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2006 Ribbecke Halfling Bobby Vega Bass
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Serial#: 1005, dated: 2/06
Body size at lower bout: 17", Body Depth at Endpin: 4 1/2 " Scale length: 34" Nut: 1 1/2"
Finish: Natural matte, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Solid bookmatched compound-carved Alaska cedar top; solid carved Bigleaf tiger flame maple back and side;s 3 piece birdseye maple neck with birdseye maple facing on back of peghead; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; bound body, headstock, neck and soundhole; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Hardware includes solid spotted ebony finger rest, tailpiece and bridge; black open-gear tuners; D-Tar Timber-line 18V active pickup with endpin jack.
Notes: Few have done more to further the craft of the modern archtop guitar than California luthier Tom Ribbecke. Since founding his first workshop in San Francisco in 1972, Tom has produced not only master quality instruments but master quality luthiers themselves, in workshops and videos that have made him a legend among builders worldwide. Now relocated to scenic Sonoma County, Ribbecke continues to produce hand built masterworks of stunning quality for a few lucky players each year.
This remarkable instrument was conceived in consultation with basist Bobby Vega, and features a revolutionary design that employs a unique compound curvature of the soundboard. With a conventional arch on the treble side, the instrument produces the characteristic clarity and precision of a traditional archtop. A dramatically flattened profile for the bass side, combined with the round soundport, allows for greater bass response and sustain. This hybrid construction is designed to give the player a tonal response combining the best of both arch and flat top instruments.
This striking example is constructed of bookmatched bigleaf tiger flame maple, with a solid bookmatched Alaska cedar top, and hand crafted ebony hardware. The 17" Venetian cutaway body is X-braced, and finished in a lustrous natural finish. Action is smooth and low over the solid ebony fingerboard, on a birdseye maple neck with a classic gentle D profile. At just 6lb 13oz, the instrument is phenomenally lightweight, well balanced, and deeply resonant. The voice is forward and punchy, with astonishing acoustic projection, and an attractive woodiness that translates with remarkable fidelity through the D-Tar Timber-line bridge saddle pickup.
The instrument is 100% original and free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a few faint bands of pale blue tint on the neck, presumably from the case lining, the instrument appears virtually unplayed. The Halfling Vega Bass is built only to order, and but rarely seen on the vintage market. We are pleased to offer this outstanding creation in immaculate condition. Please call for a detailed in-hand audition.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
Case: Original deluxe arched plush lined hardshell case.
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