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2013 Comins Arboretum
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#: 0248 Body size at lower bout: 14 3/4", Body Depth: 3 1/2" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 2" Neck depth, 1st/9th frets: .87/.90
Materials: Solid bookmatched Adirondack spruce top; handcarved AAAA Big Leaf maple back and sides; one piece cedar neck; solid ebony fingerboard and bridge; figured elm burl peghead facing with pearl headstock logo; solid bone nut and saddle; gold open-gear tuners with ebony keys; adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Bill Comins has been crafting master quality instruments by hand at his Philadelphia workshop for decades, having built in the process a formidable reputation for meticulous detail and precision workmanship. Using the design concepts of Bob Benedetto as a starting point, Comins has evolved a line of instruments that reflect both his personal vision and his high standards for fit, finish and tone.
This guitar is a rare example of his Arboretum model, a nylon string crossover design, with a 12 fret cutaway body for extended fingerboard access. With a gently arched back of bookmatched AAAA tiger flame maple, the guitar is fitted with a tap-tuned Adirondack spruce soundboard, and a solid ebony fingerboard and bridge. At a bare 4lb 2oz, the guitar is notably lightweight, and well balanced on the lap or the strap.
The traditional fan braced soundboard is faithfully amplified by the innovative MiSi Trio preamp. Powering an undersaddle piezo element, the MiSi preamp is internally mounted to a 1/4" endpin jack, through which it is recharged externally, with a small charging plug which is included. This nifty device eliminates entirely the need for a conventional battery change.
The amber blonde finish imparts a rich glow to the deeply flamed tonewood, and the neck profile is a classic slightly flattened D, with a generous 2" nut, elegant in the hand. Upmarket appointments include the striking figured elm burl peghead facing, floral design soundport, and the ultra premium Ameritage case, the finest traditional hardshell available. With its lively Adirondack top, and hand arched maple back, the guitar has a warm, appealing acoustic voice, with excellent projection. Strung with standard tension nylon strings, the guitar has smooth, low action, with a fresh high precision setup.
A versatile player from bossa and chord melody to Gypsy fusion and beyond, the Arboretum blends tonal responsiveness with enhanced playability for the contemporary performer. Comins guitars are scarce on the vintage market, crafted like a Rolex, and represent a rare opportunity for the discriminating player. We are delighted to find this gleaming example in showroom condition. One only: call now.
