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1997 Webber Dreadnought, Ribbon Mahogany
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status of this instrument, please check here.
If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments
page it has been sold. To be notified of examples of this or
any other model in the future, please email your specific requests to [email protected].
Serial #: 4108797 Nut Width: 1 3/4" Scale length: 25 1/2" Body Size at lower bout: 15 1/4" Body depth at tail: 4 3/8" neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .85/.86
Materials: Solid bookmatched figured ribbon mahogany back and sides; solid bookmatched quartersawn spruce top; solid one-piece Honduras mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; Brazilian rosewood headplate; solid bone nut; solid ebony bridge with compensated bone saddle; 3 on a plate tuners with pearloid keys; clear scratchplate, Paua abalone body and soundhole purfling; adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Former hard hat diver. Avid outdoorsman. And incredibly prolific master quality luthier. Until his recent retirement, British Columbia builder David Webber reportedly crafted somewhere between 1500 and 2000 premium quality instruments, working with no more than a single apprentice. How'd he do it?
Operating from his cozy workshop in North Vancouver, BC, Webber combined a rigorous commitment to handbuilt integrity, with ingenious high tech tooling. An early adopter of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) woodworking, Webber adapted technology that until fairly recently was so costly and complex that only the largest factories could afford it. Webber's desktop version allowed him to execute critical operations like dovetail fitting and logo routing with unvarying precision, with a consistency and quality hand builders of the past could only dream of.
This striking guitar is an example of Webber's Dreadnought model, combining classic D-series body and scale with the slotted headstock of Martin's legendary 12 fret models. Combined with the lightweight mahogany neck, the open headstock makes for a notably well balanced guitar, and one extraordinarily light in weight. At a scant 3lb 15oz, the instrument simply floats on the lap or the strap, and positively thunders under the pick.
Planed and braced to exceptionally fine tolerances, the body is crafted of dramatically figured ribbon mahogany, with satiny rollers of the most luminous figuration, highlighted by the brilliant Paua abalone binding and purfling. The voice has excellent balance and sustain, easily responsive for both finger and pick style play. Action is effortless on a gentle C profile neck, with a fresh high precision setup. Meticulously maintained, the guitar is free of cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, with fine original fretwork, and no more than a few tiny finish nicks to show for its long career.
(A special note: the consigner has stated that this guitar was actually built by famed gypsy guitar builder Shelley Park, during her time working in the Webber shop. She has in fact confirmed her tenure there between 1996 and 1998, and this splendid instrument is certainly consistent with her superlative quality of luthiery.)
Webber's highly regarded guitars are rarely seen on the vintage market, making this example in virtually unplayed condition a most welcome find, and an unquestioned best buy in a true premium luthier quality instrument. One only: call now.
Setup: Action is adjusted from 4/64" to 5 6/4" at the 12th fret, with light neck relief. This instrument is strung with medium gauge phosphor bronze strings, and will accommodate lighter strings, according to preference.
Case: Original deluxe hardshell case with plush lining.
