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MISC ACOUSTICS AND AC/ELEC GUITARS
Accoustic Accessories
Highlander iP-1 Acoustic pickup, Like the Fishman Matrix in the Hummingbird above, the Highlander iP-1 is another "all in one" active system, with the preamp built into the elongated output jack and no major modification is required to your guitar, simply a very small hole under the saddle. Excellent design and loads of accolades on their site, the iP-1 "hears" the tonal properties of the wood and design, not just the dry sound of pressure against the thin transducer under the saddle. Check out Highlander's site here and the iP-1 here. Lists at $189 and sells at discount for $159. This one's never been installed and just $119(, or $135/installed on any guitar in stock.
Dean Markley West Coast La Jolla Active Acoustic Guitar Pickup System. Very good sounding complete active unit, with soundhole pickup plus under-saddle transducer, and preamp built into the end-pin jack. The La Jolla Active pickup system perfectly unites the Gold River Accelerator Jack with two world-class pickups, the Dean Markley Tahoe magnetic sound-hole pickup and the Barstow Gold-Plated transducer pickup. The Barstow transducer pickup is connected to a discrete Class A preamp housed inside the Gold River Accelerator Jack. The Tahoe (a passive pickup needing no preamp) is wired to the passive channel of the Gold River, going directly to your amplifier system. This specially designed Gold River Accelerator Jack increases headroom, expands tone and output, and is completely internal. We have several of these in stock which we're using as an affordable mod to transform any of our acoustics. With a list price of $259 but we can install these on any acoustic in stock for $150, including parts and labor.
Seymour Duncan "Woody" Single Coil Soundhole Pickup, (close-up). For players who want a good acoustic tone without modification to their guitar. Seymour Duncan's Woody SC SA-3SC is the perfect solution to turn your guitar into an acoustic/electric in about one minute. Just pop the SA-3SC into the soundhole, plug into any amp, PA, or mixer, and you're ready to go. Features: Single-coil design, genuine maple cover with padded sleeves to protect your soundhole, Double-potted coil, Warm, rich tone, fits soundhole from 3.85" to 4.10, and includes studio-quality 14' cable. Lists for $89 but I have a few new ones at 50% off, just $44.50.
DiMarzio Soundhole pickup, older-style model that uses a flex arm in back to hold it in place. Hard-wired to a long cable. Excellent sounding pickup and a fairly rare model. $65
Sabine Solo SL-820 Digital Feedback Eliminator, (close-up front/back). A must-have for players who are serious about acoustic amplification. You've tried the rest - now try the best - at least in the sub-$400 price range. Designed for single channels, the 820 offers 8 patented FBX Filters, 20-bit digital resolution and increased headroom. The 820 outshines virtually all other feedback controllers in accurately controlling feedback during live performances. Equally at home when hooked up to an acoustic/electric guitar, wired mics, wireless mics, monitors, harmonica mics, and multi-mic locations. It automatically senses feedback and quickly places a narrow 1/10-octave adaptive digital filter directly on the resonating frequency. Each of its FBX filters are 10 times narrower than 1/3-octave graphic EQ filters (which are actually one full octave wide, spaced out on 1/3-octave centers), so the FBX provides more gain before feedback without a loss in sound quality. In fact, the FBX gives back more than 90 percent of the power lost with using a graphic EQ to control feedback. This unit sells new for $319 ($369 list) but this one is "as new" in the box and a full $100 cheaper, just $219. If you want to say goodbye to feedback forever, without sacrificing tone, here's the answer. Full details - click here.
Fishman Prefix Plus Preamp, complete. Removed from a Martin acoustic/electric when new so basically this is a brand new unit. It features a 3-band EQ, with the standard fixed shelving treble and bass controls - plus a parametric mid control—the "Contour" slide The Frequency slider to the far right lets you choose which mid frequencies to boost or cut (from 250Hz-10kHz). You then use the Contour to control those frequencies. "Brilliance" controls frequencies in the 10kHz range - boosting these adds a lot of shimmer to your tone. Also features a notch filter knob, located on the top left of the unit which cuts, by a fixed -15db, any frequency from 40Hz-500Hz. This, combined with the Phase switch, offers much more effective feedback control than the regular Fishman Prefix. for $316 but this one is virtually un-used and just $175. Includes all paperwork, mounting kit, and Matrix under-saddle transducer. Contact us if you'd like us to convert any of our acoustics in stock for a special deal on installation charge.
Taylor Prints, original dealer displays. I have the set of 5 (each one different) that I bought around 5 years ago. You can buy them unframed - or I can also include a solid oak frame that I purchased for each one. This was a very successful ad campaign that ran from late '99 with just a subtle reference to the advertiser being a Taylor headstock pictured in the corner. These are very high quality on thick poster stock, 23.5" X 16.5", large enough to be a center piece in your jamming room or den. Email me if you want pics of the 3 that aren't pictured here. Price for a poster and frame is $35 (you cut the mat).
Taylor Accessories - Jacket (pic2) and Strap. Show your pride with this stone-wash Taylor jean jacket (size Large) and genuine fine leather Taylor strap. Jacket features an appliquéd guitar and embroidered script "Taylor Guitars" on the back framed by extra-wide vertical seams, and a Taylor logo embroidered on the left chest, with 2 front flap pockets and 2 side-welt pockets. Strap is light brown with Taylor logo in gold with adjustable length and choice of leather string tie or strap pin hole. Both are in excellent condition; jacket appears to be unworn. New cost on these are $99 and $59, respectively, but here's the deal - buy the "as new" jacket for $99 and get the $59 strap for free!
Classical/Flamenco
Esteve 1GR07 Classical, 2003 – NEW, old stock, and another r-e-a-l Spanish classical. Features solid Western Cedar top and the same fan bracing and integrated neck-body construction of the GR08, except with laminated Rosewood sides and back. This one is also a new floor model, near mint 9.9 condition and with a retail price of $925, another exceptional value at just $525.
2005 Fender CG-7 Classical, new-old-stock, good quality classical that features Spruce top and Meranti back/sides. If you don't have a nylon string in your guitar collection, here's an inexpensive way to get started. Fender builds quality into all their guitars, even imports such as this one, but the price is around what you'll pay for an off brand at $129. Ships set-up but never retailed, in original factory box.
Manuel Rodriguez e Hijos Model A Classical, (front/back), (label/controls). A very well made guitar that's definitely been around. Despite its looks, it's an excellent playing guitar with only cosmetic issues. Not one for the collector or anal-retentive types - this guitar has been played, and has its share of dings in the finish, pickup hole in the rosette, etc., as shown here, as well as a small piece of wood on the top which may be an arm rest or may be covering some hidden flaw, as shown here. It has also had an under-saddle pickup added, with a volume and tone control on the upper bass bout and an output jack added as well. It's a true Spanish guitar, made in Madrid by a respected builder in a long family line of Manuel Rodriguez. There's a good bit of info on this model and builder on google, click here for link. If you're looking for a quality nylon string guitar that's built to last and still sounds and plays very well, this one has plenty of character and is priced around 1/2 of a clean model at just $399. Note: I just read of the passing of Manuel Rodriguez Guitars, Madrid, and I assume this is the builder of this guitar.
New World Guitar Co. - Palo Escrito Model, 1998, (label), (back), (front/back/rosette inlay), (headstock), (sides/binding). Some of you may be more familiar with the parent company, "Hill Guitar Co.", but these New World models are excellent quality classicals in their own right. Built exclusively for veteran luthier Kenny Hill, with a goal of uncompromising quality with a reasonable price. The techniques and materials used on New World are the same used on Hill guitars in Ben Lomand, Calif. All instruments are given final setup and adjustment in the California shop before being offered for sale. As the name suggests, this model is made with Palo Escrito sides and back, with a solid Cedar soundboard and Ebony fretboard. The craftsmanship is first rate, especially the hand-inlaid rosette and immaculate wood binding, adjoined by black and white pin striping. Tonally, it is described as very open and lively. Although this particular model isn't in their current catalog, you can read about Hill and New World, just click here and click on "catalog." This is one of the best values I've had on a hand-made classical. I've certainly had cheaper classicals but as far as quality vs. price, a really nice find at $699(HOLD-Bill K 3/13) with choice of case or gigbag.
Suziki Model 70 Classical, Japan, nice sounding classical, much better quality and tone than you’ll get for comparably-priced Chinese or Indoneasian classicals, $175
1990 Takamine EC132C Acoustic/Electric Classical Cutaway, (front/back), (headstock), (preamp). Excellent quality Japan-made Tak and if you're not afraid of a little Willie Nelson vibe (repaired crack), an excellent value. The crack isn't pretty but it's totally stable and poses no future problems nor does it affect the tone. Described as refined and elegant, the EC132C's tone comes from a hand-picked Spruce top on a Rosewood body for an excellent acoustic tone, and this older style preamp reproduces the tone very well for amplified use. Select Mahogany is used for the neck while the cutaway body design allows total fret access all the way up the 19-fret rosewood fingerboard. An exquisite three color mosaic wood marquetry rosette surrounds the soundhole. This model currently sells for $949 ($1375 list) but this one is player priced at half-price; just $475.
1993 Yamaha APX-6N, (front/back), (headstock). This is the nylon string version of the APX-6 and fairly well regarded by classical players. It features the same electronics as the steel string model above, with the primary difference being an Ovangkol back and sides, wide classical bridge, wider neck, non-cutaway body, and a typical slotted headstock. This is also a Taiwan model, very well made, and carried a $799 list when discontinued over a decade ago. Amplification is especially difficult with classical guitars and the dual pickup system really works well in this guitar. You can dial in a very natural tone and with some minor adjustment, it's rather impervious to feedback. Very clean shape and, again, an excellent choice for classical stage use at $379.
Yamaha CG-150CA Classical, (pic2), Yamaha, in Taiwan, builds some very nice guitars and they're generally the best of the Asian imports, with quality above Korea and lighyears ahead of China and Indonesia. This is an excellent classical for the money, especially for a solid cedar top. Other woods Ovangkol sides and back, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard and bridge - with wide 2-1/16" nut width, wood body bindings, wood rosette, rosewood headstock overlay, and gold tuners. This guitar is exceptionally clean, plays well, and sounds very nice. If you need a classical and you're on a budget - don't buy a new junker when this nice one's just $250
Acoustics/Acoustic-Electrics
UPGRADE TO ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC: Need to amplify your acoustic? Any of these can be changed to an acoustic/electric with a variety of pickup systems - just inquire as to what's available at any time. We can do anything from an easily removable Seymour Duncan "Woody" Single Coil Soundhole Pickup for less than $50 - or for $150, something like this dual element system (saddle piezo and soundhole pickup with preamp built into endpin jack): Dean Markley West Coast La Jolla Active Acoustic Guitar Pickup System. Again, we usually have a variety of new and used systems, so feel free to inquire.
Alvarez Yairi DY-88 BKN Acoustic Electric, (front/back/side), (headstock), (preamp), (case). Most of you know this but don't confuse the Kazuo Yairi guitars with the "Alvarez" brand. Alvarez are generally decent utility guitars made in Korea or China. Kazuo Yairi builds lifetime guitars in Japan, heirlooms which can be handed down through generations. The K Yairi company has a history of guitar making that goes back to 1935. Kazuo, now 74 years old, took over the company from his father in 1963 after spending three years in the USA learning how the Americans were constructing & voicing their guitars. He personally oversees around 30 guitar makers in his workshop and their yearly output is in the region of a modest 4000 guitars. Yairi sets very high standards for the timber they use. All woods are naturally seasoned - no timber is kiln dried. Other than the sawmill, no machinery is used in the manufacture of the guitars; no CNC machines or UV spray booths speed up the process. Many guitars are made by a single craftsman; others are made by a team of 3 or 4 makers. The DY-88 is a unique guitar in that it's a traditional acoustic without a soundhole. While you might think this would limit it strictly to the studio or stage, it actually has a very nice acoustic tone. It's appearance is striking, all black, including a black pickguard and dark ebony fingerboard, with the entire top adorned in colorful abalone and gold hardware contrasting nicely with the black finish. Spec's include: dreadnought-shaped body with rounded cutaway, gloss black finish, solid spruce top without soundhole, mahogany sides and arched back, 14-fret mahogany neck, black-bound 23-fret ebony fingerboard with triangle inlays on the edge, ebony bridge, 15-7/8" lower bout, 3-1/4" body depth, 1-11/16" nut width, 25-3/8" scale, white-bound body with abalone top purfling, gold tuners, factory Alvarez System 500 pickup system, and 1/4" output jack. I think the production run on the DY-88's was all in the 90's. This one has obviously seen very little use in 15 years or so and looks much more impressive in person without the reflections you see in the pics. It is an elegant looking guitar and plays as good as it looks. Selling for over $1000 over 10 years ago, it's an excellent value in a true lifetime guitar at $750. Includes original Yairi 2-tone plush-lined case.
Augustino M-15 Dreadnought, (front/back), (headstock), (3/4 view), (label), (case). Augustino LoPrinzi is one of the top luthiers of his generation, building handmade lifetime guitars since 1969 under his own name, and much in demand as a consultant to other top guitar makers. The M-15 is made by his daughter, Donna, who apprenticed under her father for years before building guitars under her own signature. If you want a quick history, click here for Augustino's site and read about Donna LoPrinzi's history here. I called Donna about this model, since it's not on her site and she said that the M-15 was a special order model that she made for a particular retailer, basically the only distributor of this model. It is nonetheless a very good quality guitar and like all Augustino guitars, made in the USA. The M-15 features a solid spruce top, maple sides and back, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, and black body binding. It's a very nice player that's not overly bright for a maple body and sounds pretty nice on finger style work. Donna said that these sold new for $899, which is remarkable for a USA-made guitar. Better still is this clean used one at just $450. You really can't go wrong.
Alvarez RD-20S, solid spruce top, very clean overall, one top crack repaired, $199 (mgr)
B.C. RICH U.S.A. ACOUSTIC - THE ULTIMATE GUITAR FOR THE B.C. RICH COLLECTOR: (Bernie Sr's. Last Guitar), (pic2). More pics and full description at this link: www.chrisguitars.com/bernie.html. Owned by Martin Miranda, my world-class tech, who was a close friend of Bernie and this was the last guitar that Bernie ever built, albeit not quite finished, and he was working on it the very day of his untimely passing. Click the link for a full description and feel free to email Martin Miranda directly at the address on the page.
2005 Breedlove Revival Series OM-M, (front/back), (headstock), (case). I'm always looking for higher acoustic guitars, especially by smaller builders like Breedlove, Sana Cruz, Collings, Lowden, etc., and I've been getting in some really nice Breedloves this past year. The OM-M, is a very traditional OM-size from Breedlove's USA Revival Series. With advanced, scalloped "pre-war" X-bracing and a simple but tone-enhancing hand-rubbed semi-gloss finish is applied to the solid Sitka Spruce and Honduran Mahogany, this guitar yields a crisp and articulate tone with surprisingly strong volume and projection, with the warmth you expect from a quality mahogany guitar. Built by Breedlove's custom shop craftsmen at their shop in Bend, Oregon, the quality is evident before you even strum you first chord. It just feels "right" and the hand-craftsmanship is evident in the overall look and feel. The action is set low and very comfortable, equally at home with fingerstyle playing and hard strumming, although we would likely recommend raising the saddle a tad if you're going to be using it mostly for hard strumming. The original owner only played this guitar for a few hours and it is flawless in appearance and one of the best OM's I've had in stock, including some costing many $100's more. If you can find one in stock, the OMM sells new for $1895 ($2529 list), but this '05 model is perfect and a nice savings at $1350(HOLD-Sam 12/5).
Breedlove C15/E, (front/back/side), (appointments), (Breedlove case). Grand Concert Shallow Body, a true world-class guitar and one of their high end Custom Line. Like my Master Class Breedlove also in stock, this one features beautiful Striped Ebony back and side, Spruce top, Ebony fretboard, Ebony bridge, and Ebony headstock veneer. Nicely appointed, but not gaudy, with multi layers of body binding, bound neck, wide Abalone rosette. Appears to have seen only minimal playing time but there are three top cracks which were professionally repaired (pic here) - they don't appear to go all the way through but were nicely repaired and lacquered over such that they're only visible from certain angles, at a close distance. Structurally, this guitar is 100% and sounds like heaven - with action that rivals any Taylor - which should be expected on a guitar that sells for over $4K. This one is for the non-anal retentive, perhaps a player, and is player priced at $1799. A world class Custom Breedlove doesn't come along very often at this price.
Breedlove CM/W - CM Classic - Asymmetrical Concert, (front/back), (headstock), (side), (binding), (case). Described as "ultimate expression of the Breedlove aesthetic." The CM Classic is part of Breelove's flagship series, the Master Class. It's an asymmetrical Grand-Concert body, with Sharp Cutaway in the Breedlove style, with beautifully figured Walnut back and sides, Western Red Cedar top, Master Class Bloodwood binding and abalone rosette. It's one of those guitars that are nearly as much a piece of art as it is a world-class acoustic guitar. Most of you are familiar with Breedlove by now but, if not, click here for their Master Class page, and have a look around the site. To most who have played them, they're clearly a cut above nearly all other USA manufacturers. Retail price on this guitar is $6799, sold with little discount but this one is immaculate, and a remarkable deal on a Master Class at just $3599.
Breedlove Custom Shop SD25-Focus/R, (pic2), (pic3). Simply a wonderful acoustic and the more Breedloves I get, the more convinced I am that they are the best handmade acoustics on the market for the money; reminds me of Taylor in their early days before all the "improvements". This Rosewood beauty is offered in mint condition and is one of the best acoustics I've had. Breedlove's Focus line is one of their most versatile instruments, equally at home in the studio, on stage, or in the living room. I called Breedlove regarding this guitar and was informed that it was a special order, with appointments from the Focus series, but with the SD-25 (Dreadnought) body. Features of this model include: Sitka Spruce body with soft Venetian cutaway and custom depth, Breedlove's Signature Voicing System, select Indian Rosewood back and sides, Mahogany neck, S-class appointments with upgraded Ivoroid binding, Abalone ring soundhole rosette, the Focus style fretboard inlay, S-Series Ivoroid decorative BWB purfling and a gloss finish. Also features the LR Baggs Dual Element Electronics, with small controls for Volume and Mix accessible on the inside edge of the sound hole. Breedlove said that list price on this model was $3999, which may have been discounted to $2999 depending on the dealer; very reasonable for an American acoustic of this quality. This guitar is in mint condition, is an exceptional player with beautiful tone, and a nice deal at $2350. I received this guitar without a Breedlove case but I'm including a Datt (Canada) tolex case that's at least as good as the original.
Fender DG-22CE acoustic/electric, beautiful flamed maple all around with a good-sounding Fishman preamp, overall in nice shape other than dings on the back of headstock by a sustaining clamp. List price was $730 but this one's in very nice shape for a used guitar and just $225(HOLD-Bob VW 1/13/10).
1969 Harmony H-158 (Birch Jumbo), (front/back), (headstock), (case), (detail). The H-158, produced only from ca. '68-'69, was a budget jumbo flattop, featuring a birch body with a very wide waist and a forward-shifted soundhole. This guitar is totally playable and in very nice shape overall, although it does appear to have been oversrpayed and tuners have been upgraded from the original strip tuners. Dating on Harmony is easy - this one is stamped S-69 meaning it was made in the summer of '69. For more info, click here for a great Harmony site. Although the tone isn't what you'll hear coming out of an old Guild or Gibson, it's a decent sounding guitar and very reasonable for a USA guitar from this era. $175 and includes old chipboard jumbo case.
Ibanez Artwood AW20CE, very good quality acoustic electric at a price that's unmatched for a solid spruce top with Fishman system. The AW20CE has an attractive Antique Violin finish, Ibanez/Fishman preamp system, solid Spruce top with maple back and sides. Appointments include multi-ply body binding front and back, maple headstock overlay that matches body, and Venetian cutaway to allow easy access to the upper frets. One really nice appointment is an Earvana nut, usually found on higher end guitars and makes a huge difference on proper intonation. List price is an amazing $499 and sells in stores for $345, but if you can live with a cosmetic flaw that I can't even find, grab this one, fully setup and ready to gig, for just $275.
1986 Kramer Ferrington Acoustic/Electric with case, (front/side/back), (headstock), (controls), (case). Get "unplugged" with this loving Ferrington KFS-2. Released during the hair-metal era, when bands had to do the obligatory ballad every set, the Ferrington sports a thin body and electric style neck which were a natural transition for shredders of that era. Features of the Ferrington KFS-2, include a bound maple body, large elongated bound sound hole, dot inlays, active preamp with volume-bass-treble, non-angled pointing headstock *without* scarf joint, and double-cutaway "Strat" style body. This model was also made in a "KFT" body, which was the single cutaway Tele style. We'll also include your choice of Schaller or Dunlop strap lock pins. "FA" serial number indicates late '85, early '86 manufacture which makes this an early model. The cool thing about these guitars when they were released was that they had an electric guitar neck on an acoustic/electric body, so shredders didn't have to get used to completely different feel when they played their acoustic ballads. This guitar has a decent acoustic tone but with the thin body, it's not going to sound like a fine vintage Martin dreadnought, but it still holds its own and has good projection. Plugged in, it sounds very good and the active preamp gives you plenty of boost to allow sufficient volume without feedback. Cosmetically in extremely clean shape with no major flaws and it has a very comfortable set up. Includes proper Kramer case for just $399.
Larrivee OM-03, (front/back), (headstock), (neck/body binding). One of the best values in a quality acoustic guitar. Larrivees are extremely well designed, use quality tonewoods, and are very well crafted. Larrivee has been building guitars in Canada since 1967 and the OM03, as part of their "Recording Series" are built in their Victoria BC, Canada plant. Although sparsely appointed, compared to some of their higher end models, the 03's are built with the same care and attention to detail. Features include: all solid woods, OM body, mahogany (Sapele) back, sides and neck, spruce top, ebony fingerboard & bridge, multi-ply bound body, bound neck, true dovetail neck/body joint, adjustable truss rod, micro-dot inlays, and satin finish. This guitar plays superbly and the tone offers more clarity than most mahogany bodies, making it possible to do some finger-style playing. For a smaller body, I found the bass response especially impressive and the overall projection very good. The OM-03 sells new for $1136 (1515 List). This clean used one has obviously seen very little use and is a very nice Orchestra size acoustic for just $799. Includes hardshell case.
Larrivee OM-09 Orchestra Model, (front/back/side), (headstock), (detail), (case). Recent model made in Larrivee's latest factory in Oxnard California. Larrivee's higher end "Rosewood Artist" Series in the very popular OM-size which has plenty of power plus excellent note definition for an excellent all-in-one acoustic. All Solid wood Construction with Solid Canadian Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood Back & Sides; One-Piece Mahogany Neck; African Ebony fretboard and bridge; Canadian Maple multi-strip body binding; Abalone rosette; Symmetrical Parabolic X-Bracing; Hand-fit Dovetail Neck Joint; Mother of Pearl Headstock Logo; Sterling Silver Headstock Border; Ping Tuners (18:1 Ratio) with Black buttons; Ivoroid Fretboard Binding; Microdot Fretboard Inlays; Ebony Bridge Pins w/ Abalone Center dots; Traditional Larrivee Tortis style Pickguard which is currently not installed but we can install at no charge. Other specs include wide 1 3/4" nut width; 17" to 21" compound fretboard radius; 25.5" scale; Gloss finish body with Satin finish neck; nickel/silver frets. Original Tusq nut and saddle have been upgraded to bone nut and saddle. The OM-09 isn't an overly fancy guitar - it is a beautifully crafted guitar. The focus is one tonewoods and quality construction, rather than a flashy presentation. It plays wonderfully and is one of the best sounding OM's I've had in recently memory. Click here for Larrivee's site info. With a list price of $2987, you can get a new OM-09 for 25% off, $2240. Or you can get this OM-09, "as new" and flawless condition at new dealer cost, 50% off, $1493(SOLD-Sam 12/1). Includes excellent Larrivee case with blue velvet lining and well as microfiber polishing cloth, paperwork, and proprietary truss rod wrench.
Larrivee D-03 Lacewood, (front/back), (headstock), A 12-string, an OM, and now a Dreadnought - what a day for some great Larrivee guitars. This one is truly something unique, a special run by Larrivee and when they're gone - they're gone. Larrivee dreadnaughts are awesome, and this is an awesome, limited edition D-03 in Australian Lacewood. Lacewood (aka "Grevillea Robusta"), also known as Silver Oak, is a visually striking wood, very intricately figured with thin, overlapping waves of figuring, much like flamed maple in appearance. Tonally, Lacewood is quite dense with a loud sustaining tap tone which translates into superb bass/mid/treble balance with excellent volume and projection. It isn't unlike mahogany in its warmth, but has a more powerful, but not boomy, bass and sweet overtones not found on mahogany. I read some luthiers compare the tone to Sycamore. It is in many ways a nice compromise between a clear finger style guitar, and one used for hard strumming. Other specs include: all solid woods Lacewood/Silver Oak back and sides, solid Sitka spruce top, Rosewood binding, single piece mahogany neck, ebony fretboard and bridge, dove-tail neck/body joint, Tusq nut, saddle, and bridge pins, 1-11/16" nut width, 25.5" scale length, and 16" lower bout. With a list price for the Lacewood model at $1599, it's only slightly discounted by dealers that have one, $1429. This one is immaculate, set up to perfection, and one of the most refreshing sounding dread's I've had for just $1129. Includes Larrivee case, truss rod wrench, and manual.
1967 Martin D12-35, (close-up), (headstock), (back), (bass side). Nothing beats Brazilian rosewood for tone. Since importation of Brazilian was halted in 1969, recent models made of this cherished wood are inevitably limited editions or custom orders, which fetch 3X the price of comparable Indian Rosewood. Prior to 1970, however, Martin built nearly all of their finer Rosewood models out of this wood, most notably the D-28, D-35, and D-45. Martin also built 12-string models which correspond to cosmetic and structural specs of the 6-string models, such as the D12-28 and this D12-35. Many of them have been converted into 6-strings, either permanently, or by simply stringing them up as a 6. This 1967 example is one of the nicer ones I've had in terms of condition, tone, and especially nice playability or a 12...for a Martin 12. Specs include; spruce top, Brazilian rosewood sides and 3-piece back, 12-fret mahogany neck with slotted headstock, white-bound 19-fret ebony fingerboard, dot inlays, 1-7/8'' nut, 24.9'' scale, ebony bridge, black pickguard, and white-bound body. It would hardly be a Martin if it didn't have a repair of some sort and this guitar is no exception - a pro-repaired side crack on the treble side, virtually invisible from a foot or so away - see pic here - with and without flash. It has been cleated (shown here) and is a totally pro repair, both cosmetically and structurally. Other than the repaired area, all original finish with no overspray and cosmetically this guitar is in very nice shape for a 60's. Gbase prices on a late 60's D12-35 average $4200, both with back cracks. This one is a smoking deal on a very nice Brazilian Martin at just $2600. Includes blue Martin case with purple lining.
2003 Martin DM Dreadnought Mahogany, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Martin's best value in an all-wood dreadnought, sort of a budget D-18 with similar tone, feel, and playability. The DM features a solid spruce top with laminated mahogany body, black binding, herringbone rosette ring, low profile neck w/adjustable truss rod, rosewood fretboard with dot position inlays, tortoise pickguard, chrome tuners, and a tone-friendly satin finish. This guitar plays great and is in very clean shape with just a few glossy areas in contact areas, common to satin finishes. These sell new for $899 ($1199 list) but this nice used one is $650 and includes hardshell case pictured.
2004 Martin D-16GT (Gloss Top), (front/back), (headstock), (Martin Case). Excellent value in a Martin gloss-top solid Spruce. Features include standard dreadnought body, gloss finished spruce top, satin finished mahogany back, sides, 14-fret neck, 20-fret black micarta fingerboard, 1-11/16" nut width, 25.4" scale, black micarta bridge, tortoise plastic pickguard, black-bound body, and herringbone rosette. If you're looking for something with the tone and projection of a D-18 at almost 1/2 the price, the satin finished back and sides makes this guitar an excellent value. The warm tone and good projection, as well as overall feel, are much the same as the good old D-18 and from a technical standpoint, the satin finish is actually more conducive to a more lively body and better tone. With a new one running $1249 ($1699 list), this one's in very nice shape with very comfortable action that's better than factory spec - for $500 cheaper - just $749(HOLD-Ian M 7/4). Includes Martin wood/tolex case with green lining.
2002 Martin OM-21, (front/back/side), (case, etc.), . What a nice OM - sounds great, plays great, and this slightly smaller 000 body size is more comfortable to play which is probably why OM's and 000's never last long around here. Features include solid rosewood 000-size body, solid spruce top with scalloped bracing. Rosewood bridge & fretboard, low profile neck is a wide 1 3/4" at nut, long (OM/dreadnought) 25.4" scale length, small pearl dot position markers, Tortoise binding and pickguard, chrome tuning gears, black bridge pins w/white dots, and natural gloss finish. A few light finish impressions in the clear coat only plus 3 finish check lines that come and go with the weather but overall, extremely clean condition, with a simply killer setup - much lower than your normal Martin. A Rosewood/Spruce in this body style with low profile/wide neck makes this a perfect choice for finger-style players but it stands up very well during heavy strumming. List price on new is $2699, selling online for $1999. Many players prefer a slightly used Martin because it takes them a year or two for the wood to settle in and the tone to "open up" - plus the savings is substantial. Just $1350(HOLD-Frank W 8/21) for this beauty. Includes Martin thermoplastic case, warranty & other paperwork, manual, and humidifier.
2008 Martin 000X1, (front/back), (headstock), (gigbag). Remarkable flattop for the money. Although it's a solid Spruce top, the sides, back, and neck are high pressure laminate. I wouldn't have though that alternative source guitars would sound so natural; so "woody". The tone is virtually indistinguishable from a mahogany or rosewood body. Similarly, the projection is excellent and even with the smaller auditorium body style it sounds very big and is quite loud. You may have noticed that Martin action has come down over the past decade and this guitar is no exception. Action is low and comfortable, although it can easily be raised if you do very hard strumming. For the money, this is a hard guitar to beat. "As new" condition, eminently playable, and just $429. Includes quality Martin gigbag.
2007 Martin USA D12X1 with Pickup, (front/back), (headstock), (gigbag). One of Martin's newer X-series, which combines a solid Spruce top with high pressure laminate sides and back. This model is even made at their Nazareth PA plant, rather than Mexico, where many of the X-series are made. The tone is warm and cozy, with a very nice chime. It's the kind of tone that's especially well suited for sitting in your living room playing solo. The action is very low for a 12 and the guitar plays with remarkable ease. With attention to the important nut and saddle, Martin uses a compensated Tusq saddle and a white Corian nut which contribute to better intonation and tone. One important upgraded: a K&K Pure Western pickup has been installed, along with an endpin output jack. The Pure Western requires no modification and is a remarkably powerful passive system that reproduces the acoustic tone very accurately with minimum coloration. It utilizes three sensors under the bridge plate which are wired directly to the output jack. For more details on the K&K system, click here. A stock D12X1 sells for $599 and you can expect to pay around $200 more for a professionally installed K&K system. If you're looking for a great playing 12 that you can use on stage, this is a nice one, and priced lower than a stock D12X1 at just $579(HOLD-Local 9/22), plus includes a quality gigbag. Offered in flawless condition.
2007 Martin 000-15S with Pickup, (front/back), (headstock). Immaculate condition but there's something about this model that has a definite vintage vibe, reminiscent of early model mahogany slot heads. Features all mahogany construction, with a very nicely figured top. Mahogany is a great wood for just sitting around playing by yourself. It's a warm, cozy tone that covers lows-mids-highs without discrimination; very well balanced and an excellent strumming guitar. While this wouldn't be the best for fingerstyle, the smaller body seems to contribute to better note definition than a mahogany dreadnought. Features include 000 size body of all solid mahogany, neck meets body at 12th fret, slotted peghead, chrome enclosed gears with pearloid buttons, 1-3/4" nut width, 25.4" scale, herringbone rosette, tortoise pickguard., and a matte finish which also contributes to a very "open" tone. This one also has an active under the saddle pickup installed with the battery velcro'd to the bass of the neck and end pin jack installed (shown here). With a $1629 list, the 000-15S sells in stores for $1249 - around $1500 with the pickup installed. This one is in unplayed condition, set up to perfection, and a very impressive 000 for $1050. Includes excellent quality wood/Tolex case.
2007 Martin 000M, (front/back), (headstock), (case). One of Martin's popular Road Series, with Nazareth PA quality at a friendly price. This Orchestra-size flattop features solid Sitka spruce top, with laminated mahogany, Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint, black body binding, single herringbone ring around soundhole, low oval profile neck, rosewood fretboard w/ pearl dot markers, compensated Tusq saddle, White Corian nut, 25.4" scale length, tortoise pickguard, and matte finish. Very warm tone as you would expect from a mahogany body and surprisingly good projection from this 000 size, which is just slightly smaller than a dreadnought. Offered in mint condition with original tolex/wooden Martin case and paperwork. Online and superstores sell at $899 but this beauty, in unplayed condition and set up to our high standards, is a nice 000 for $729.
1972 Martin D-18, (front/back), (headstock/frets). Very nice shape, excellent player, and at 35 years, the tone is superb and only gets better as the years go by. Martin (Miranda) explained to me the properties of wood and lacquer, and how everything gets more settled in with the passage of time. This is one of the main reasons that old guitars sound so good. He also mentioned a trick that some of the session players used to do to speed up the process. They would place their guitar in a stand and sit it right in front of a speaker, letting music vibrate the wood for hours every day. The belief was, and it makes sense to me, is that this would make the guitar "open up" and get that old, broken in tone faster. One other unique aspects with old acoustics, especially Martins, with the passage of time the action gets higher and after you've squeezed every millimeter out of the saddle, nut slots, and sometimes the bridge - they need neck reset - unless you like uncomfortably high action. This one is all set though, as it just had a neck set prior to coming to me with, literally, an hour's use since then. As shown on the receipt (pic here), it also had a bone nut and bone saddle installed at the same time, along with a fully setup of course. The D-18 has remained largely unchanged since it's introduction in 1932 and has been Martin's sparsely appointed spruce and mahogany dreadnought. The tone is warm and full-bodied and it's a great guitar to play alone in your home or at a solo gig. This one's in excellent vintage condition with just the typical small crack from pickguard shrinkage that's been repaired and is no problem - and a small wear spot on the back and some lacquer wear from picking above the sound hole (shown here) . If you A/B this with a newer one, you'll immediately notice a richness in the tone that you won't find on recent models. Assuming they were built with comparable quality tonewoods, they'll sound as nice one day but why buy new when you can get this 35-year-old model for around the same price, just $1750, and with the fresh neck set you'll be good to go for another 25 years. Note: Martin (Miranda) just played this guitar and he said it was the best *sounding* D-18 he had played, commenting that it had remarkable bottom end without being boomy. Includes tolex hardshell case (pictured here).
1979 Martin HD-28, (pic2), (pic3). Man, what a beauty...Insanely clean condition - one of those "under the bed" guitars that was played sparingly throughout the years and was likely put away for along time. All original finish and no repairs, other than the typical small crack caused by pickguard shrinkage (pictured here) which Martin fixed and then installed a new pickguard to prevent any future problems. One other mod, which will be a plus for anyone who might be using this for stage use - it has a Martin saddle pickup installed. It's a passive system so there is no 9V battery; just the strap pin changed to an end-pin output jack. If you don't need to amplify the guitar, we'll be happy to remove it and return it to a stock strap pin. I sometimes come across vintage guitars that weren't played very much because they don't sound good. That is not the case with this one. It sounds wonderful - very loud with lots of bottom end but not overly boomy. Definitely one of the nicer sounding old Martins I've had. The top has aged nicely and has a nice orange hue. Specs of this model include all solid woods with Indian Rosewood Sides and back, Sitka Spruce top, white body binding, herringbone top trim, scalloped braces, maple bridge plate, and Ebony fretboard with white pearl dot markers. A new HD-28 is going to set you back around $2500 ($3299 list) and I'm pricing this beautifully preserved, superb sounding vintage model for the same price--or less if factor in a saddle transducer--just $2499. Includes original Martin plastic case. (Note: I obtained an original Martin case badge which was installed after the pic was taken). If interested, inquire about a Fishman outboard preamp if you want a little more control in stage settings.
2006 Metcalf Dreadnought, (front/back), (headstock), (rosette/binding), (case). Metcalf Guitars are all hand-made in Greenville TN, in very low numbers, each one made to order. This Dreadnought model is a very basic model, although using quality tonewoods and is certainly a fine sounding acoustic. Using the popular spruce/mahogany combination, this guitar features nice straight-grained Sitka spruce top, with Cuban mahogany sides, back, mahogany neck, and pao ferro fretboard. Cosmetically this guitar is nicely appointed, but certainly not a flashy flat-top, with rosewood binding, abalone rosette, rosewood headstock veneer, dot inlays, and inlaid "M" logo on headstock. The finish is a very thin semi-gloss, which we're guessing is nitro. If desired, we can buff it out more and it will likely bring out more gloss. Tonally, the first thing you'll notice about this guitar is its volume; very loud and with a big bass response, somewhat reminiscent of an older Martin D-18. It has nice action and is definitely a solidly built guitar, and an excellent choice for somebody looking for a D-18 type tone, with a slightly different vibe. For more details on Metcalf, click here and have a look around their site. The 2009 base price for Metcalfs is $2500, with a number of upgrade options available for a reasonable upcharge. This one has seen very little playing time, overall 9.8 condition with no player's wear, and an excellent value in a hand-made guitar at $1199.
Oscar Schmidt OF-1 "The Joey" Travel Guitar, (pic2). A surprisingly good sounding 3/4 size acoustic and on par with the Taylor Baby in terms of playability and tone. The OF-1 features Select spruce top, Mahogany sides & back, Nato neck, and sealed chrome tuners. 19.3" scale is easy to get around on and the nut width of 1.75" is wider than most full size guitars. A fun guitar that fits in the overhead of a commercial just for just $159(HOLD-John 10/10).
1983 Ovation Collector's Series, (front/back), (headstock/neck). Rather rare model, 2754 total production and one of Ovation's annual run of Collector's Series (Model 83-B (Barnwood, which is a transparent black, almost a silverburst)). '82 was the first year for the Collector's Series so this '83 is a 2nd year model. Each year they produce a unique guitar with features, colors, woods, etc. not found on their regular production models. The '83 Collectors was the first introduction of the super shallow bowl (pic) with a top of hand-picked Spruce in silverburst finish, Ovation bracing, 25 1/4" scale, Ebony fretboard with Ivory binding, Abalone fret inlay with "1983" at the 12th fret, Walnut bridge, Abalone rosette, Schaller tuners, wide nut 1 11/16", and piezo pickup controlled by a simple stacked pot with volume and tone. This model also features a rather unusual neck profile for an acoustic with a soft-V profile that's rarely found on acoustics, other than some vintage Martins or perhaps a Fender '57 Strat. The action is low and very comfortable and while this isn't a sophisticated preamp, it's an active design and the amplified tone is very close to the guitar's acoustic tone. Acoustically, the guitar is very well balanced and very articulate which along with the deep cutaway design will make this a good choice for finger style players. A few of the typical binding cracks by the fret ends and a little rippling in the top but no cracks or repairs and overall this is a very clean guitar, especially for 25 years. Missing the interior label but there's no doubt as to the model and at $799, it's a rare and eminently playable acoustic/electric in overall very tidy shape. Includes original Ovation black case. For info on all of the Collector's Series, click here for Ovation's site.
Tacoma JK28CE Koa Jumbo Acoustic/Electric, (front/back), (headstock), (preamp), (sides/binding), (case). 28-series Jumbo acoustic/electric. We just got in a small shipment of Tacoma, labeled as "Used" to force non-competition and any warranty claims, but we've been over every square inch and these are all perfect in every way with no flaws or repairs. The only flaw anywhere is a "Used" stamp on the back of the headstock. Another Koa beauty and like the Thunderchief bass, features all solid woods. This is one of the best sounding jumbos I've ever played, with plenty of bass response, which you might expect, but with much better note definition and better projection than just about any I've played. In addition to being a great sounding, great playing guitar, this flamed Koa is stunning. Another thing that sets it apart from most jumbo's is the cutaway, which makes it a guitar that's useful into the upper register. Features include: hand rubbed UV gloss finish, solid Sitka spruce top, solid Koa sides and back, Ebony fretboard, Ebony bridge, gold Tacoma tuning machines, 25.5" scale, 1.687" nut width, Abalone rosette, Abalone logo, and Abalone Ginko-leaf fretboard inlays. Electronics are courtesy of L.R. Baggs, featuring the Baggs/Tacoma Miratone preamp which is simple but with a guitar that already sounds great, all that's needed to get a nice amplified tone. Features volume, bass, treble, and a very effective notch filter with minimal color of the overall sound. This guitar is a joy to play, very comfortable action and a tone that fills up the room. List price on the JK28CE is $2332 and sells at discount for $1749. This one is immaculate and unplayed and an incredible value on a guitar of this quality for $1050. Includes deluxe hardshell case. Made in Tacoma, Wash. USA.
2003 Tacoma C1C Chief Acoustic/Electric with L.R. Baggs, (front/back), (headstock/side), (preamp), (case). AKA C1CE. Dead mint condition - superb quality that makes Tacoma the best value in an American built acoustic. The C1C Chief was the first model in Tacoma's "Wing" series and features all solid woods, in a thin mini-jumbo body size. The slimmer body is super comfortable for stage use while the thin neck profile and full-access cutaway allow the Chief to shine when doing chord work or lead runs. It features Tacoma's signature offset soundhole design, which not only looks cool but was designed for feedback suppression and a midrange and high end punch that's ideal onstage for clarity. Woods include a solid Western cedar top with voiced-support bracing system, solid mahogany back and sides, and bolt-on, one-piece mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard. Other features include large clear pickguard, Graphtech TUSQ nut, compensated saddle, Tone Shaped rosewood bridge, chrome tuners, 25.5" scale with a wide 1 3/4" nut width, rosewood headstock veneer with inlaid logo, 22 frets with 15 clear of the body, and a light natural satin finish. Tacoma's voice support bracing system utilizes triangular shaped bracing, which has equal strength to a rounded brace but has less mass and, thus, less to detract from vibration. Playability is superb, with low action and a very thin profile neck, with 15 frets clear of the body, making this the ultimate player for many guitarists. The C1C is actually a high-end instrument at a very affordable price. This model lists at $1039 and sold in stores for $799 (with case) for the current straight acoustic version. This earlier model has the Tacoma Miratone built by L.R. Baggs, which is a very simple but good sounding preamp and transducer that features volume, treb, bass, and an adjustable notch filter (with on/off) to dial out any rumbling frequency. Appears to have seen zero playing time and could be sold as new. For the Acoustic/Electric version of this fine guitar, an excellent value at $629. Includes Tacoma case and paperwork. Tacoma's have consistently been the finest playing and sounding acoustics in the under $1000 price range and this one is no exception.
2007 Takamine EF-341SC, (front/back), (headstock), (preamp). B-stock but never retailed and flawless condition. Springsteen has played this model for many years but even if you're not Bruce, who punishes his guitars night after night, I recommend this for anyone else looking for a quality Japanese Tak. One of Tak's quality Keystone series, made in Japan, and this model is their Dreadnought cutaway model. Features solid Cedar top, with laminated Maples sides and back, all in a high gloss lacquer finish. Other features include multi-ply bound body, bound neck, bound headstock, snowflake inlays, and pearloid inlaid logo. It also features Tak's CT-4B preamp; one of the best available, noted for it's warm sound and effective 3-band graphic EQ plus an extremely stable and accurate chromatic tuner. Great for non-standard and open tunings. With a $1719 list these sell everywhere for $1199 but if you don't mint a "used" stamp on the back of the headstock save some big bucks plus get a pro setup for free. I didn't get Tak cases with these but will include a quality tolex hardshell and at $779, this is a sweet deal on a beautiful guitar. Full specs are at this link: (Tak's site link).
2007 Takamine EAN-10C, (front/back), (headstock), (preamp/etc). Never retailed and perfect. One of the quality "Natural" series, the EAN10C features a dreadnought cutaway body size with solid Cedar top; solid Mahogany back. Wonderful set-up with very low action - even before we've done final setup. Features Tak's CT-4B preamp; one of the best available and produces a very natural amplified tone that's resistant to feedback - and also features an excellent quality chromatic tuner. Other features include tinted wood rings rosette, multi-ply body binding, bound neck, gold tuners with amber pearl buttons, scalloped bracing, and split/compensated bridge. This fine Take was a cosmetic second for a flaw that we can't find so it's immaculate in appearance, other than a "used" stamp - and has never been played. This guitar plays exceptionally well and the tone is much brighter and more balanced than most mahogany body dread's - plugged in, this guitar sounds great. For the player in search of a quality Japan-made Tak's, you can have this incredible guitar, $1579 list, for just $785. Includes quality hardshell case.
2005 Takamine TAN16-KOA, (front/back), (side), (headstock), (preamp/etc). Never retailed and perfect. One of Tak's great "Supernatural" series, which are among their finest guitars. The TAN16K is a Dreadnought acoustic/electric crafted with fine woods and impeccable craftsmanship in the Japanese tradition. Features include a gloss-finished solid Cedar top, with solid Koa back and solid Koa sides and features scalloped bracing. Nicely appointed, with multi-ply body binding front and back, an attractive genuine Abalone soundhole rosette, flamed Koa headstock veneer with gold logo, and gold hardware including quality Gotoh tuners with amber pearl buttons. Although current specs call for the CTP-1 preamp, this one's outfitted with Tak's CT-4B preamp; one of the best available and produces a very natural amplified tone that's resistant to feedback - and also features an excellent quality chromatic tuner. This guitar has never been retailed but is a cosmetic 2nd, thus it has a "used" stamp on the back of the headstock to negate any warranty claims, but like the EAN10C above, we can't spot a flaw on this guitar and I suspect the only issue is the non-spec preamp system. The Supernaturals are expensive guitars, and the TAN16K carries a $2649 list price, selling for $1848 in stores and online. If you don't mind a CT-4B preamp instead of the current specs CTP-1, you're getting an otherwise perfect guitar that's never been played, set up to absolute perfection, at a price that's sure to please. This world-class Supernatural Series is just $1199(HOLD-Mark S 3/4). Includes quality hardshell case.
Takamine ENV460SC, (close-up), (front/back), (preamp/binding). TAK'S FINEST, hand-crafted of all-solid woods by a special team at Takamine, Nashville models are as close to a luthier-built instrument as you will find from an international guitarmaker. The ENV460SC is one of the acclaimed Nashville series, beautifully appointed and constructed of the finest handpicked tonewoods. Featuring Tak's smaller NEX body shape topped with striking "bear claw" solid spruce with each top individually voiced to maximize its power and dynamic range. The entire soundboard is trimmed with 100's of pieces of Abalone inlay as well as an Abalone soundhole rosette. Sides are solid Indian Rosewood; back is perfectly bookmatched and, again, solid Indian Rosewood. Also features abalone snowflake fretboard inlays and gold Grover tuners. For amplified use, it features is the CT-4B preamp; one of the best available and produces a very natural amplified tone that's resistant to feedback - and also features an excellent quality chromatic tuner. For detailed info on this preamp, click here, or for Tak's description, click here. This is the most expensive Takamine made, with a $2859 list price, street priced at $2099. Although this guitar is stamped "used", which normally indicates a cosmetic flaw or repair, we can't find any obvious issues at all and it appears to be first quality stock and quite possibly stock over run. This guitar had never been retailed when I got it two years ago...it sold quickly to a local collector...traded back in last week, still in unplayed condition. Set up is spectacular and the tone is rich, complex, and very well balanced. This is an excellent deal on Tak's best acoustic/electric at $1350(HOLD-Brian S 7/9).
Takamine 2004 Limited Edition, (pic2), like all high-end Tak's, this is a world class guitar, with superior tone woods, uncompromising craftsmanship, top-notch engineering, and stunning cosmetic appointments. All solid wood construction including Solid Sitka Spruce top and solid Indian Rosewood sides and back - with an Ebony fretboard. Each year Tak does a Ltd. Ed. model and the 2004 is as unique as any as it depicts the two titans of the northern skies; Draco the Dragon and Ursa Major the Great Bear, caught in their eternal vigil around the celestial pole. The rosette of contains the constellation stars placed exactly as they are in the night sky, and the sound hole label inside the guitar continues the "sky map" completing the northern axis of the heavens. The fretboard is adorned with a swirling cascade of stars marking the traditional fret positions. This one is a factory second (stamp on label) for a cosmetic reason, but the flaw was so minute that I can't find it; certainly no cracks repaired or otherwise, and just a minor blemish somewhere. It's immaculate in all regards. This is a fine sounding acoustic in its own right but with this preamp, the Takamine CT-4BII (click her for specs), it's just a killer stage guitar. As these Limited Edition guitars were...limited...no more are available in stores, but the retail price was a hefty $2399 - discounted to $1679, which is reasonable for a guitar of this quality. This one is flawless, with a great setup, and the epitome of Takamine craftsmanship, artistry, and tonewoods, nicely priced at $1099(Tent. HOLD-Shawn 7/2). Includes deluxe Tak case, cloth, manuals, etc.
1977 Takamine F-350 Dreadnought, (front/back), (headstock), (sides), (case). Hard to believe this beauty is over 30 years old but serial dating and date stamp in the soundhole indicates production of Jun 3, '77. Some beautifully bookmatched flame maple on this guitar, plus flamed sides all around. This one was made in Japan which I think all Tak's were during this era and is a very well crafted guitar that should be around for many more years to come. Like most 70's Japan guitars Tak's were copies of USA models and the headstock logo and center seam logo are clearly a copy of the C.F. Martin logo. With the Martin-shaped headstock, from 10 feet away it looks very much like a Martin. Set up is very nice, very snappy and clear tone with good projection, and for a quality Japan Takamine, a good value at $375(HOLD-Don 9/19). Includes original un-logo'd case.
1999 Takamine FD360SC Dreadnought Cutaway with Programmable Preamp, (front/back/appointments), (preamp), (case). I'm a big fan of the higher-end Tak's, the Japan-made models, and the quality, beauty, and innovation is as fine as any of the major American manufacturers. As with any of the Yairi's I've had, these are guitars built to last a lifetime and can withstand daily use and rigors of the road with the best of them. I guess that's one of the reasons that I see so many Tak's on TV in the hands of major touring groups, in fact, this model is referred to as the "Pete Townsend Model", as it was the model Pete used for much of his acoustic work on stage. This one is a first-quality Takamine and although it's a '99 model, it's clean enough to be sold as new, apparently spending its life in the case. Spec's of this wonderful dread include Gloss finish, solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, 1-11/16" nut width, white-bound 20-fret rosewood fretboard with oval maple inlays, fancy soundhole rosette and backstripe handcrafted with padauk, ebony and walnut, rosewood peghead veneer with vertical logo, w-b-brown-b double bound body, under saddle pickup and Tak's new digital, fully programmable AD-1 DSP preamp (on board reverb, tuner w/alphanumeric display, feedback absorber, parametric E.Q., & personal programmable E.Q. patches). List price on this beauty was $1739, with a discounted price of around $1229. The acoustic tone is superb and it can definitely hold its own as a straight acoustic, but as a stage guitar it really shines, with the convenience of changing effects settings at your finger tips plus memory for some choice settings; no wonder Pete liked this model. Offered in pristine, "as new" condition for $850(HOLD-Rob 4/6). Includes original Tak hardshell case.
Taylor Guitars K4 Preamp & Equalizer, (stock photo), (close-up). Only $400 with purchase of a Taylor guitar. Designed by engineering guru Rupert Neve and voiced specifically for Taylor's famed Expression System (ES). Taylor has never been a company to jump on the bandwagon and they put considerable thought and R&D into every product before releasing it to the public. The K4 is Taylor's very first piece of outboard electronic gear designed for the next step in your guitar's balanced signal chain and raising the bar for stage and studio performance. It features a parametric EQ voiced specifically for the acoustic guitar, along with a Q control for pinpoint tone shaping. The custom circuit, designed by Mr. Rupert Neve, is transformer coupled input and output with pure analog tone shaping, doubling as a quality active DI with effects loop and tuner out. Building on the fully balanced output of the Taylor ES, the K4 is engineered specifically for the frequencies of the acoustic guitar, more specifically, for the Dynamic Sensors that are an essential part of the ES. You can now shape your guitar's tone by zeroing in on the notes or frequencies of your choice and then cut or boost them to perfection. It has low impedance, transformer-coupled balanced inputs and outputs which connect directly to the balanced output of an ES-equipped guitar. Features include: bass and treble controls, sweepable two-band Parametric midrange control with adjustable "Q", an effects loop with choice of "Pre" or "Post" EQ, phase invert, headphone jack with independent level control, mute feature and a dedicated tuner output. It is a well built and compact unit with polished aluminum chassis with a wood-trimmed top. For details and videos, check out Taylor's site here. Taylor recently dropped the price on these, With a list of $898 these sold in the chain stores for $779 before recently dropping for $499. This one is immaculate and a must have if you want the ultimate tone out of your ES-equipped Taylor. Nicely priced at $399 - or $350 with the purchase of any Taylor ES-equipped guitar.
2001 Taylor 514CE Grand Auditorium Cutaway Acoustic/Electric, (front/back), (preamp), (headstock), (rosette/binding), Taylor's fine Engelmann Spruce and Mahogany Grand Auditorium Cutaway with Fishman Stereo Blender preamp. Taylor's 500-series are right in the middle of their range with features such as gloss natural finish, solid Engelmann spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, 14-fret mahogany neck, 20-fret ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, Abalone dot bridge pins, 1-3/4" nut width, 25.5" scale, ebony bridge, tortoise plastic pickguard, rosewood bound body, and attractive Koa rosette. Near mint condition with the low action you expect from a Taylor - basically an acoustic that plays as easily as an electric. The Fishman Prefix Stereo Blender preamp provides a lot of control to faithfully reproduce your acoustic tone on stage. It offers stereo or mono signal paths and a new low-noise circuit for the system's under saddle pickup and internal microphone; a number of players prefer it over the current Expression System. With a new 514CE selling for $2650-$2699, this one's in beautiful shape and around $1100 cheaper at just $1599 and includes brown Taylor luggage case, superior to the current model.
2004 Taylor K-14-CE L30 30th Anniversary, click pics to expand: (front), (back), (headstock), (appointments), (sides), (case/acc.). Super rare - only 69 of these K14CE L30 30th Anniversary models were made and a call to Taylor revealed that this may be the only one of the 69 that's all koa. Specs on this model were a spruce top but this one features koa all around - top, back, and sides. Part of Taylor's "Commemorate Series", the K14CE L30 is Taylor's popular Grand Auditorium body size and sports some beautiful cosmetic appointments: Leaf pattern inlay of wood and pearl adorn the fretboard, bridge, and soundhole rosette while the whole guitar features Taylor's premium woods. The soundboard is adorned with abalone inlay as well as multi-ply black/white binding front and back, bound neck, ebony fretboard and bridge, Tusq nut and saddle, ebony headstock veneer, inlaid Taylor logo and "30th Anniversary" inlay. Taylor's Expression System makes it an excellent choice for stage or studio use. A new K14CE without an upgraded koa top and these nicer inlays will run you $3899 but this one was collector owned, mint condition, and just $2999. It's hard to beat the sheer beauty of Koa, both aesthetically and tonally, and this is one of the best Koa Taylors I've ever owned. It's an amazing player and the tone is, in a word, superb. With the holidays coming, you might want to tell your special Santa about this one.
2004 Taylor XXX-RS 30th Anniversary, (front/back), (headstock), (font/inlay). As new condition. What a beautiful guitar and in addition to it's stunning aesthetics, the tone is even more beautiful. The XXX-RS was one of the Limited Edition (250 total pieces) models from 2004 featuring the popular Grand Concert body size with Sitka spruce top and select Indian Rosewood back and sides with gloss finish all around - plus it marked Taylor's first production of a "short scale" guitar. In addition to a finger-style-friendly 1 3/4" nut width, it also features shorter scale of 24 7/8 inch, revoiced top, and a slightly deeper body. The result is a looser feel and tone with increased volume, creating a wide array of timbres with a large dynamic range and outstanding sustain, perfect for flatpicking, fingerstyle and hard strumming. If you've found Taylors a little too compressed when you lean into them, the forward bracing on this model solves this problem and makes it an excellent choice for an all-around guitar. Cosmetically it has some stunning features including a pearl and gold 30th Anniversary fretboard inlay, Ivoroid binding with Abalone trim along the entire soundboard, Paua shell rosette, scalloped X-bracing, Waverly Sloane gold tuners with Ivoroid buttons, slotted headstock with Ebony overlay and inlaid logo on front - Ebony overlay with floral inlay on back, Ebony fretboard and bridge, and American Mahogany neck. List price was $5598, discounted to $3639 but many stores which only received one of each guitar sold them near the list price. If you missed one of the 250 on the only run of this fine guitar, this might be your last chance to get an "as new" example. Offered in flawless condition, with an incredible setup, for $2639. Includes Taylor luggage case, unsigned warranty, and manuals.
2006 Taylor T5-C
Thinline 5-way Custom with Dual Humbuckers, (front/back),
(headstock), (controls),
(side view). We had to call
Taylor on this one. Neither Martin nor myself had seen these guitars with
dual humbuckers on the top. Taylor said they offer this as an option and
basically it replaces the body sensors which are normally placed under the
soundboard. Switching is the same as the "regular" T5C with the
exception of the 1st position, all the way forward, is the neck humbucker
combined with the "invisible" pickup under the neck. Click
here for tone description of all 5 settings. Another cool feature is
the custom finish on this one, which is a metallic red, much like Candy Apple
Red. This beauty is crafted with a solid spruce top with Sapele back, T-5
Custom Artist fretboard inlays, full multi-layer binding, bone nut and saddle,
Ebony bridge, stylized F-holes, mahogany neck, Ebony fretboard and Ebony
headstock overlay with pearloid logo. A resonant, fully hollow thinline
body is the backbone of the T5, and yields incredible presence and excellent
projection for a thinline body. Its comfort and playability are what you'd
expect from Taylor, low action while giving you the freedom of a solid body and
the feel and sound of a finely crafted Taylor acoustic. Whether played
through an electric or acoustic amp, it delivers an excellent range of pure
tones from smooth, strumming acoustic to crunchy electric chords. Again, electronics
include a unique 5-way pickup system composed of a magnetic acoustic humbucker
located under the neck, and a pair of magnetic electric humbuckers with chrome
covers, as well as a preamp system for mixing up the exact tone you need.
My main man Martin as the area's licensed factory tech for Taylor - he knows
this model like the back of his hand so you're guaranteed to get the best
playing one around. This model sells in stores for $2399, if you can find
one. This one has virtually no players wear, without a single pick scratch
or button scratch on the back and frets are like new. Includes Taylor
case, unsigned warranty. Set up to perfection
and a lovely and unique T5 for just $1850. NOW ON SALE FOR $1699.
Taylor T5-C Thineline Fiveway
Custom, (pic2), (pic3),
2006.
In very rare Aztec Gold! Taylor did a very small run of these for a
single-store retailer in '06 and this is the last one in this color anywhere in
the world as far as I know. You have to give it to Taylor, when they
finally came out with an electric guitar they did something truly innovative but
the focus remained on tone and playing comfort. The T-5 is described as an
artistic merger between the acoustic and electric worlds. This beauty is
crafted with a solid spruce top with Sapele back, T-5 Custom Artist fretboard
inlays, full multi-layer binding, bone nut and saddle, Ebony bridge, stylized
F-holes, mahogany neck, Ebony fretboard and Ebony headstock overlay with
pearloid logo. A resonant, fully hollow thinline body is the backbone of
the T5, and yields incredible presence and excellent projection for a thinline
body. Its comfort and playability are what you'd expect from Taylor, low
action while giving you the freedom of a solid body and the feel and sound of a
finely crafted Taylor acoustic. Whether played through an electric or
acoustic amp, it delivers an excellent range of pure tones from smooth,
strumming acoustic to crunchy electric chords (pic
of switch and tone chart). Electronics include a unique 5-way pickup
system composed of a magnetic acoustic humbucker, magnetic electric humbucker,
and a single Dynamic Body Sensor soundboard pickup, as well as a preamp system
for mixing up the exact tone you need. My main man Martin as the area's
licensed factory tech for Taylor - he knows this model like the back of his hand
so you're guaranteed to get the best playing one around. This guitar has
never been retailed, and is leftover dealer stock from a store that recently
closed. It is dead mint, flawless condition, includes deluxe
Taylor case (with hang tag, CD, unsigned warranty, etc.), and with Martin as
the area's licensed factory tech for Taylor, you're guaranteed to get the best
playing one around. A standard T5-C currently lists at $2998 and sells
online for around $2299 in standard finishes. Why not spend a lot less and
be the only kid on the block with this rare Aztec Gold model, offered "as
new" for just $1899. NOW ON SALE FOR
$1649(HOLD-Roger D 5/29).
2001 Taylor 312 Grand Concert, (pic2), (pic3). One of Taylor's most popular grand concert models, due no doubt to its modest price, while the workmanship and tone are as fine as any of the higher series. Please note that this guitar was mislabeled at the factory as a "312CE". It obviously doesn't have a cutaway and no onboard preamp and is, in fact a regular 312. This is the 5th mis-labeled Taylor I've had throughout the years so don't be alarmed. The 312 features all solid woods including gloss finished Spruce top and satin finished Sapele back and sides. Sapele is an excellent tone wood with characteristics similar to mahogany, very warm and cozy sounding which, despite the smaller GC size, fill the room with sound. Other features include 14-fret mahogany neck, black-bound 20-fret ebony fingerboard, pearl dot inlays, 1-3/4" nut width, 25-1/2" scale, ebony bridge, tortoise plastic pickguard, black-bound body and chrome Grover Rotomatic tuners. This one also includes the nice brown Taylor Luggage Case, which is one of the finest cases ever made - rather than the newer lightweight black cases. Offered in excellent condition with typically superb Taylor action. Very nice Taylor for $850.
2001 Taylor 510 Dreadnought, (pic2), (pic3). Taylor's fine Engelmann Spruce and Mahogany Dreadnought. Absolutely pristine 510 with the exception of one top crack (pic), pro-repaired and re-lacquered such that you can see it but can't feel it and it's a non-issue as far as integrity is concerned. Taylor's 500-series are right in the middle of their range with features such as gloss natural finish, Engelmann spruce top, mahogany back and sides, 14-fret mahogany neck, 20-fret ebony fingerboard with pearl snowflake inlays, Abalone dot bridge pins, 1-3/4" nut width, 25.5" scale, ebony bridge, tortoise plastic pickguard - plus (pic here) - rosewood-bound body, and attractive Koa rosette. I'm not a Taylor dealer so I can't sell anything as new but let's just say it hasn't been played - plastic is still on the pickguard and flawless condition all around. The 510 sold for $1949 ($2598 list) when discontinued last year and if you can live with a single top crack that's a total non-issue, this one is almost 1/2 price, just $999 and includes Taylor luggage case, tags, and manuals.
Taylor 410K Koa, 1996, wonderful Limited Edition 400-series that features solid Koa sides and back in place of the usual Ovankol. Other 410 features include solid Sitka Spruce top with bear-claw figuring, multi-ply binding adorns the top with matching soundhole rosette, Ebony fretboard, Grover tuners, Rosewood headstock overlay, large Pearl dot inlays, and Taylor luggage case. This guitar was collector owned and is in pristine condition, except for minor pickguard scratches. If you don’t have $2500+ for a K-series Koa, you can enjoy the tone and beauty of this 410K for $1150(Available? in Baltimore)
Washburn EA8-Red Acoustic-Electric Cutaway (Cherry), (front/back), (headstock), AND EA8TBL (Trans Blue). I just found a few of these in a cherry finish. If you're looking for a decent acoustic-electric for under $200, look no further. The Washburn EA-8 offers killer looks in a good quality import with some nice features such as multi-ply body binding, bound neck, die-cast low-friction tuners, spruce top, and mahogany back/sides/neck. These come from the factory with so-so set-ups but after Martin does his voodoo, the result is a beginner-priced acoustic that plays like a much more expensive instrument, which is especially important for someone just starting out on guitar. This Festival Series guitar lists at $599 and is a good value in a budget acoustic/electric at just $199.
1988 Washburn SBT-22 Solidbody Acoustic, (front/back), (headstock). Fairly rare model from Washburn, made only from ca. '88-'89. The "SB" series was the replacement for their Mirage Series, continuing their line of solid body acoustics, although losing the "sound hole" which was featured on the Mirage's. This particular model, the SB"T", was their Tele-shaped body, which was followed shortly by their SB"S" Strat-shaped body. It's a very comfortable guitar to play, with very lightweight body that's around the same thickness as a regular electric Tele. Unlike the Kramer's Ferrington line which was produced around the same era, the SBT-21 is a well made guitar which is clearly a cut well above the Ferrington. The SBT features active electronics with a volume, mid-boost, and tone. Remarkably, this guitar stands up well to higher gain amp settings and while it's more prone to feedback than a steel string electric, even when played through a distorted amp the tone is full with none of the harshness found in many acoustic/electrics. Other features include bound body finished in Candy Apple Red, 22 medium jumbo frets, 6/side Grover tuners, angle headstock, and recessed back plates (shown here). Overall nice shape for a used guitar, perfect frets, and a wonderful setup. This would be an excellent addition to your stage guitar arsenal and a quality guitar for just $325.
1992 Yamaha FG-400A, (front/back), (headstock), (case). Very good quality and in the Yamaha tradition, crafted in Taiwan. Whenever I think of Yamaha acoustics, I think of Volvo. There are more of these older models "on the road" than practically any other maker. For Yamaha 17 years is a "recent" model. I come across loads of 60's and 70's models that are still in use today and it's rare to find one with cracks or structural issues. The FG-400A is sort of a base model, with laminated maple top, mahogany back and sides, and minimal cosmetic appointments. It is, none the less, a good playing acoustic with nice tone and, again, one that will likely be around 30 years from now. Martin just finished all adjustments on this guitar and has it playing nicely, tuners lubed, fretboard conditioned, etc, so it needs absolutely nothing and is a nice, warm sounding acoustic. I'm including a wood/tolex hardshell case in good condition at $175 or a nicely padded gigbag at $139.
1999 Yamaha APX-4A Acoustic-Electric, (front/back), (headstock), (preamp/battery comp.), (binding/rosette), (gigbag). Yamaha's APX series are designed as both a good quality acoustic guitar but really shines as a stage guitar, built for comfort and a quality amplified tone. I've had the earlier version, model 4 with composite body, and this 4A provides a far acoustic tone. The APX-4A is basically a cutaway dreadnought shape, except more shallow than a standard dread - plus the cutaway make playing the higher notes a lot easier. Features include spruce top, nato back and sides, unique oval soundhole with attractive wooden inlay rosette cap, 5-stripe bound body, 22-fret rosewood fretboard, pearl dot inlay, rosewood bridge with white pearl dot pins. A simple but versatile preamp includes 3 Band EQ with AMF (adjustable mid-range frequency), volume, battery light, and mute. An access door on the upper bout makes changing 9V batteries a breeze. Click here and here for a few YouTube clip of the APX-4A played straight acoustically, and here plugged in, although a bit buried in reverb. This is a well built guitar in the tradition of Taiwanese Yamaha's and a very good choice for a moderately priced stage guitar at $299.
Acoustic Accessories:
Taylor Luggage Case, new-old-stock, fits 314, 414, 514, etc., list is $300 but save some money on this one for $115
Taylor Luggage Case, the famous “pink poodle” model that’s highly sought after and offers maximum protection for your $3K Taylor, choice of X10 or X14 size, $225/ea
Taylor Luggage Case, for your X-12 (312, 512CE, etc.). Very heavy, very plush, and the best protection around for your prized Grand Auditorium size acoustic. Mint condition. $125.
