Chris Eccleshall, Electro Acoustic - Custom Commissioned - 12 String , 74/75, Exc Condition, Hiscox Case, Free worldwide Shipping !

A rare early example from Chris Eccleshall’s formative 1970s Ealing-London workshop, this hand-built 12-string electro-acoustic represents a true piece of British luthiery history, built entirely to custom order and featuring a passive piezo pickup at a time when such appointments were virtually unheard of.

Carrying serial number #119 and internal designation D334 (also stamped to the headstock), this guitar appears to be a rarely documented “D” model, distinct from the more commonly encountered body sizes and built to a unique customer specification. While Eccleshall designated body formats using letters (A, B, C, etc.), no comparable “D” examples have surfaced, placing this firmly within the more individual boutique builds of his early custom output.

Built during a period when Eccleshall produced instruments exclusively to order, this guitar reflects a highly personal, small-workshop approach, each instrument tailored to the needs of its original player. The inclusion of a passive piezo system at this early date strongly suggests it was commissioned with amplified stage performance in mind, long before electro-acoustics became standard.

Given the cost of bespoke instruments relative to typical wages in the 1970s, guitars of this level were generally commissioned by serious or professional musicians rather than casual players. The forward-thinking electro-acoustic specification further reinforces this, pointing to an instrument built for real-world use.

This guitar aligns closely with the type of custom-commissioned instruments Chris Eccleshall was producing during the same period for his ‘A-list’ clientele, including David Bowie, who is documented as performing on custom Eccleshall 12-strings on stage. Its specification, timing, and workshop origin place it firmly within that same creative and professional context, an era in which Eccleshall’s instruments were being played at the highest level.

Tonally, the guitar follows Eccleshall’s classical-influenced approach to steel-string design, offering excellent balance, clarity, and separation across all 12 strings. Unlike larger-bodied 12-strings, it avoids excessive low-end boom, instead delivering a focused, articulate voice that records well and sits cleanly in a mix.

This is a strong, highly usable vintage example. The neck is straight and the action is excellent for a 12-string, measuring approximately 2.0mm on the bass side and 1.5mm on the treble. Structurally sound, with no repairs or issues, it remains fully playable something increasingly rare for handmade instruments of this type and age.

Cosmetically, the guitar shows honest play wear, and handling marks consistent with over 50 years of use, including a small area of lacquer loss and surface rash to the back. This is purely cosmetic and presents as genuine vintage patina, reflecting a life as a professionally played instrument rather than one kept in storage.

Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. We can provide additional photos on request.

Serial comparison with known examples suggests this guitar follows shortly after instruments in the 70s range from 1974, placing it most likely in late 1974 or possibly early 1975, firmly within Eccleshall’s earliest Ealing - London workshop working period.

The guitar is supplied with a quality Hiscox hard shell case, providing excellent protection for storage and transport.

Collector, investor, and discerning stage player interest in Chris Eccleshall’s work is now firmly established, with values seeing notable appreciation in recent years as increasingly few examples come to market.

This represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a fully documented, early-period Chris Eccleshall instrument from his Ealing, London workshop, widely regarded as his most important and formative era.

A true custom-commissioned electro-acoustic 12-string, this guitar was built at a time when such specifications were exceptionally forward-thinking. The inclusion of a passive piezo system places it well ahead of its time, reflecting the demands of professional musician who commissioned this guitar, seeking stage-ready performance decades before electro-acoustics became commonplace.

Examples of this calibre of Chris Eccleshall’s early, bespoke, boutique guitars, are seldom encountered on the open vintage market. The combination of documented provenance, custom build status, and innovative specification positions this instrument not only as a highly usable instrument, but as a compelling piece for the serious collector, investor or discerning stage player.

In every respect, this is a rare survivor and a testament to Chris Eccleshall’s luthiery skills, and vision offering both historical significance; and after 50+ years, still continued musical relevance.

Not only a stellar guitar but a very sound investment.

Delivery Conditions: This guitar will be carefully packed before being despatched using the best couriers and shall be fully insured by a separate dedicated transit insurance policy for the purchase amount. Please contact us for specific courier / insurance rates to your destination. No returns.CCG T&C's apply at all times (see shop policies)