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2011 Andersen Custom CES

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Serial #: 472, signed by the maker

Body size at lower bout: 17" Body depth: 3" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 11/16"

Finish: Violin finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type

Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched quartersawn spruce top; handcarved solid AAA flame maple back, sides, and neck; solid flame maple binding; solid graphite nut.

Hardware: Black Schaller 16X1 mini-tuners; solid ebony pickguard and compensated bridge; nickel trapeze tailpiece, twin Bare Knuckle 'Stormy Monday' PAF style humbuckers, with 3 way selector switch, volume and tone controls and endpin jack.

Notes: The Pacific Northwest has long been known as a source for the finest tonewoods, and some of the world's most celebrated builders. Having produced top-notch acoustic instruments for over 30 years, Steve Andersen was first famed for his mandolins and flattops. Over the last decades, Steve focused his international reputation on his extensive line of world-class archtop guitars. Andersen players like recording star Bill Frisell have found these instruments incomparable in tone, fit, finish and playability.

This custom guitar is hand crafted in the style of the classic L-5CES, with twin built-in PAF style humbuckers, an extravagantly figured 17" fiddleback maple body, X-braced, tap-tuned solid spruce soundboard, and all solid ebony fingerboard and hardware. The owner even supplied the builder with a genuine wiring harness from a vintage L-5CES for installation in this guitar.

The instrument is in gleaming condition, with smooth low action, comfy gentle D neck profile, and notably light weight: at just 6 lb. 6 oz., the Andersen is far lighter and more acoustically resonant than any contemporary Gibson. With its warm, rich, classic voice, and surpassingly comfortable light D neck profile, this hand crafted masterpiece is every bit as delightful to play as it is to behold.

After a long and highly productive career, Steve has now hung up his chisels for good, making his superb creations more sought after than ever. A rare find, from a justly celebrated luthier: one only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.056). 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: Original deluxe arched black plush lined hardshell case.

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