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2012 Andersen Double Top
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Serial #: 487. signed by the builder
Body size at lower bout: 16" Body depth: 2 7/8" Scale length: 25" Nut width: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .77/.90"
Materials: Englemann spruce/Nomex 'double top' soundboard; solid flame maple back, sides, and neck; bound body and soundholes.
Hardware: Aged nickel Jason Lollar Johnny Smith style floating humbucking pickup, nickel Waverly 16X1 tuners; solid ebony pickguard, tailpiece, and compensated bridge; bakelite volume knob, endpin jack.
Notes: The term 'unique' is certainly one of the most abused superlatives in the English language. But here's an instrument where no other word will do.
Steve Andersen is a legend here in the Pacific Northwest, having produced top-notch acoustic instruments for over 40 years. First famed for his mandolins and flattops, Steve has built an international reputation on his extensive line of world-class archtop guitars, with endorsers including recording star Bill Frisell, and a host of working players coast to coast.
The Double Top is designed for the gigging player, with a comfortable 16" body, and a floating Lollar JS style pickup, for maximum acoustic fidelity. The extravagantly flamed woods, a simple, elegant design, and Andersen's ultra-meticulous fit and finish, result in an instrument of surpassing visual quality, and strong clean lines.
But that's just where it begins. This guitar is one of only three of Andersen's 'double top' instruments ever built, an exclusive creation of this innovative builder, and made in this model year only. Long used by classical builders, the technique sandwiches two pieces of thin tonewood around a core of Nomex, an ultralight polymer. The resulting material is lighter and more resonant than conventional laminates, with a superior strength to weight ratio that creates a livelier, more responsive soundboard.
At a staggering 4b 10oz, the instrument is certainly the lightest cutaway archtop of its size we have ever seen, and simply floats on the lap or the strap. And as one might expect, its voice is highly responsive as well, with brilliant resonance, and truly phenomenal acoustic projection.
Sporting flame maple of staggering depth, this handsome guitar is in immaculate condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear in its pristine natural matte finish. The tight fiddleback figure of the maple is particularly noteworthy, as it is bookmatched with uncommon skill, resulting in a highly symmetrical pattern. The neck has a gentle D profile, very comfy in the palm, with smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup.
Featured in Fretboard Journal, a video of Steve's groundbreaking construction techniques, and a demonstration by Bill Frisell may be seen here.
This remarkable instrument is exceptional rarity, as we know of no other double top archtop guitars built by any other luthier to date. And sad to say, there won't be any others from this outstanding builder going forward, as he has now retired from active luthiery. So nab this remarkable instrument while you can: you won't see another anytime soon. One only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" 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 premium Cedar Creek black plush lined arched hardshell case.
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