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2008 Benedetto Andy Elite
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
SN#: S-1753, hand signed by Bob Benedetto
Body size at lower bout: 12" Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 23" Nut: 1 11/16"
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched European spruce top, solid carved bookmatched European flame maple body and neck; solid ebony fingerboard; abalone headstock logo; ebony truss rod cover.
Hardware: Hardware includes Armstrong floating humbucking pickup; solid ebony tailpiece and fingerrest; volume control with ebony knob; sealed Gotoh 16x1 tuners; endpin jack.
Notes: With security lines stretching to infinity, baggage billed by the piece, and carry-on bins jammed to bursting, the modern airport is now the traveling guitarist's worst nightmare. Do you try to brazen your hard case onboard, or check it through baggage, and pray your beloved companion returns unsplintered? We're happy to report this age-old dilemma has been finally solved, courtesy Bob Benedetto.
The Andy is Bob's reinvention of the classic Gibson ES-140, a full-depth 3/4" size archtop built between 1950 and 1957. With its compact 12" body, the featherweight 3 lb. 13 oz. Andy goes anywhere in its custom Cordura gig bag. The Armstrong pickup is warm, sweet and accurate, and the neck is exceptionally nimble. Best of all, the Andy is constructed of all solid carved tonewoods, with a finely carved X- braced European spruce top and highly flamed European maple back, sides and neck.
Not a novelty, the Andy is a full featured pro jazz guitar that pops effortlessly from the overhead bin to the taxi to the gig. And don't let the compact size fool you: the Andy has a remarkably lively acoustic voice, transmitted faithfully by the floating Armstrong humbucker. Smooth low action over a gentle D profile neck, with a sleek 23" scale. Only available in Benedeto's Elite series, the Andy is now built only to custom order, at a $12K price tag. This stunning example was built for the 2008 NAMM show, and is in mint condition, with all factory tags and papers, including an additional molded plush lined hardshell case, along with the factory gig bag. Rarely seen on the vintage market, the Andy is as easy on your shoulder as it is on your mind.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). 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: Benedetto custom Cordura gig bag, and molded arched plush lined hardshell case.
