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1996 Andersen Oval 17

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Serial #: 239

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

Finish: Amber blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type

Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched quartersawn Sitka spruce top; handcarved solid one-piece flame maple back with matching sides and neck; ebony headstock veneer; rosewood headstock back veneer; engraved mother of pearl truss rod cover; walnut bound body; rosewood heel cap.

Hardware: Black Schaller 16X1 mini-tuners; solid ebony pickguard, tailpiece and compensated bridge.

Notes: Steve Andersen has forged an international reputation of the highest order, having hand crafted top-notch acoustic instruments for over 30 years. First famed for his mandolins and flattops, Steve has focused for over 20 years on his extensive line of world-class archtop guitars, with players including recording star Bill Frisell, and a host of working guitarists coast to coast.

This example is one of Andersen's innovative oval hole archtops, a design that produces a distinctly brighter acoustic tone with more sustain and deeper bass response. With sensitivity particularly well suited to the fingerstyle player, the Oval blends some of the most attractive tonal qualitites of the better both archtop and flat top designs.The tonal brilliance of the instrument is accentuated with a soundboard of solid handcarved bookmatched spruce of unusually fine grain. The extravagantly flamed woods, a simple, elegant design, and Andersen's ultra-meticulous fit and finish, result in an instrument of surpassing acoustical quality, and strong clean lines.

This example is in superb condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and features an ultra-rare solid one-piece back, hand carved of dramatic tiger flame maple. Figured maple in this size in exceedingly hard to find, and this guitar is indeed the first archtop of any kind we've seehn with a solid unseamed back plate. The current price on this model with electronics would exceed $7500 today, with a substantial wait. 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 black plush hardshell case.

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