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Serial #: 220 Dated: 5-25-97, signed by the maker

Body size at lower bout: 14" Body depth: 2" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut width: 1 3/4" Neck depth: .84-.94, 1st-10th fret

Materials: Solid handcarved bookmatched Adirondack spruce top; handcarved solid flame maple back with matching sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard; Macassar ebony headstock veneer; grained ivoroid body and neck binding.

Hardware: Nickel Waverly 16X1 mini-tuners with grained ivoroid keys; floating Bartolini humbucking pickup; bound ebony pickguard with volume control; compensated adjustable ebony bridge; machined brass tailpiece; 1/4" endpin jack.

Notes: The Andersen Archie series is a product of a collaboration of two of the most creative spirits on the contemporary jazz guitar scene: master luthier Steve Andersen, and recording star Bill Frisell. Accepting the challenge to create a compact gigging guitar with a 'big box' sound and feel, the pair brainstormed the original Little Archie, an ingenious synthesis of traditional and cutting edge design.

This splendid guitar is a very rare archtop with a spectacular, deeply figured back carved from of a single piece of solid tiger flame maple. (Maple billets large enough for archtop bodies are extremely rare, and backs without a center seam are almost always a veneered laminate.) In addition, the soundboard is hand graduated of bookmatched Adirondack (red) spruce: the lightweight and responsive tonewood renowned in the finest prewar guitars.

Tipping the scales at a phenomenal 4lb 2oz, the fully hollow, all carved slimline body is just 14" wide, and 2" deep. Lightweight and responsive, the instrument floats effortlessly on the lap or the strap, a genuine delight on the longest gig. Nonetheless, Andersen's innovative X-bracing soundboard produce a voice that is remarkable in its clarity and warmth, with bass response utterly unexpected in a soundbox this size. Fitted with a generous 1 3/4" fingerboard, this Archie is ideal for finger or pick style playing, with smooth low action over a gentle D profile neck, and a fresh high-precision setup.

This example is in superb condition, without pick, buckle, thumb, fret or fingerboard wear. A delight equally to hold and behold, this compact wonder is an uncommonly tuneful travel companion, and a unique combination of vintage tone and modern playability. We understand that at this writing, the maker has indicated his immanent retirement, so sadly, there won't be another newArchie from this renowned builder. One only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.052). 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 custom padded Cordura gigbag.

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