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2002 Andersen Vanguard
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Serial #: 274
Body size at lower bout: 16" Body depth: 3" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .82/.88
Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched quartersawn Englemann spruce top; handcarved solid flame maple back with matching sides and neck; ebony headstock facing; Macassar ebony headstock back facing; ebony truss rod cover; rosewood bound body and heel cap.
Hardware: All original hardware includes Black Schaller 16X1 mini-tuners; tailpiece, knobs and compensated bridge. Kent Armstrong PAF pickup, volume and tone controls, endpin jack, contoured ebony pickguard.
Notes: Steve Andersen is a legend here in the Pacific Northwest, having produced top-notch acoustic instruments for over 40 years. First famed for his mandolins and flattops, Steve has built an international reputation on his extensive line of world-class archtop guitars, with endorsers including recording star Bill Frisell, and a host of working players coast to coast.
The Vanguard is designed for the gigging player, with a comfortable 16" body, and a built-in pickup for greater sustain and feedback resistance in club or combo settings. The tonal brilliance of the instrument is accentuated with a soundboard of solid handcarved bookmatched Englemann spruce of unusually fine grain. The extravagantly flamed woods, a simple, elegant design, and Andersen's ultra-meticulous fit and finish, result in an instrument of surpassing visual quality, and strong clean lines.
At just 5lb. 3oz. the Vanguard is phenomenally lightweight and well balanced, with a lively acoustic resonance rivalling many all-acoustic models. The tight fiddleback figure of the maple is particularly noteworthy, as it is bookmatched with uncommon skill, resulting in a highly symmetrical chevron pattern.
The guitar is a solid player, without cracks, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Some pick marks are visible near the bridge by the low E string, and some scattered lacquer nicks on the upper bass bout. This example has been fitted with a Kent Armstrong PAF pickup, for a fat classic jazz tone, and the neck is a slim gentle D profile, very comfy in the palm. The voice is warm and open, with a sweet, woody tone and excellent sustain.
A top-flight instrument for the working player, the Vanguard is rarely seen on the vintage market, and has been unavailable from the maker for some years now. Grab this great value while you can. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel 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: Deluxe original fitted black plush arched hardshell case.
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