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2005 Buscarino Artisan Custom
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Serial #: BP0370903, signed by the maker
Body size at lower bout: 17" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 11/16" Body depth: 3" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .80/.89
Materials: Solid carved tap-tuned spruce soundboard; solid carved AAAA quilted maple back and sides; three-piece solid birdseye maple neck with adjustable truss rod; mother of pearl fingerboard inlay; 7-ply birdseye maple bound body; bound headstock, fingerboard and soundholes; Carpathian elm burl headstock facing, with abalone headstock logo.
Hardware: Armstrong 2D humbucking pickup: solid ebony fingerboard, pickguard, compensated bridge and tailpiece; gold Schaller M6 tuners with snakewood buttons; thumbwheel volume and tone controls, endpin jack.
Notes: Once a blue moon, you see tonewood so deeply figured it simply makes you rub your eyes. That moon has just risen.
John Buscarino is one of the names you'll hear on virtually every short list of the premier contemporary archtop builders. Having worked closely with luthiery legend Bob Benedetto for a number of years, John also studied with the great Augie LoPrizi of classical and flat top fame. His artist list includes George Benson, Russell Malone, Ron Affif, Gene Bertoncini and many more, all keeping Buscarino's hand crafted instruments in considerable demand.
Tasteful and elegant in design, the Artisan is built with all solid, all carved, tonewoods of truly exceptional quality and responsiveness. With back and sides of presentation grade AAAA quilted maple, this spectacular instrument boasts some of the most extravagant figure we've seen in an archtop guitar, of any vintage. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves: suffice to say this staggering guitar is positively aboil in 3D maple of breathtaking pattern and intensity.
The solid, tap-tuned soundboard is carved of bookmatched spruce so fine grained it virtually disappears at the centerseam. The binding itself is crafted of highly figured solid birdseye maple, and even the headstock facing is graced with handsome Carpathian elm burl, like the dashboard on a classic Bentley.
The fit and finish of the instrument is immaculate, and this example has been maintained in 100% original, virtually unplayed condition. At a bare 5lb 7oz total. the instrument is exceptionally lightweight for a guitar of its size, and wonderfully balanced on the lap or the strap. The gently tapered D neck profile is elegant and inviting, with smooth low action over a solid ebony fingerboard, with a fresh high precision setup.
The voice is clear and open, combining the sustain of the X- pattern bracing with the warmth of the tap-tuned soundboard, now opened up for a decade and a half. All transmitted with warmth and accuracy to the amp by the Armstrong Floating 2D humbucking pickup, with guard-mounted volume and tone controls tucked discreetly under the edge of the guard.
With its custom sound port and super premium tonewoods, the new cost of this model would be almost $12K today, with a considerable lead time. This gleaming instrument is a welcome find, and we're pleased to be able to offer it to one lucky player, at an unbeatable price. 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 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 black arched plush lined hardshell case.
