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2002 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#: 0123, hand signed by the maker.

Body size at lower bout: 16", Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4"

Finish: amber blonde, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved tap tuned spruce top; handcarved tiger maple back, sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; solid rosewood body binding; solid ebony nut.

Hardware: Hardware includes hand carved ebony tailpiece and finger rest; gold mini-Schaller tuners with ebony keys; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; coil-tapped Lindy Fralin floating humbucker with tone and volume controls, micro tap switch, 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 and tone.

This guitar is a rare example of his Renaissance model, and is constructed of bookmatched tiger flame maple, tap-tuned quartersawn bearclaw spruce, and hand crafted ebony hardware. At a bare 5lb 5oz, the guitar is unusually lightweight, and the 16" body fits smartly under the arm, on the lap or the strap. Tastefully appointed, the guitar features distinctive bowtie inlays in the solid ebony fingerboard, and the body is trimmed with handsome rosewood binding throughout.

The X-braced soundboard is notably lively and responsive, with appealing sustain and clarity. The vibrant acoustic voice is faithfully amplified by the versatile coil-tapped Fralin floating humbucker; mounted in a custom ebony housing, it has a micro-switch control, and discreet thumbwheel volume and tone pots mounted under the edge of the pickguard. The compensated ebony bridge employs gold bushings around the bridgewheels for smooth adjustment, and the peghead echoes the design of the classic prewar asymmetrical Epiphone Masterbilt guitars of the prewar era. The amber blonde finish imparts a rich glow to the finely carved tonewood, and the neck profile is an elegant gentle D, perfectly tapered for effortless play, with smooth , low action over a fresh high-precision setup.

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. We are delighted to find this gleaming example in immaculate showroom condition. 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.