Island Instruments DelAir Headless Fan Fret Multi Scale Archtop Hollowbody

2021 Island Instruments DelAir Headless

An innovative, and more importantly great sounding, archtop from Island Instruments in Montreal. For the top and back plates, maple / Nomex laminations are utilized, and the guitar also incorporates an adjustable neck system to allow changes in string height under tension.

Specs / Measurements

• 2021
• Maple / Nomex laminated top and back
• Maple Structured sides
• ~1.76” nut
• ~24.75”-25.5” multi scale
• Fixed bridge
• EVO Gold frets
• Lace Alumitone pickup
• Mono bag, adjustment tools

Condition / Setup Notes

Excellent(+), The guitar remains in beautiful shape, with no wear to reasonably point out. Current string height about 4/64” to 3/64” from bass to treble, with a touch of relief. Easily adjustable string height, under tension, through the access hole in the back. The knobs have been replaced with matching wood, but the original black knobs are included.

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There is a lot going on with this guitar in form and function, and everything culminates in a beautifully resonant instrument that’s compact, and comfortable to play. The builder, Nic Delisle, says it best about his guitars:

 “The plates and side geometry are radically shaped on 5’ radius hemispheres, giving the instrument a striking appearance, with the side depth ranging from a full 3” to a mere 1.25” . This shape is naturally ergonomic and conforms to the player’s body while the floating neck provides unfettered access to upper frets. The top and back are made using a unique lamination featuring Nomex, the aerospace material used in “douple top” classical guitars. They’re glued on to a rimset of “structed sides”, another unique lamination using full height kerfed liners and exterior skins. The entire system is extremely stiff and stable and provides a loud, clear, articulate tone, rich with harmonic content. The angle of the neck is adjustable for on-the-fly changes in string action, independent of the optimally set bridge & saddle height.”

This one is distinctive in that it has both a multi scale and a fan fret. A very cool experience to have a headless archtop in hand, especially one that just sounds and plays great.

Thanks for looking, any questions please feel free.