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Serial #: 490

Body size at lower bout: 14" Body depth: 2 3/4" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .80-.90, 1st-10th fret

Finish: Sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type

Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched Sitka spruce top; handcarved solid flame maple back with matching sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard and truss rod cover; Macassar ebony headstock veneer; grained ivoroid body and neck binding.

Hardware: Nickel Waverly 16X1 mini-tuners with grained ivoroid keys; bound tortoise pickguard; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; aged nickel trapeze tailpiece with endpin jack; vintage Gibson Patent Applied For pickup; prewar style bakelite volume and tone controls.

Notes: The Andersen Archie series is a product of a collaboration of two of the most creative spirits on the contemporary jazz guitar scene: master luthier Steve Andersen, and recording star Bill Frisell. Accepting the challenge to create a compact gigging guitar with a 'big box' sound and feel, the pair brainstormed the original Little Archie, an ingenious synthesis of traditional and cutting edge design.

This splendid example is a one-of-a-kind custom instrument, designed in the style of the classic late '50s ES-175. Its twin parallelogram fingerboard inlays, Cremona sunburst finish, and aged nickel hardware are all echoes of classic Gibson styling, right down to the bound tortoise pickguard and brown bakelite radio knobs, as seen on the elusive prewar ES-250. The ultimate touch, however, was supplied by the owner, who just happened to have a genuine vintage Gibson PAF humbucker kicking around. Installed in the solid carved spruce soundboard, this iconic pickup delivers an inimitably warm, rich tone: the most coveted voice in the history of the electric guitar.

Tipping the scales at a phenomenal 4lb 12oz, the fully hollow, all carved slimline body is just 14" wide, and 2 3/4" deep. Lightweight and responsive, the instrument floats effortlessly on the lap or the strap, a genuine delight on the longest gig. Nonetheless, Andersen's innovative X-bracing soundboard produce a voice that is remarkable in its clarity and warmth, with bass response utterly unexpected in a soundbox this size. Fitted with a generous 1 3/4" fingerboard, this Archie is ideal for finger or pick style playing, with smooth low action over a gentle D profile neck, a fresh high-precision setup, and smooth matte finish for maximum comfort in the hand.

This example is in superb condition, with exceptional AAAA flame maple body and neck, and a handcarved, tap tuned Sitka spruce soundboard. A delight equally to hold and behold, this compact wonder is an uncommonly tuneful travel companion, and a unique combination of vintage tone and modern playability. There won't be another: one only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.052). 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 custom padded Cordura gigbag.

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