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2009 Hopkins Contessa
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 by 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.
Serial#: 4507
Body size at lower bout: 16" Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 23/32" Neck depth: .84/.90, 1st/10th frets
Finish: Violin finish, nitrocellulose lacquer
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved AAA Sitka spruce top; handcarved solid AAA Bigleaf maple back and sides; one piece tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; solid bone nut.
Hardware: All ebony hardware includes hand carved tailpiece and finger rest; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; engraved gold Waverly tuners; Armstrong floating Smoothtop pickup with thumbwheel tone and volume controls and endpin jack.
Notes: Picture a young boy in Dad's workshop, rapt with awe as his father rough-carves the top of an A-style mandolin. Now fast forward to Peter Hopkins' busy workshop in Penticton, British Columbia, as he fashions master quality instruments for a worldwide clientele. Using the design concepts of Bob Benedetto as a starting point, Hopkins has evolved a line of instruments that reflect both his personal vision and his high standards for fit, finish and tone.
This exquisite instrument is a rare 16" example of his exquisite Contessa model. The back, sides and neck are crafted of intensely flamed AAA Bigleaf maple, with fingerboard and hardware all solid ebony. At just 5 lb. 2 oz. the guitar is exceptionally lightweight, with a closely graduated tap-tuned X-braced soundboard of bookmatched quartersawn AAA Sitka spruce. Crafted like a fine violin the body is joined without binding of any kind, lending a clean, elegant look that highlights the beauty and depth of the tonewood to great advantage.
The neck profile is a comfy gentle D, with smooth low action, and a fresh high-precision setup over the solid ebony fingerboard. The slotted headstock reduces weight in the neck, making the guitar exceptionally well balanced, in the lap or the strap. The guitar is fitted by the maker with an Armstrong Handmade Smoothtop humbucking pickup with thumbwheel volume and tone controls and endpin jack.
The voice is warm and refined, with excellent balance, and responds faithfully to the amp. This instrument is in immaculate all-original condition, without playwear of any kind. Comfy to hold, rewarding to play, and striking to behold. One only, call now.
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 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 ultra-premium arched Ameritage plush lined hardshell case, with built-in humidifier.
