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2006 Moll Custom 16

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SN# 2006036

Body size at lower bout: 16", Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 3/4"

Finish: Amber blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; full-depth handcarved solid AAA maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; 3 piece tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; pearl headstock logo; deluxe 7-ply body neck and headstock binding; triple-bound f-holes; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Hardware includes hand carved ebony tailpiece and finger rest, gold Schaller 16X1 tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge; stereo wiring with floating Kent Armstrong humbucker and built in piezo pickup, endpin jack.

Notes: Since Bill Moll started making archtops a quarter century ago, the field has seen a proliferation of independent builders. While most contemporary archtops sound decent enough through an amp, very few can cut the mustard unplugged. Happily, this is not a problem at Moll's workshop in Springfield, Missouri. Guitars like this Custom 16 are built from the ground up as acoustic guitars first and foremost, and sound absolutely superb under amplification as well.

Moll guitars are popular among a number of top performers including John and Bucky Pizzarelli, and after playing this one, it's not hard to see why. The tops are supported with extremely narrow and deeply scalloped braces of very low mass, designed to minimize interference with the vibration of the soundboard. The backs are zone-graduated to optimize acoustic response. The truss rod in the 5-ply neck is reinforced with bars of nickel plated, cold rolled steel, both to strengthen the neck, and to resist the dissipation of tone and volume away from the soundbox. Finally, the deco-design soundholes are designed to allow the X-braced top to perform at maximum efficiency, as well as providing a distinctive neo-traditional appearance. The result is a instrument of notable projection and clarity, a true acoustic archtop for the 21st century.

This example is in as-new showroom condition, and is constructed of absolutely stupefying deep tiger flame maple throughout. The 16" body sits effortlessly under the arm, and produces a clear, even voice, well balanced across the entire range. The neck profile is gently flattened across the back, making it ideal for either finger or pick style playing. A floating Kent Armstrong humbucker is installed for maximum acoustic fidelity. Moll's guitars are built to order and rarely seen on the vintage market. Priced at $7500 new, this immaculate instrument offers the opportunity to jump the long wait list, and bag a bargain in the process.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel 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 black plush hardshell case.

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