This is a unique and gorgeous example of Dean Gordon's work and a true piece of "playable history". Dean has been working in the Chelsea NY area of NYC for many years as a repair tech and in-demand custom guitar builder/Luthier. The building this guitars body is built from has more historic significance than we can fit into this description. So for starters, The Chelsea Hotel was built between 1883 and 1885 and opened to the public in 1885. When first built it was the tallest building in NYC. Many of the world's most famous celebrities and musicians from the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Andy Warhol and Mark Twain, just to name a few have resided there over the course of their careers. As of August 1, 2011, the Chelsea hotel has stopped taking reservations in order to begin renovations. Dean has been able to get some incredible pieces of this historic buildings White Pine, in order to build these special new guitars. This LTD Edition Chelsea JM "Color Series" in particular has an extremely resonant and woody voice, full of tonal complexities hard to find in a brand new guitar. It also plays with ease and is a nice balanced weight of 7lbs 5.2oz.
The body of this particular instrument is built from a 2 piece floorboard from the Chelsea Hotel (reclaimed White Pine) The colors on the body are all original to the Hotel, from a spray painted piece, possibly to caution workers. The neck is made of Michigan Silver Maple. The pickups in this instrument are Mcnelly Stagger Swaggers. A great sounding Humbucker with tons of clarity and crisp highs and a balanced low-end.
If your looking for a unique Offset, with loads of mojo, character and originality; this may just be your ticket. Set up w/ low action and a set of 10's.
Specs: Body: Chelsea Hotel White Pine 2 Piece Floorboard Body Finish: Shellac Neck: Michigan Silver Maple w/ Rosewood board Neck Finish: Oil/Satin Finish Profile: Medium C .870" 1st fret - .960.12th fret Radius: 10-16" Compound Radius Frets: 22 Fret Size: 6150 Stainless Steel (Med Jumbo) Scale: 25 1/2" Side Dots: Abalone / Top Dots: Abalone Nut Width: 1 11/16th" Nut Material: Bone Pickups: Mcnelly Stagger Swagger V2 w/ Foil Mesh Controls: 3 way blade-switch, Master Volume, Master Tone Bridge: Aged Hipshot Hardtail Tuners: Aged Gotoh Klusons Knobs: Aged Knurled Comes w/ Mono Sleeve Gig-Bag, Strap, COA and Case Candy 7lbs 5.2oz
