Customarchtop.com
2013 Benedetto 16-B Custom
Status: For pricing and hold status for this instrument, please check 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 or any other model in the future, please contact [email protected].
SN#: S-2122, signed by Bob Benedetto
Body size at lower bout: 16" Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .83/.92, 1st/10th fret
Finish: Natural blonde, nitrocellulose type
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched tap tuned Euro spruce top and braces; solid carved flame maple body and neck; solid ebony fingerboard; abalone headstock logo; solid bone nut.
Hardware: All ebony hardware includes tailpiece, fingerrest, knobs, tuner buttons, truss rod cover, and volume knob; Bendetto S-6 floating humbucking pickup with endpin jack.
Notes: Do blondes really have more fun? Only one way to find out.
The iconic name in the contemporary archtop guitar, Bob Bendetto has set the standard for the craft in over three decades of innovative custom luthiery. The 16-B series is the ultimate extension of a process begun over 60 years ago, with the introduction of the Gibson ES-175. Long prized by working players for its versatility and reliability, the 16" cutaway body was further refined by Jimmy D'Aquisto in the '70's.
Today, with 16" guitars enjoying yet a third wave of popularity, the Benedetto 16-B has pushed the evolution to an unprecedented stage of refinement. With all solid, tap-tuned tonewoods, the instrument is both lighter and more acoustically resonant than the laminate guitars, making for a uniquely rewarding playing experience.
This gorgeous example was custom built with premium features unseen on the standard 16-B. The S-6 humbucking pickup is floating, in contrast to the usual built-in pickup, with controls mounted to the pickguard, not the top, thereby optimizing the acoustic response of the soundboard. The soundboard is X-braced for added sustain, in contrast to the usual parallel tone bars of the model, and the body was slightly deepened to increase response in the bass and lower-mids as well. The peghead is faced in a striking burl of intensely marbled elm wood, like the dashboard of a classic Bentley or Jag. And finally, the deeply flamed tonewood is finished in a lustrous natural blonde finish, an option unavailable on the standard model.
Weighing in at an amazing 5lb. 1oz, this guitar simply floats on the lap or the strap: an absolute joy to play for the longest gig. Crafted of intensely figured Bigleaf maple in the body and neck, the guitar has a responsive, finely carved soundboard of solid Alpine spruce. The slim, elegant D profile neck is a joy to play, with a generous 1 3/4" fingerboard of solid dark ebony, which matches the tailpiece, finger rest and bridge. Action is smooth and low over a fresh high precision setup and strobe-tuned bridge.
This handsome instrument has been kept in gleaming condition, complete with original Benedetto arched plush hardshell case and owner's manual. Built with pride in the USA, the 16-B bears the signature of the most renowned name in jazz guitar.
A prettier one you're not likely to see. Or a comfier player, with a lovelier acoustic voice. One only: call now.
Case: Original Benedetto Cedar Creek deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.
