret design puts the bridge in the prime position to really push this stunning Adirondack top. This a great flatpicker that is equally adept at fingerpicking and provides wide fingerstyle spacings at the nut and saddle. If you are after a big sounding fingerstyle guitar or a powerful D, this is for you.