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2015 Buscarino Artisan Custom
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Serial #: DB02114915
Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 11/16" Body depth: 3 1/4" to 3/4" neck to endpin. Neck depth: .82/.88, 1st/10th frets
Materials: Solid carved tap-tuned bearclaw spruce top; solid tiger flame maple back and sides; three-piece solid maple neck with walnut centerstripe; solid ebony fingerboard; mother of pearl and abalone inlay; figured rosewood body binding; Macassar ebony headstock facing.
Hardware: Buscarino Armstrong signature humbucking pickup; Macassar ebony pickguard, compensated bridge and tailpiece; gold Gotoh 18:1 tuners with ebony buttons; volume control and thumbwheel tone controls, endpin jack.
Notes: We are often asked for an instrument that combines archtop projection and clarity with flat-top bass and sustain. Usually the answer is: pick one or the other. But every now and then...
John Buscarino is one of the names you'll hear on virtually every short list of the premier contemporary archtop builders. Having worked closely with luthiery legend Bob Benedetto for a number of years, John also studied with the great Augie LoPrizi of classical and flat top fame. His artist list includes George Benson, Russell Malone, Ron Affif, Gene Bertoncini and many more, all keeping Buscarino's hand crafted instruments in considerable demand.
This custom version of his Artisan model echoes one of our favorite vintage archtops: the venerable Gibson L-4 of the 1920's. With its signature oval soundhole and X-braced soundboard, this guitar combines powerful archtop projection with distinctly accentuated bass response and sustain. With its clear, resonant voice, the instrument shows exceptional versatility, equally suited for a wide variety of acoustic styles, from pick to fingerstyle, from chord melody to classic country.
The compact 16" body is built with a slight taper in depth, for enhanced comfort on the lap or the strap. The master grade maple is deeply flamed in the sides and neck, and the spectacular bookmatched back contrasts both heart and sapwood in particularly dramatic symmetry. The tap-tuned spruce soundboard is crisscrossed with dramatic bearclaw figure, and adorned with a swirling rope ellipse rosette. The binding itself is crafted of handsome dark rosewood, with a headstock facing of deep Macassar ebony, matching the hand carved pickguard, bridge and tailpiece. Finally, a soundport near the neck heel is configured in a graceful fleur-de-lis.
The handwound Armstrong floating humbucking pickup bears the Buscarino signature, with a trio of discreet thumbwheels under the guard in an innovative configuration controlling volume, treble and bass independently as well. At barely 5lb 10oz, the instrument is exceptionally light and well balanced: a pleasure to hold for the longest gig. The slightly flattened D neck profile is slim and elegant, with smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup, on the solid ebony fingerboard.
The fit and finish of the instrument is immaculate, and this example has been maintained in 100% original, virtually unplayed condition. With its upgrade tonewoods, the new cost of this model would exceed $12K today, with a considerable lead time. This gleaming instrument is an amazing find, and we're pleased to be able to offer it to one lucky player, at an unbeatable price. A marvel of versatility, this is the one guitar you'd grab from a burning building. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound nickel 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 deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.
