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2009 Trenier Excel
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.
Serial#: 1040, signed by the maker, dated 8-21-09
Body size at lower bout: 17" Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .82/1.03
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved European spruce top; handcarved figured tiger maple back and sides; one piece maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; 5-ply body binding; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Solid handcarved ebony hardware includes grounded string-through tailpiece; bound finger rest; compensated adjustable ebony wedge style bridge. Gold Schaller 16X1 tuners; Armstrong Handwound Floating Single Coil pickup, with volume control, impedance switch and 1/4" endpin jack.
Notes: Those who've followed our listings over the years know our particular affection for the great noncutaway archtops of the prewar era. The brilliance of these guitars has led us to champion the design in contemporary instruments as well. Now Northwest luthier Bryant Trenier has reinvented the model with some intriguing contemporary touches. This handsome and powerful guitar is the result.
This breathtaking instrument was originally crafted by the builder for his own personal use, and features all hand-selected, top-drawer tonewoods throughout. Based on the dimensions of its D'Angelico namesake, the Excel follows the construction of the classic design, with some intriguing touches. It's 17 inch body is hand carved of extravagant chevron figured tiger flame maple, and a bookmatched European spruce top with X bracing for greater sustain and bass response. The result is an instrument of notable warmth and clarity, with an open acoustic voice rare in newly built guitars.
While the center-dip headstock and steamlined pickguard echo classic D'Angelico styling design, Trenier is not content to simply clone an old model verbatim. The sleek S-shaped soundholes, smooth contemporary neck profile and wedge-adjusting non-metallic ebony bridge are an appealing tribute to the style of the great Jimmy D'Aquisto as well.
This example is in immaculate virtually unplayed condition, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. A special plus is the Armstrong Handwound Floating Single Coil pickup, with volume control, impedance switch and 1/4" endpin jack. A striking work of contemporary luthiery, the Trenier Excel delivers robust vintage tone with 21st century playability, in a design that synthesizes the best of old and new. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound 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 arched plushlined hardshell case.
