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2008 McAlister L-00 Custom
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Serial #: L-197 Dated, 04/08
Body width at lower bout: 14 3/4" Nut Width: 1 3/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Body depth: 3 1/2"-4 1/2" at endpin. String spacing at bridge: 2 1/2" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .89/1.04
Materials: Solid bookmatched Adirondack spruce top; solid bookmatched AAAA ribbon mahogany back and sides; solid one-piece mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; inlaid ebony bridge with compensated bone saddle; gold Waverly engraved 16:1 butterbean tuners with grained ivoroid keys; swirl tortoise pickguard; inlaid bridgepins; multi-color body purfling; hex-key adjustable truss rod; polished bone nut; Brazilian rosewood headplate; EVO gold fretwork.
Notes: David Crosby plays one. And bandmate Graham Nash. Don't forget Jackson Browne, Robbie Fulks, Rick Ruskin and a host of other steel string luminaries. And you can too, if you're fast. And lucky.
Master luthier Roy McAlister's bespoke instruments have graced concert stages worldwide for over three decades. While prototyping top-line models at Santa Cruz Guitars, including the Smeck and Baritone models, McAlister had his guitars singled out by Crosby as the very picks of the litter. Working independently since then, Roy handcrafts a dozen or so ultra-premium instruments a year to custom order from his workshop in tranquil Gig Harbor, WA, at the south end of Puget Sound.
The body of this striking guitar appears to be based on Gibson's legendary prewar L-00 model, a perennial prize of the pickiest pickers perforce. Introduced around 1930, the L-00 was issued as a compact guitar with a lightweight mahogany body, finished in dark ebony lacquer. By 1941, a few examples were produced with a rare natural finish, until the retirement of the model in 1945. This MacAlister was built with a 13 fret neck as well, as seen on a very few early L--00 examples, but most commonly associated with Gibson's famed Nick Lucas models.
While faithful in body dimensions to the Gibson originals, this McAlister Custom is adorned with design and materials drawn from a number of legendary prewar Martins as well, including the iconic pyramid ebony bridge. The slotted headstock was a signature of their 12 fret guitars, and produces an instrument that is notably light in weight and well balanced. The 'long diamond inlay' harks back to Martin's 28 series instruments, and the abalone soundhole purfling echoes their ornate Style 40, 41, and 45 models. With an X-braced soundboard of clear, quartersawn Adirondack spruce, the body is crafted with AAAA ribbon mahogany of eye-popping, simply luminescent grain. All topped with a headplate of lustrous, variegated Brazilian Rosewood.
In 100% original condition, this stunning guitar is free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and shows gleaming, brightly polished fretwork. At a sprightly 3lb 14oz, the instrument is phenomenally lightweight and well balanced, in the lap or on the strap. The voice is clear and open, with excellent detail, separation and sustain. Sensitive and resonant, this versatile wonder responds nimbly to either finger or pick style play. Action is smooth and low over a generous 1 3/4" ebony fingerboard, with a comfy light V profile neck, premium EVO gold fretwork, and a fresh high-precision setup.
Fitted in its opulent ultra premium tan Ameritage hardshell case, complete with hygrometer, this McAlister Custom is a rare hybrid of some of the most highly prized prewar classics, from one of America's premier builders. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze string. The guitar will accommodate lighter strings, according to preference. Action is set to 4-5/64" at the 12th fret, with light neck relief.
