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Label: Prototype, hand signed by the maker. Finish: Violin burst

Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 3/4" Body depth: 2 3/4"

Materials: Solid bookmatched quartersawn spruce top; tiger flame maple back and sides; solid maple neck with adjustable truss rod; solid ebony fingerboard; 5-ply bound body; triple bound headstock; bound fingerboard

Hardware: 100% original hardware includes Kent Armstrong PAF humbucking pickup; solid ebony pickguard , compensated bridge and tailpiece; gold Schaller tuners with ebony buttons.

Notes: Since the debut of Gibson's ES-175 in 1949, the 16" cutaway archtop has been the workhorse of the journeyman jazz guitarist. One of the first to refine the concept was Jimmy D'Aquisto, who slimmed the depth of the body in the 70's to improve player comfort, added the handsome Venetian cutaway and streamlined soundholes, and retained the laminate body and built in pickup for improved sustain and feedback resistance. Now, a new generation of players and builders have rediscovered the design, making the 16" electric jazz box an indispensable tool for the working pro.

One of D'Aquisto's first customers for his 16" electric was jazz legend Jim Hall. Some three decades later, Hall has collaborated with prolific Brooklyn luthier Roger Sadowsky to produce this latest refinement in a distinguished lineage of working jazz boxes. The neck profile in particular is one of the most inviting we've played, and the radius of the solid ebony board combined with the immaculately dressed fretwork make for an exceptionally nimble playing experience.

This handsome guitar is a very rare prototype, and according to Roger the only example made with a soundboard of solid bookmatched quartersawn spruce, in place of the laminate maple tops of the production models. In addition, the guitar is factory fitted with a Kent Armstrong Handmade PAF humbucking pickup, with twin rows of adjustable pole pieces. This guitar is in immaculate 100% original condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and shows particularly attractive flame maple througout. We've never seen another, and aren't holding our breath for the next one like it. One only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge (.012-054) 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 Sadowsky hardshell case.

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