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1995 Andersen Model 17
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Serial #: 195, signed by the maker, 10/4/95
Body size at lower bout: 17" Body depth: 3" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .83/.96, 1st/10th fret
Finish: Natural blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type
Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched Adirondack spruce top and braces; handcarved solid flame maple back, sides, and neck, solid bone nut.
Hardware: Gold Schaller 16X1 mini-tuners with ebony keys; solid ebony pickguard and compensated bridge; ebony trapeze tailpiece, Kent Armstrong floating PAF humbucking pickup with volume and tone controls and endpin jack.
Notes: The Pacific Northwest has long been known as a source for the finest tonewoods, and some of the world's most celebrated builders. Having produced top-notch acoustic instruments for some 4 decades, Steve Andersen was first famed for his mandolins and flattops. Later focusing his attention to his extensive line of top-flight archtop guitars, Steve has garnered fans worldwide, not least among them renowned players like Bill Frisell and others.
A paragon of understated elegance, the Andersen Model 17 puts the focus on tone, playability, and value. Back, sides and neck are tiger maple of exceptionally pronounced figure; with Andersen's ultra-meticulous fit and finish, the result is an instrument of lively acoustical quality, great looks, and superlative performance.
This striking example is hand crafted with an extravagantly figured tiger maple body and neck; X-braced, tap-tuned Adirondack spruce soundboard and tone bars, solid ebony fingerboard and hardware, Armstrong floating PAF humbucker, and a handsome black ebony trapeze tailpiece. The tiger flame neck has a comfy gentle D profile, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. In the style of John D'Angelico, its eye-catching one-piece construction is a rarity in modern archtop guitars.
Finish and hardware are 100% original, and the guitar is free of cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a few tiny wisps of checking in the warmly ambered true nitro finish, the guitar appears virtually unplayed altogether. And at a mere 5 lb. 8 oz. the instrument is exceptionally lightweight, and nimbly balanced on the lap or the strap. With a clear, musical voice with excellent balance and projection, the instrument is simply a delight to play.
Buyers are keepers, so this best-buy model is rarely seen on the vintage market. A remarkable find, from one of America's top builders. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound 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 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.
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