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1994 Buscarino Monarch 'Tree of Life'
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.
Serial #: MT0819194
Body size at lower bout: 17" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 10/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .87/.94
Materials: Solid fine-grained bookmatched carved spruce top; solid AAAA quilted maple back and sides; three-piece tiger flame maple neck; ornate mother of pearl and abalone fingerboard and peghead inlay; 7-ply bound body; bound headstock, fingerboard and f-holes.
Hardware: Solid ebony fingerboard, pickguard, compensated bridge and tailpiece; gold Schaller tuners with ebony buttons, guard mounted Benedetto floating humbucking pickup with volume control and endpin jack.
Notes: John Buscarino is one of the names you'll hear on virtually every short list of the premier contemporary archtop builders. Having worked closely with luthiery legend Bob Benedetto for a number of years, John also studied with the great Augie LoPrizi of classical and flat top fame. His artist list includes George Benson, Russell Malone, Ron Affif, Gene Bertoncini and many more, all keeping Buscarino's handmade instruments in considerable demand.
The Monarch is a full depth, hand carved acoustic archtop in the classic tradition, with an X- braced 17" body, all ebony hardware and fingerboard, and simply dizzying tonewood. A spectacular custom instrument, this presentation-grade example is crafted with an ornate tree-of-life inlay in rainbow hued Paua abalone, over a solid black ebony fingerboard.
The body and neck are crafted of flamed maple of exceptional intensity, and the solid tap-tuned soundboard shows exceptionally tight grain, closely interwoven with crossgrain silk from rim to rim, and whose reddish grain is strongly suggestive of Adirondack spruce. The neck has an solid feel, with a gently flattened U profile, and smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. The voice is supple and responsive, and the instrument is finely balanced and richly resonant.
This example is 100% original, and shows no pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a single hairline finish check near the guard, the instrument appears in virtually unplayed condition. With impeccable fit, finish and finesse, this outstanding instrument is a true hand built classic by a modern master. And for one lucky player only, available at a last-century price. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound nickel 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 black arched plush lined hardshell case.
