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2019 Abe Rivera Sceptre, His Final Masterpiece

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Body size at lower bout: 15 3/4" Scale length: 25 1/4" Nut width: 1 7/8" Body depth: 1 1/2" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: 1.09/1.24"

Materials: Solid hand carved 3 piece spalted maple body; solid hand carved 3 piece flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard with abalone inlay and adjustable truss rod; solid abalone binding; scalloped bone nut.

Hardware: Shadow Attila Zoller humbucking neck pickup, PAF style bridge pickup, gold Schaller compensated adjustable roller bridge with ebony base, gold Schaller M-6 16:1 tuners, hand crafted brass tailpiece, pearl inlaid ebony volume and tone knobs;

Notes: Don't go looking for Abe Rivera's website. With celebrity players like Pat Martino, Kevin Eubanks and other top artists, he didn't really need one, either.

A native Puerto Rican, Rivera played vibes in a number of jazz combos early in his career, and was an accomplished guitarist as well. A head luthier at Gretsch, and later a first-call repairman around Long Island, Abe would later establish his own workshop there in Huntington Station. Until his passing in 2020, Rivera's distinctive creations gained him a cult following among Gotham City guitarists and bass players, with each instrument individually personalized for its owner.

This historic guitar is Abe's very last creation, before his passing the following Spring, and is offered by it's original owner. A stunning example of his famed Sceptre model, the body is hand carved of spectacular spalted maple, with striking deeply veined black grain throughout. The highly flamed tiger maple neck extends clear through the body, which is trimmed in wide iridescent Paua abalone purfling.

In classic Rivera style, the highly flamed U profile neck is particularly solid and full in the hand, with a generous 1 7/8" fingerboard, ideal for the classical or fingerstyle player, with an abalone inlaid 22 fret solid ebony fingerboard. Scalloped out of polished bone, the nut echoes the style of instruments of the Renaissance era as well.

At just 7lb 6oz, the guitar balances nimbly on the lap or the strap, with a light emerald finish that highlights the figured maple body to great advantage. Hard crafted appointments include the polished ebony bridge base, and solid brass tailpiece. With the Shadow Attila Zoller humbucking pickup in the neck position, and PAF style pickup at the bridge, the guitar offers a versatile pallete of tonal colors.

Presented by its original owner, the guitar has been maintained in pristine condition, with all original hardware and finish, without cracks, checking, or playwear. The fingerboard has smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup, and the guitar is fitted with Abe's own inlaid ebony control knobs, in a distinctive design.

This final work of a renowned master is the culmination of a fabled career, and a unique find for the player or collector. A rare prize from a legendary craftsman: one only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge nickel roundwound strings. 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 light relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original deluxe black plush lined rectangular hardshell case.

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