Atkin L36 12-Fret - The Thirty Six

The Atkin L36 is, of course, a 12-fret guitar (with the body joint at the 12th fret) – and that makes a decisive difference. This moves the bridge position into the acoustic sweet spot of the body: even the lightest touch sets the top in motion, the response is immediate, and the tone is full and musically balanced.

The top made of baked Sitka spruce performs like a played-in vintage instrument – thermally treated, structurally stabilized, and sonically "warmed up." Complemented by a mahogany body, hand-scalloped pre-war bracing, and a subtle light-relic nitrocellulose finish that not only looks good but feels that way, too: organic, tactile, and vibrant.

The 24 7/8" scale length sits between classic short-scale parlor length and full scale – enough tension for intonation and dynamics, enough comfort for hours of sessions. Bone nut and saddle, nickel Kluson tuners, Santos rosewood fretboard and bridge: everything is well thought out, nothing is accidental.

The name "Thirty Six" says it all: 1936 was a key year for the parlor guitar – that was when it became the instrument of American folk and blues. Atkin takes this tradition seriously and continues to build on it consistently in Canterbury, England – with hand, heart, and mind.

This guitar is suitable for fingerstylists and blues players, including those with smaller hands (43 mm nut width), who are looking for a compact body with an expressive tone – and who know what matters.

Specifications

Top: Torrified Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Headstock Overlay: Walnut
Logo: Atkin Banner Decal
Truss Rod: Two-way adjustable (soundhole)
Fretboard: Santos Rosewood
Bridge: Santos Rosewood
Rosette: Black/White/Black
Body Depth: 4 3/8" (approx. 111 mm)
Lower Bout Width: 14 3/4" (approx. 375 mm)
Scale Length: 24 7/8" (approx. 632 mm)
Fretboard Radius: 16"
Nut Width: 43 mm
Binding: Aged Plain Ivoroid
Bracing: Pre-War Scalloped
Pickguard: Hand-finished Tortoiseshell Celluloid
Finish: Light Relic Thin Nitrocellulose
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Tuners: Nickel Kluson
Fret Markers: Mother of Pearl (MOP)
Case: Atkin Case

Testing & Personal Consultations

This instrument is also on display in our studio showroom at 12Fret Guitars in Hamburg, Germany. We highly recommend testing these premium instruments in person. If you are unable to visit us in Hamburg, we offer detailed 15-minute live video consultations (WhatsApp) to demonstrate the exact sound, grain, and setup of this specific guitar.

For individual store conditions, international shipping adjustments, or to book an appointment, please feel free to check out our official website or contact us directly.