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2008 Comins Renaissance

Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may by found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.

Serial#: 0220, hand signed by the maker.

Body size at lower bout: 16", Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 23/32" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .84/.94

Materials: Solid handcarved tap tuned Euro spruce top; handcarved Euro tiger maple back, sides and neck; multi-bound ebony fingerboard; figured elm burl headstock facing with pearl headstock logo; solid rosewood body binding.

Hardware: All original hardware includes hand carved ebony tailpiece and finger rest; gold mini-Schaller tuners with ebony keys; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; built-in Lindy Fralin humbucker with tone and volume controls and endpin jack.

Notes: Bill Comins has been making master quality instruments by hand at his Pennsylvania workshop for over three decades, and building in the process a formidable reputation for meticulous detail and precision craftsmanship. Using the design concepts of Bob Benedetto as a starting point, Comins has evolved a line of instruments that reflect both his personal vision and his high standards for fit, finish, tone and playability.

This guitar is a rare example of his Renaissance model, and is constructed of bookmatched European tiger flame maple, tap-tuned quartersawn Alpine spruce, and hand crafted ebony hardware. At barely 6lb, the guitar is nicely lightweight, and the 16" body fits smartly under the arm, on the lap or the strap. Tastefully appointed, the guitar features distinctive extended diamond inlays in the solid ebony fingerboard, with the body trimmed in handsome rosewood binding throughout.

The amber blonde finish imparts a rich glow to the finely carved tonewood, and the multi-laminate art deco peghead is particularly striking, with lustrous elm burl facing bisected by a wedge of dark polished ebony. The neck profile is an elegant gentle D, with easy, low action over a fresh high-precision setup, smoothly adjusted by a compensated ebony bridge with gold bridgewheel bushings. The X-braced soundboard is notably lively and responsive, with appealing sustain and clarity. The vibrant acoustic voice is faithfully amplified by the Lindy Fralin humbucker; mounted in a custom ebony housing, with classic PAF style 8K output and polished ebony volume and tone controls.

Carefully maintained, the guitar is free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a small nick near the fingerboard, and some fogging on the pickup cover, the guitar shows few signs of age altogether. Comins guitars are rarely offered for resale, and this model is a particularly scarce example of his craft. Built like a Swiss watch, the Renaissance represents a rare opportunity for the discriminating player. One only: call now.

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 4/64" to 5/64" 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 black plush lined hardshell case.