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2015 Benedetto Custom 16-B 'Jim Fox'
Status: For pricing and hold status for this instrument, please check 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 or any other model in the future, please contact [email protected].
SN#: S-2235, signed by Bob Benedetto
Body size at lower bout: 16" Body Depth: 3 3/8" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .88/1.0, 1st/10th fret
Finish: Antique burst, nitrocellulose type
Materials: Solid carved bookmatched tap tuned spruce top with solid spruce braces; solid carved flame maple body and neck; solid ebony fingerboard; abalone headstock logo; solid bone nut.
Hardware: All ebony hardware includes tailpiece, fingerrest, knobs, tuner buttons, truss rod cover, and volume knob; gold Armstrong floating humbucking pickup with endpin jack.
Notes: The iconic name in the contemporary archtop guitar, Bob Bendetto has set the standard for the craft in over three decades of innovative custom luthiery. The 16-B series is the ultimate extension of a process begun over 60 years ago, with the introduction of the Gibson ES-175. Long prized by working players for its versatility and reliability, the 16" cutaway body was further refined by Jimmy D'Aquisto in the '70's.
Today, with 16" guitars enjoying yet a third wave of popularity, the Benedetto 16-B has pushed the evolution to an unprecedented stage of refinement. With all solid, tap-tuned tonewoods, the instrument is both lighter and more acoustically resonant, with a slightly slimmed body that glides easily under the arm. Weighing in at a comfy 5lb. 8oz, this guitar is one of the lightest production guitars of its size anywhere. This offers increased acoustic response, better balance and a more comfortable playing experience, especially on gigs of extended duration.
This unique custom instrument was built for studio star Jim Fox, a celebrated virtuoso who's accompanied artists from Frank Sinatra, Jr. and Michael Feinstein to Rosemary Clooney, Bette Midler, Woody Herman and Henry Mancini. Like Benedetto's premium Manhattan model, this guitar is built with an X-braced soundboard, rather than the parallel pattern standard in the 16-B. In addition, it is fitted with a floating pickup, like the Manhattan, in place of the built-in pickup found on an ordinary 16-B. The net effect is a guitar with Manhattan style sustain, bass response and acoustic volume, with some additional depth added to the standard 16-B body. Completing the package is a body of deeply figured tiger flame maple. The slim, elegant D profile neck is a marvel of pure comfort, sitting effortlessly in the hand with a 12 radius fingerboard of solid dark ebony, matching the deeply lustrous tailpiece and fingerrest.
This one-of-a-kind guitar has been kept in fine shape, complete with original Benedetto arched plush hardshell case. Apart from a few wisps of spider checking on the cutaway horn and near the tailpiece, this gleaming guitar looks much as it did when it originally left the Savannah, GA workshop. A special bonus is a copy of the November, 2015 issue of Just Jazz Guitar magazine, featuring this instrument on the cover, with an extended tribute to its owner inside. Built with pride in the USA, the 16-B is bears the signature of the most renowned name in jazz guitar.
A unique find, from the player they call 'the pro's pro'. Call now.
Case: Deluxe black TKL arched plush lined hardshell case.
