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2003 Roger Borys B-420
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Serial #: 35-300-2002, signed by the maker
Finish: Sunburst, nitrocellulose type
Body size at lower bout: 17" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 13/16" Body depth: 3"
Materials: Solid carved tap-tuned spruce soundboard; tiger flame maple back and sides; one-piece solid tiger maple neck with adjustable truss rod; curly maple body binding; ebony fingerboard; Brazilian rosewood headplate.
Hardware: Kent Armstrong Handwound PAF humbucking pickup; ebony pickguard, compensated bridge, knobs and tailpiece; gold Schaller tuners with ebony buttons.
Notes: New Jersey based luthier Roger Borys is a legend among contemporary archtop builders, with celebrity players including Emily Remler, Jimmy Wyble and many more. Borys worked closely with Jimmy D'Aquisto for a number of years, helping develop his celebrated Jim Hall guitar.
Borys' laminate guitars are legendary, and built in very small numbers. But his solid carved instruments are scarcer still, and a positive rarity on the vintage market. The soundboard of this upscale B-420 model is carved of solid, quartersawn tap-tuned spruce, with a body of solid highly figured tiger maple, and a spectacular one piece curly maple neck with solid ebony fingerboard. The instrument is finished in a lustrous light cherry sunburst, complemented with all solid ebony hardware.
This example is in superb 100% original condition, free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The gentle D neck profile is easy and inviting, with a fresh high-precision setup, and a generous 1 13/16" fingerboard for finger or pick style play. The tone is warm and resonant, with an Armstrong Adjustable PAF for matchless versatility and tonal range. Roger builds his creations one at a time, and it can take years to take delivery of one of his instruments. For the serious player seeking an elegant, hard-working jazz box, our advice is: take a page from Roger's illustrious clients, and go right to the source. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound nickel strings. 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 black arched plush lined hardshell case.
