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2002 Comins Concert 18

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 by 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#: 0046

Body size at lower bout: 18" Body Depth: 3 1/2" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16"

Finish: natural, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain European spruce top; handcarved AAA fiddleback European maple back and sides; solid tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; flame maple body binding; solid ebony nut.

Hardware: 100% original gold hardware includes Schaller 16X1 tuners, DeArmond FHC floating pickup with tone and volume controls and endpin jack; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; hand carved ebony tailpiece and finger rest.

Notes: Bill Comins carves master quality instruments by hand at his Pennsylvania workshop, and has earned in the process a place among the pre-eminent builders of the modern archtop guitar. Using the design concepts of Bob Benedetto as a starting point, Comins has evolved a line of instruments that reflect both his personal vision and his high standards for fit, finish and tone. This guitar is a rare example of his Concert Model in an 18" body, constructed of select European tonewoods, with hand crafted ebony hardware.

With intensely figured bookmatched AAA maple across the back, the guitar is fitted with a vivid tiger flame neck, and finished in a warm amber blonde lacquer. The X-braced top is tap-tuned for balance and clarity, with an exceptionally rich, warm voice, that echoes the woodiness of instruments many decades older. The compensated ebony bridge employs gold bushings around the bridgewheels for smooth adjustment, and the peghead echoes the design of the classic prewar asymmetrical Epiphone Masterbilt peghead. The neck profile is a gentle slightly flattened D, perfectly tapered for effortless play, with smooth low action over fine tall medium fretwork.

This outstanding instrument has been maintained in immaculate virtually unplayed condition, with all original hardware and finish. At just 6lb 3oz. the super jumbo body is exceptionally lightweight for a guitar of its size, and beautifully balanced on the lap or the strap. A welcome addition is the genuine vintage DeArmond FHC floating pickup in gold finish, unavailable for over 4 decades, whose single coil response is wonderfully faithful to the acoustic voice.

Comins guitars rarely surface on the vintage market, and represent a rare opportunity for the discriminating player. With upgrades including the Euro tonewood and vintage pickup, this model now approaches $10K new, with a considerable wait. One only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). 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 arched black plush lined hardshell case.