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1996 Comins Classic 16

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 by 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#: 0040

Body size at lower bout: 16" Body Depth: 3 1/16" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4"

Finish: violin sunburst, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain Sitka spruce top; handcarved AAA quilted maple back and sides; solid tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; deluxe 8-ply body binding; 5-ply headstock and neck binding; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Hardware includes hand carved ebony tailpiece and finger rest; ebony Schaller 16X1 tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge; Benedetto humbucking pickup with tone and volume controls and endpin jack.

Notes: Bill Comins carves master quality instruments by hand at his Pennsylvania workshop, and has earned in the process a place among the pre-eminent builders of the modern archtop guitar. Using the design concepts of Bob Benedetto as a starting point, Comins has evolved a line of instruments that reflect both his personal vision and his high standards for fit, finish and tone. This guitar is an example of his Concert Model, and is constructed of bookmatched quilted maple, tap-tuned hand carved solid Sitka spruce, and hand crafted ebony hardware.

With intensely quilted AAA maple across the back, the guitar is fitted with a vivid tiger flame neck, and lacquered in a warmly burnished sunburst violin finish. The parallel-braced top is tap-tuned for balance and clarity, with a sweet, open voice, that echoes the woodiness of instruments many decades older. The compensated ebony bridge employs gold bushings around the bridgewheels for smooth adjustment, and the peghead echoes the design of the classic prewar asymmetrical Epiphone Masterbilt peghead. The neck profile is a gentle slightly flattened D, perfectly tapered for effortless play, with smooth low action over fine medium jumbo fretwork.

At just 5lb. 10 oz. the guitar is notably lightweight and well balanced, and the 16" body sits handily under the arm, with a generous 1 3/4" ebony fingerboard ideal for pick or fingerstyle play. The built-in Benedetto humbucker faithfully captures the acoustic voice, while enhancing sustain and feedback resistance. This fine example has been maintained in 100% original condition, without pick, buckle or fingerboard wear; apart from a small patch of thumbwear, and some incidental lacquer nicks, the guitar shows few signs of age altogether.

Comins guitars are rarely found on the vintage market, and represent a rare opportunity for the discriminating player. Bill's current price on this model starts at $10,500, with a considerable wait. One only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" 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.