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1994 Mortoro Volo Libero
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SN# 0294. Signed by the maker
Body size at lower bout: 16", Body Depth: 2 1/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .79/.97 1st/10th fret
Materials: Slab cut golden maple laminate body; solid flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo and fretboard inlay.
Hardware: Solid ebony hardware includes Benedetto style tailpiece, compensated adjustable bridge; black anodized Schaller M6 tuners; contoured Bakelite pickguard; Kent Armstrong Handwound PAF floating humbucking pickup, with thumbwheel volume and tone controls, endpin jack.
Notes: Master luthier Gary Mortoro worked with an impressive roster of top instrumentalists including George Benson, Tony Mottola, Jimmy Vivino, Gene Bertoncini, and even Parrothead Premier Jimmy Buffet. An acolyte of the great Bob Benedetto, Gary produced meticulously crafted instruments from his south Florida workshop for almost two decades, building a formidable reputation among top players, until his untimely passing late in 2020.
Christened his Volo Libero (Free Flight) model, this striking guitar is a unique model, designed to capture classic archtop tone in a body designed for player comfort, feedback resistance, and improved playability. With a fully hollow 16" body, the guitar has a slimmed 2 1/4" depth body that cradles easily under the arm.
The double cutaway body is an innovative design in a traditional archtop, and affords enhanced access to the full range of the fingerboard. And the handsomely figured arched maple laminate body allows the instrument to be played at higher volume levels without feedback, as well as providing greater stability under varied climate conditions and the rigors of the road. At just 5lb 15oz, the guitar is happily lightweight, and well balanced on the lap or the strap.
The Volo Libero conveys its voice faithfully to the amp through its upgrade Armstrong Handwound PAF floating humbucking pickup, a perennial favorite. Discreet humbwheel volume and tone controls were added as well, along with a contoured pickguard of polished vintage style Bakelite. The neck has an gentle, slightly tapered D profile, with fine medium frets over a fingerboard of solid black ebony, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup.
At barely over 6lb total, the guitar is substantially lighter than any ES style model, and sits comfortably on the lap or the strap. The instrument has all original deep amber lacquer finish, and has been maintained in superb condition, without cracks, checking, pick, buckle, thumb, fingerboard or fret wear, and showing only a few incidental nicks.
To the best of our knowledge, this striking guitar is the one and only example of this innovative model Mortoro ever built. A rare opportunity to own a singular creation from a beloved craftsman. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound strings (.012-.054). 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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