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1992 Grit Laskin "The Fly Fisherman"
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SN# 280792, signed label
Body size at lower bout: 15". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 3/4" Body depth: 3 3/4"
Materials: Solid highly figured bookmatched Brazilian rosewood back and sides; bookmatched solid Sitka spruce top; solid mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; mahogany bound body, curly maple bound headstock; solid ebony bridge with compensated bone saddle; marquetry soundhole rosette.
Hardware: Schaller 16X1 tuners; clear scratchplate; adjustable truss rod; under saddle piezo pickup with endpin jack.
Notes: Bob Benedetto. Roger Sadowski. Mark Campellone. Bill Collings. Why is this "A" list of archtop builders raving about a flat top? Because it's made by Grit Laskin. In over three decades of creative luthiery, William "Grit" Laskin has brought the craft of guitar building to the status of fine art. An early apprentice of Jean Larrivee, Laskin quickly made his mark with master quality instruments bearing one-of-a-kind inlays of astonishing imagination and detail. Rare is the luthier whose work is shown regularly in major art galleries, and Laskin is the only Canadian builder to be honored with his nation's top prize for excellence in the crafts.
This remarkable instrument was built for legendary singer and songwriter Danny O'Keefe ("Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues") whose chart topping career began in 1971, the same year as Laskin's own. Danny's a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest, and his passion for stream angling made this whimsical design a natural. But it's not O'Keefe's face under the abalone brim, it's Grit himself with that gorgeous steelhead on the line. While Laskin's inlay is undeniably showstopping, it's worth remembering that the show starts with tone, playability and high-performance musicality. The mid-size body is particularly well balanced across the tonal range, and the dramatic figured Brazilian rosewood adds the brilliance and projection this most coveted of all tonewoods is renowned for. The cutaway option adds unrestricted access to the uppermost frets, and the "Armrest" beveled upper bout, a Laskin innovation, considerably enhances upper arm comfort during extended play.
The instrument has been lovingly maintained in superb 100% original condition, and includes an under-saddle pickup mounted to an endpin jack, and a letter of authenticity from Mr. O'Keefe. The instrument is without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and the 100% original finish shows a bit of light normal checking on the top between the bridge and the endblock. A Brazilian Laskin with this option package and comparable inlay would cost over $18K today, with a wait over two years. Don't let this catch be the one that got away.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge (.011) strings, and will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.
Case: Original plush hardshell case.
