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2001 Lacey Orpheus
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Serial #: 0079, dated 5/11/01, signed by the maker
Nut Width: 1 11/16" Scale Length: 25 1/2" Body size: 18" Body depth: 3 1/8"
Finish: Light cherry sunburst, nitrocellulose type
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved spruce top; solid tiger flame maple neck and body; solid ebony fingerboard; multi-ply flame maple binding; polished bone nut
Hardware: All original hardware includes contoured Macassar ebony tailpiece, bound Macassar stairstep pickguard, compensated adjustable ebony bridge, gold 16x1 tuners, Benedetto floating humbucking pickup with volume and tone controls, endpin jack. Van Eps style string damper.
Notes: One of the most accomplished of modern American luthiers, Mark Lacey began his career in the mid-70's in London, building renaissance and baroque stringed instruments. After stints with Gruhn and Bill Lawrence, Lacey opened his own shop, first in LA and then in Nashville, where he currently resides. His artist roster includes notable jazzers like Herb Ellis, Howard Alden and Bruce Forman, and other clients including Jackson Browne, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Paul McCartney. Influenced by D'Angelico and D'Aquisto as well as the Gibson classics, Lacey has earned a reputation as one of the world's premier builders of the archtop guitar.
In an era when many so-called 'acoustic' archtops are essentially glorified electrics, few contemporary instruments can compete with the full-throated beauties of the big band era. We are pleased therefore to report that the Orpheus is not only one of the finest sounding modern archtops we've played to date, but that it can stand respectably alongside the finest super jumbos of the classic era. Weighing in a mere 5lb. 9 oz., this instrument is one of the lightest 18" guitars we've seen. Accordingly, the finely graduated tap-tuned X-braced soundboard produces an exceptionally lively voice, with unusual depth and resonance, and volume to make an entire horn section quake.
The Lacey Orpheus is an 18" X-braced instrument in the style of the legendary D'Angelico New Yorker. Those familiar with Lacey's instruments will recognize the fanatical attention to detail, from the multi-ply flame maple binding to the ornate abalone and pearl logo. Even the pickguard is an adptation of the D'Angelico original, with its signature stairstep profile. The body is crafted of outstanding AAAA bookmatched tiger flame maple of highly symmetrical figure, and the neck profile is a marvel of playability, with a gentle "D" profile that is invitingly slim from front to back, and position markers slim bars of solid high color abalone.
This example is in immaculate condition with all original hardware and finish, without cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. An outstanding creation from one of the guitar world's premier builders. We are pleased to offer this outstanding example in pristine original condition to the first lucky caller.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel strings (.013-.056). 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: Deluxe hardshell with crushed velvet lining.
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