2024 Higuchi Wagtail
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2024 Higuchi Wagtail
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SN#: 24017 Body size at lower bout: 15" Body depth: 2 3/4" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .84/.97
Materials: Solid hand graduated fine grain spruce top; solid AAAA flame maple back and sides; Honduran mahogany neck with solid ebony fingerboard; flame maple body binding; Brazilian rosewood headplate; solid bone nut.
Hardware: 100% original hardware includes Macasasr ebony pickguard, tailpiece and adjustable compensated bridge; Jun Tone F/G Alnico V single coil PAF size pickup; Gotoh 510 black anodized tuners,;adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Perhaps the most notable recent development in the world of fine archtops has been the emergence of the master quality luthiers of Japan. With innovative designs and fanatical devotion to fit, finish and overall build quality, these meticulous craftsmen have set a new standard for performance and ergonomics now second to none.
To the distinguished roster including Masaki Nishimura of Westville Guitars, Shiro Tsuji, and the late Taku Sakashta, we are pleased to add Kyodai Higuchi, creator of the remarkable Wagtail series of instruments. Another veteran of the venerable Terada guitar works, Higuchi has been producing exquisite handcrafted guitars for a select audience for over a decade, including bespoke instruments for luminaries including Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones.
No longer just a cute little bird native to Asia, Europe and parts of North Africa, the Higuchi Wagtail is hand built of all solid tonewoods, including AAAA curly maple body, X-braced hand graduated spruce soundboard, and hardware of lustrous Macassar ebony. At just 4lb 14oz, the slimmed depth 15" body is an absolute delight to hold, over the longest gig.
Premium appointments include flame maple body binding, EVO gold fretwork, striking Brazilian rosewood headplate, and the innovative Jun Tone F/G Alnico V single coil pickup, cunningly built into a standard PAF housing.
With its compact, slimmed depth body, the guitar is a model of comfort, and its stunningly figured flame maple body is admirably resistant to feedback. This gleaming example is in as-new condition, with all original hardware, true nitro finish, and handsome blonde plush lined hardshell case. Smooth low action over fresh pro setup, comfy C neck profile and a clear, expressive voice admirably suited to a variety of styles.
A very rare bird outside its country of origin, and a top flight luthier quality instrument, the Wagtail has a price to quality ratio that will have your tail wagging aplenty. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge (.012) 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.
