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2001 Petros Applecreek FS Cutaway
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SN# 32127, dated September 10th, 2001, signed Bruce Petros
Body size at lower bout: 14". Scale length: 25 5/8" Nut Width: 1 13/16" Body depth: 4"
Materials: Bookmatched solid Adirondack red spruce top; solid figured bookmatched Indian rosewood back and sides; solid bookmatched mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; mahogany bound body, curly maple bound headstock; solid ebony bridge with compensated bone saddle; marquetry soundhole rosette.
Hardware: Gold 16X1 tuners with amber swirl buttons; clear scratchplate; adjustable truss rod.
Notes: In a village with a name like Kaukana, one might expect to see koa trees on the side of an island volcano. Instead, you'll find this little town just off Wisconsin Highway 41, between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay. Bruce Petros has been building meticulously hand crafted guitars thereabouts since 1972, and has been joined by his son Matt in the workshop since the year 2000.
Father and son are clearly detail guys, and it shows in every aspect of this noteworthy instrument. Taking a page from such legendary builders as Vega and the Larson Brothers (Prairie State, Euphonon, Mauer et al) Petros builds tops and backs under tension, with a gentle (30 ft. radius) arch that stiffens the body, enhancing tonal output and stabilizing the instrument against climate fluctuations and trauma. In addition, Petros graduates the soundboard in a manner derived from archtop construction, thinning it near the perimeter of the rims to allow the top greater flexibility, like a speaker cone. Symmetrical bracing, an ebony and maple bridgeplate, and rear tilting bridge add balance, sparkle and precise intonation.
Designed expressly for the fingerstyle player, the Applecreek FS features fingerboard edges that taper gently toward the back of the neck to allow more fingering room, yet less mass on the cheek of the neck, with an uncannily sleek profile that glides along the palm. The contoured Selmer styled cutaway allows free access to the highest frets, and the lightweight body, tipping in at a mere 4 lb, has exceptional projection, clarity and sustain, with a genuine Adirondack red spruce top for enhanced volume and tone. The Petros website has a wealth of clear technical information on tonewood characteristics and combinations, bracing, carving, intonation etc, and bespeaks a deep and thoroughgoing understanding of fretted instrument performance and design. The results speak for themselves: everyone who's previewed this guitar here has radiated approval, and this example is in sparkling condition, appearing virtually unused. This is not your factory clone guitar, nor some exotic luthier's fancy. Pickers from Richie Furay (Poco, Buffalo Springfield) to Laurence Juber (Wings, George Harrison) are fans. Call now and see why.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge (.011) strings, and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.
Case: Original plush hardshell case.
