Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends
archtop.com
1980 Maccaferri/CSL MAC-10
Status: For pricing and hold status for this instrument, please check 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 by found here. To be notified of examples of this or any other model in the future, please contact [email protected].
SN#: 85, on label, signed by Mario Maccaferri, dated Aug. 1980 Neck block #: 800611
Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 25 1/2" (650mm) Nut Width: 1 15/16"
Materials: Bookmatched solid spruce top; bookmatched arched Indian rosewood back and sides; solid Honduras mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard and bridge; rosewood bound body; marquetry sound hole inlay.
Hardware: All original hardware including solid ebony bridge; Selmer style tailpiece; gold 3 on a plate tuners.
Notes: Pioneering Italian luthier, performer and enterpreneur Mario Maccaferri produced the first of his revolutionary designs in the late 1920's, in an attempt to increase the volume and range of the classical guitar. By 1932 the Selmer company of Paris had begun to produce steel string versions, which became the iconic instrument of gypsy jazz guitar. Breaking with Selmer the following year, Maccaferri went on to produce an innovative line of mass produced instruments in the US, but never produced another gypsy style guitar for almost half a century.
In the late 1970's British retailer and guitar historian Maurice Sommerfield persuaded Maccaferri to collaborate on a recreation of his groundbreaking instrument, and by 1979 had arranged with Ibanez to produce a small batch. The first modern reissue of the 30's original, the CSL Maccaferri MAC-10 was produced only until 1981. Although the run was limited to just 440 instruments, the MAC-10 almost single handedly jump-started the contemporary resurgence of interest in Maccaferri-inspired guitars, now spanning scores of builders and untold thousands of devoted gypsy jazz players worldwide.
The MAC-10 is faithful to Mario's original "Grand Bouche" model with it's signature D-shaped soundhole. This design is renowned for it's increased bass response, and is a versatile instrument for either rhythm or lead work. This example is made with the traditional 650 mm scale, and sports a very generous 1 15/16" nut for easy fingering. With back and sides of handsome arched Indian Rosewood, laminated for strength and stiffness in the traditional Selmer style, the body makes a brilliant platform for the solid bookmatched Sitka spruce top.
This example has been immaculately maintained, without cracks, repairs, or checking, and free of buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, showing only a few scattered nicks in the all-original natural finish. Hardware is all original as well, with gold engraved tuners and a Selmer style tailpiece, acommodating either ball or loop end strings. Action is smooth and low over freshly leveled original fretwork, and the neck profile is a fine full D shape, nicely tapered. The handsome condition of the instrument belies its years of vigorous play, which has opened the voice to a bell-like clarity, with extraordinary projection and a full, open tone, with volume to burn.
This rare guitar is supplied with its original full size photo-illustrated booklet, which contains a biography of Maccaferri, as well as a history of the MAC series instruments. The only gypsy guitar ever signed by the master himself, the MAC-10 is a vibrant piece of contemporary guitar history. Call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge silvered steel strings (.011), and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.
Case: Original deluxe plush lined hardshell case.
