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2019 AJL Gypsy Fire Custom

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.

SN# 1017

Body size at lower bout: 16 5/8" (423mm). Scale length: 26 3/8" (670mm) Nut Width: 1 3/4" (45mm) Body depth at tailpiece: 4" (100mm) Neck depth: .83/.94, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Bookmatched solid European spruce top; solid birdseye maple neck; birdseye maple laminate back and sides; solid ebony fingerboard; rosewood bound body.

Hardware: All original brass hardware including AJL logo Selmer stye tuners; Bilardi/Busato style tailpiece; solid rosewood bridge, EVO gold frets, tortoise scratchplate, double-acting truss rod.

Notes: Noted luthier Ari-Jukka Luomartanta doesn't just build master quality guitars, he plays them himself. A member of the Hot Club De Finlande, he has performed gypsy swing with Andreas Oberg, Robin Nolan, and Basie style big bands throughout Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Granted a Certificate from the Master Craftsman's Council in Helsinki, Ari dove deep into the intricacies of Selmer style guitars in intensive research in Paris. Now he builds a full line of gypsy and archtop guitars one at a time by hand in his atelier in scenic Kokkola, Finland, right on the Gulf of Bothnia.

An innovative hybrid model, the AJL Gypsy Fire combines a number of the best loved gypsy guitar designs. The large Favino style body lends power, the long Selmer 670mm Petite Bouche scale adds punch, and the elongated oval soundhole and 14 fret neck capture some of the resonance of the Grand Bouche D-hole guitars. The Favino style ladder bracing and solid maple neck combine to enhance mids and trebles, making the Gypsy Fire a formidable presence in the most lively campfire sessions.

This striking instrument boasts custom features including an intensely figured birdseye maple body and neck, AJL logo Selmer style tuners, EVO gold fretwork, and toned lacquer finish. At just 4lb 8oz (2.06kg), the guitar is light and well balanced, and trimmed with solid rosewood binding, matching the polished compensated bridge. With smooth low action over comfy D-profile neck, the guitar plays effortlessly with a fresh high precision setup, and double acting truss rod.

This instrument is in all original condition, and apart from a tiny fingernail nick near the guard, appears virtually unplayed. The aged lacquer finish lends an authentic vintage look, while allowing the tonewood to sing freely. Meticulous to a fault, Ari produces his own custom molded cases, stamped with the serial number of the guitar, and including several additional bridges of varying height, some extra tuner buttons, and an extended truss rod wrench.

AJL guitars are rarely seen on the vintage market: players tend to be keepers. Here's a chance to jump the queue for a new one, and bag a bargain too. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge silvered steel strings, and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.