EL WELKER 17" Archtop 2002 - Leather

17” Hand crafted archtop guitar built by master luthier, Larry Welker.

Very unique guitar-has cool art-deco vibe. Top, back, and sides are laminated Spruce
 that is covered in oak tanned cowhide from Hermann Oak Leathers
. One piece solid Honduras Mahogany neck with wood binding (adds a nice tociuch cool looking). 
Rosewood fretboard inlaid with what looks like metal fret markers
. Rosewood finger rest. 
Handmade Kent Armstrong humbucker pickup. 
Grover Rotomatic tuners. 
Custom bar tailpiece. Overall, very good condition, a few scratches on the neck and, when I bought it, someone replaced the nut and it looks like it has some glue on it (see last photo), it is rough to the touch, but does not effect playability.


Over the years, I have left the leather in as natural state as possible, a coat of an emulsion of lanolin once every few years is all that I did to condition it. Come with hard shell case in excellent condition.

According to EL Welker, he is, “most proud of the leather wrapped laminated arch tops I’ve developed. Everyone askes, “Leather covering on a finely crafted arch top?”, but once they’ve heard the sound of the leather guitar, they become believers. Bill Fender from Legato Guitars was hesitant to take a leather wrapped arch top guitar, but once I sent him one he joined my ever growing flock of believers.”

Has warm jazz tone 

This guitar originally listed for $5,250
.

Super Archtop. Amazing tone and playability.