New Tippin Forte – Custom Build in Madagascar Rosewood & Adirondack Spruce
Just completed by luthier Bill Tippin, this custom Forte model is a build we were proud to help bring to life. Designed for a serious fingerstyle player, the guitar delivers the responsiveness, clarity, and craftsmanship that Tippin’s instruments are known for.
The back and sides are crafted from Madagascar Rosewood, offering depth and richness across the tonal spectrum, while the Adirondack Spruce top provides strong projection and dynamic range. Together, they create a voice that is balanced, articulate, and well-suited for intricate playing.
Appointments include Abalone trim, a side soundport for enhanced player feedback, and refined African Blackwood details that complement the overall build. Tippin’s signature 12th fret inlay marks the fingerboard—a quiet nod to his consistent attention to detail.
This Forte is clean, elegant, and highly musical. A strong example of what Bill Tippin does so well: build guitars that are as enjoyable to look at as they are to play.
Other keywords/misspellings: Lutherie, bespoke handmade, marblehead, mainstage, custom, al petteway, 2025
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill Tippin for over 25 years, and he continues to impress me with every new guitar. This Forte model is a perfect example of why he’s considered one of the best in the field—an elegant, responsive build with a voice that’s already wide open and full of character. 
I'm honored we got to collaborate with Russell and Bill on this build. Madagascar plus Adirondack in a Forte package makes for strength and punchiness, and I'm also hearing a powerful blending effect across the registers. It's got a full-figured voice, rich with lots of meat on the bone. | Scale Length | 25.5 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.75 in |
| String Spacing | 2.25 in |
| Woods | Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Madagascar |
New Tippin Forte – Custom Build in Madagascar Rosewood & Adirondack Spruce Just completed by luthier Bill Tippin, this custom Forte model is a build we were proud to help bring to life. Designed for a serious fingerstyle player, the guitar delivers the responsiveness, clarity, and craftsmanship that Tippin’s instruments are known for
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bill Tippin for over 25 years, and he continues to impress me with every new guitar. This Forte model is a perfect example of why he’s considered one of the best in the field—an elegant, responsive build with a voice that’s already wide open and full of character.
I'm honored we got to collaborate with Russell and Bill on this build. Madagascar plus Adirondack in a Forte package makes for strength and punchiness, and I'm also hearing a powerful blending effect across the registers 