2007 Webb 17

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2007 Webb 17

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SN#: 00607, signed by the maker

Finish: sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched X-braced.Sitka spruce top; solid handcarved bookmatched figured AAA big leaf flame maple back, sides; flamed eastern rock maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; bound body and f-holes.

Hardware: Adjustable compensated ebony bridge; contoured gold tailpiece; gold Schaller 16X1 tuners; ebony pickguard; Kent Armstrong Johnny Smith style pickup.

Notes: Luthier John Webb's workshop is located in Tualatin, Oregon, just south of Portland, near the river of the same name. Trained in architecture as well as biology, Webb has a deep understanding of the natural materials he works with, as well as the design principles that transform them into works of musical art. This guitars' stunning beauty is a testament to Webb's keen eye; the Big Leaf maple back sides and neck are luxuriantly flamed and impeccably bookmatched. On closer inspection, Webb's attention to detail is more than impressive: the instrument is assembled, bound and finished with a level of precision bordering on the obsessive. As Webb himself outlines his philosophy:

"I build guitars one at a time by hand (without a carving machine)... I have an aversion to using any prefabricated parts to the degree that I try to buy my wood in billets and resaw it myself. Typically I use Sitka spruce for the top, bracing, and linings, Bigleaf maple for the back and sides. For the neck Eastern rock maple is used. Ebony is used for the fingerboard, bridge, tailpiece, and finger rest. I base my guitars primarily on the work of Robert Benedetto and I tend to agree with most of his philosophy on guitars and guitar making."

The Webb 17 is notably light in weight and very well balanced in the lap. The neck has a classic rounded C profile, neither too skinny, nor overly full. Finally, the voice is splendid; rich and warm, with an appealing woodiness, excellent balance, and plenty of volume. We've seen many big-name guitars costing small fortunes whose acoustic tone can't compare with this marvel from the Great Northwest. (In a recent visit to archtop.com, jazz legend Howard Alden spent some considerable time with a Webb guitar, and pronounced it a very fine instrument indeed.) Webb's ultra-meticulous construction methods means precious few instruments will issue from his shop in any given year. Here's a rare opportunity to play top-shelf quality at an entry-level price, brand new with builder's warranty.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze roundwound 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 plush hardshell case.

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