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2018 Andersen Fremont

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Serial #: 542, signed by the maker

Body size at lower bout: 16" Body depth: 3" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .82/.89

Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched quartersawn Englemann spruce top; handcarved solid flame maple back, sides, and neck, solid graphite nut, leopard tortoise binding, heel cap, and soundhole binding.

Hardware: Waverly 16X1 mini-tuners with tortoise keys; solid ebony pickguard, tailpiece, and compensated adjustable bridge; chrome Jason Lollar JS pickup with volume control and endpin jack.

Notes: The Pacific Northwest has long been known as a source for the finest tonewoods, and some of the world's most celebrated luthiers. Having produced top-notch acoustic instruments for over 20 years, Steve Andersen was first famed for his mandolins and flattops. Over the last several decades, Steve has focused his international reputation on his extensive line of world-class archtop guitars. Andersen players include recording star Bill Frisell and other top performers.

This rare model, the Fremont, is named after the Seattle neighborhood where Steve's first shop was located, and also home to the local music store which commissioned the model. A custom version of Andersen's famed Streamline model, the guitar has an elegant uncluttered design, with the focus on tone, playability, and excellent value. The back, sides and neck are crafted of highly figured bookmatched curly maple, with an X-braced, tap-tuned Englemann spruce soundboard; Adirondack spruce tone bars, solid ebony fingerboard and hardware, Lollar JS floating humbucker, and a handsome ebony trapeze tailpiece.

The pickguard features a brilliant leopard shell tortoise, which is echoed in the body and soundhole bindings, heel cap, and even the tuning keys, all in glowing hues of faux turtle. The one piece neck has a comfy gentle D profile and smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. And at a barely 5 lb even, the instrument is extraordinarily light in weight, and exceptionally comfy, on the lap or the strap.

This example is in all original, mint condition, and has a clear, musical voice with excellent balance and projection: simply a delight to play. With Andersen's ultra-meticulous fit and finish, the result is an instrument of surpassing acoustical quality, great looks, and a price within reach of the working player.

Buyers are keepers, so Andersen's creations are rarely seen on the vintage market. A remarkable find then, from one of America's top builders. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound 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 arched black plush lined hardshell case.

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