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1998 Andersen Metropolitan Special

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 #: 226, Signed by the maker.

Body size at lower bout: 17" Body depth: 3" Scale length: 25.4" Nut width: 1 11/16"

Finish: Natural blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type

Materials: Solid handcarved Englemann spruce top; handcarved solid AAA tiger maple back with matching sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard and headstock veneer; mother of pearl peghead logo; bound body.

Hardware: Black Schaller 16X1 mini-tuners; solid handcarved ebony pickguard, tailpiece and compensated bridge. Kent Armstrong Handmade floating PAF humbucking pickup, with thumbwheel volume control and endpin jack.

Notes: Steve Andersen is a local hero here in the Pacific Northwest, having produced top-notch acoustic instruments for over three decades. First famed for his mandolins and flattops, Steve has built an international reputation on his extensive line of world-class archtop guitars. Andersen players include recording artist Bill Frisell, ace stringman Dan Fahnle, and many more.

This guitar is the first of a small series Steve produced in the late 90's, combining topflight woods, a simple, elegant design, and Andersen's ultra-meticulous fit and finish. The result is an instrument of surpassing acoustical quality, clean lines, and a price within reach of the working player. The design of this rare example incorporates elements of the Andersen Model 17 and his Streamline series, combining extravangantly figured woods, a one-piece maple neck, and a solid ebony tailpiece.

At just 5lb. 4oz, this guitar is notably lightweight and well balanced, on the lap or the strap. The tap tuned X-braced soundboard produces a clear, open voice, with excellent definition and resonance, faithfully amplified by the Armstrong Handmade floating PAF pickup. Carefully maintained, the guitar is 100% original, and shows no cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and has smooth low action over a gentle D profile neck. Apart from some traces of checking under a pair of the tuner bushings, the guitar appears virtually unplayed,

In a world mushrooming with wannabe archtop builders, Andersen has for years been among the tiny handful of truly thriving workshops, with many pro clients and substantial backorders. Lots of folks are still kicking themselves for not buying a Benedetto at this price when they could. It's no accident that these guitars rarely surface for resale. Don't miss the boat with this unbeatable value in a true hand-built masterpiece. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.056). 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 black arched plush lined hardshell case.

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