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2004 Shelley Park Elan 12
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SN#: 142, dated July, 2004, signed by the maker.
Body size at lower bout: 15 3/4" (40cm) Scale length: 25 1/4" (640mm) Nut Width: 1 11/16" (43mm)
Materials: Bookmatched solid Sitka spruce top; solid Indian Rosewood back and sides; African Mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; rosewood bound body.
Hardware: All original hardware including solid ebony bridge; DR Selmer style tailpiece; engraved Waverly tuners with ebony buttons; Bigtone pickup with endpin jack.
Notes: Vancouver, BC based luthier Shelley Park has built a worldwide following for her exquisitely crafted gypsy jazz guitars. And before she retired from the Northwest Manouche group Pearl Django, Shelley had at least as many fans of her relentless rhythm guitar work. Like many of the current BC builders, Shelley studied her craft with the legendary Michael Dunn, and has perfected her elegant style with a series of classic designs.
The Elan is Shelley's tribute to the original Maccaferri's design of the early '30s. The extended 12 fret D-hole body produces a warmer bass response for comping, and the short scale neck facilitates nimble fingering for the soloist. Tipping the scales at barely 4lb 2oz, (1.9kg), the guitar is a delight to hold, and deeply resonant. The body is straight-grained Indian rosewood of the highest grade, and the truss-rodded is solid African Mahogany. The bridge and fingerboard are of solid ebony, and the body is accented with elegant rosewood binding.
This gleaming example is in fine shape, with all original hardware and finish, and includes a Bigtone pickup and endpin jack. There is a small chip on the peghead, and a hairline crack on the lower bass bout has been soundly cleated and resealed. The neck profile is a comfy gentle D, with smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup. The voice is rich and warm, with excellent bass response and projection, and power to burn.
An attractive and musically compelling instrument, from one of the most gifted builders working today. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge silvered steel strings, and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.
Case: Original deluxe black contoured plush lined hardshell case.
