On June 20, 2019, I added a YouTube video link of the guitar played both acoustic and through an amp. Check it out.
Last price drop. I'll probably take listing down in a few months and try again at another date. Make me an offer.
This is a truly unique 7 string archtop guitar. And it has
quite a story behind it!
I have known Bob Benedetto for many years and owned a bunch
of his guitars over the years. In 1993, he asked if I’d be interested taking
some pictures for a book that he was working on called “Making An Archtop
Guitar”. In exchange, he agreed to build me a guitar that would knock my socks
off. It was off to East Stroudsburg, PA I went to photograph the man in action!
I’m still trying to get those socks back on! The label inside the guitar reads "For my friend Jon".
The guitar that is listed here is the guitar that Bob built
for me in return for the photography work. There is a photo of me with this
guitar on page 14 as well as the serial number, model, and year built on page
244. I even have the maple back cut-outs for this guitar. Bob, added some
beautiful abalone inlays on the guitar, adding to its uniqueness.
The guitar is loud, has great sustain, gorgeous. With or without
amplification.
Info:
Model: 1993 18” Custom 7 string (very much like a La Venezia
model) built in E. Stroudsburg, PA. Serial number 30594
Finish: lacquer, Autumn-burst sunburst. Wood grain viewable
through darkest parts.
Body width: 18”
Body depth: 3- 1/16”
Top plate: Hand-carved Spruce
Top Bracing: X bracing
Back plate and sides: Hand-carved European curly maple sides
and back. Abalone inlay on lower bout side.
Headstock: Abalone “Benedetto” inlayed into walnut veneer
Frets: 21
Bridge: Ebony with inlay and adjusting height wheels
Scale: 25”
Fingerboard: Ebony with abalone inlay at 12th
fret
Neck width at nut: 2- 1/16”
Tailpiece: Ebony with floral inlay
Tuning machines: Black Grover
Pick-up: Benedetto S7 floating pick up with volume control
on pick guard. ¼” TR jack on tail piece
Strings: 1-6 Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Swing 113 .013 to .053. 7th
string D’Addario .080 “Van Eps”
Case: Original HSC, with a maroon color padded zipper cover that
reads “Benedetto” on it.
Condition: This guitar is absolutely mint. There is
literally not a mark or blemish anywhere on the instrument. It has rarely left
my house. Frets are all in excellent shape, and the guitar needs no set-up. The pick-guard volume control is slightly noisy when adjusted, but not terrible. Amazing for a stringed instrument that is 25 years old. A truly remarkable
guitar for 7 string player or collector. I am open to any reasonable offers.
Feel free to message me if you have any questions.
Please note that due to the size, weight and cost to ship
instrument, this is for local pick-up and viewing only.