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2014 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#: 1105. Dated: 3/14, signed by the builder
Body size at lower bout: 17" Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .81/.90
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: Hardware includes Macassar ebony tailpiece and bound finger rest; gold Schaller 16X1 tuners with ebony keys; compensated adjustable ebony bridge. Vintage Vibe floating Charlie Christian single coil pickup with volume and tone controls, endpin jack. Additional matching bound ebony acoustic pickguard included.
Notes: Those who've followed our listings over the years know our particular affection for the classic noncutaway archtops of the prewar era. The unmatched resonance of these guitars has led us to champion the design in contemporary instruments as well. Noted luthier Bryant Trenier has reinvented the model with some intriguing contemporary touches. This handsome and powerful guitar is the result.
This striking example of his Excel model features all hand-selected, tap-tuned 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 graduated of extravagant bookmatched tiger flame maple, and an X-braced European spruce top of phenomenally fine grain.
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 streamlined pickguard echo classic D'Angelico styling, Trenier is not content to simply clone an old model verbatim. The sleek S-shaped soundholes, smooth contemporary neck profile and sleek adjustable ebony bridge are an appealing tribute to the style of the great Jimmy D'Aquisto as well.
A special plus is the Pete Biltoft Vintage Vibe floating Charlie Christian pickup, a vintage style single coil that is one of the most acoustically faithful pickups we've ever had the pleasure to play. Combined with the enhanced sustain and bass response of the full depth X braced body, the amplified tone is clean, silky, and simply sinuous in response. And the entire guard assembly is quickly removable with a discreet mini-coupler, in favor of the matching bound Macassar acoustic pickguard, also included in the case.
This example is in all-original showroom condition, with smooth, low action over a fresh high precision setup, on an exceptionally inviting light D profile neck. 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. Skip the wait list, and bag this magnificent creation while you can. 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 black deluxe arched plush lined hardshell case.
