Andersen Metro Special 1997 - Natural

Finish: Natural blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type

Materials: Solid handcarved Englemann spruce top; handcarved solid AAA tiger maple back with matching sides and neck; solid ebony fingerboard and headstock veneer; mother of pearl peghead logo; bound body.

Hardware: Black Schaller 16X1 mini-tuners; solid handcarved ebony pickguard, tailpiece and compensated bridge. Kent Armstrong Handmade floating PAF humbucking pickup, with volume and tone control and endpin jack.

Case: Calton (Included)

Notes: Steve Andersen is a local hero here in the Pacific Northwest, having produced top-notch acoustic instruments for over three decades. First famed for his mandolins and flattops, Steve has built an international reputation on his extensive line of world-class archtop guitars. Andersen players include recording artist Bill Frisell, ace stringman Dan Fahnle (who previously owned this guitar while playing for Diana Krall), and many more.

This guitar is the first of a small series Steve produced in the late 90's, combining topflight woods, a simple, elegant design, and Andersen's ultra-meticulous fit and finish. The result is an instrument of surpassing acoustical quality, clean lines, and a price within reach of the working player. The design of this rare example incorporates elements of the Andersen Model 17 and his Streamline series, combining extravangantly figured woods, a one-piece maple neck, and a solid ebony tailpiece.

At just 5lb. 4oz, this guitar is notably lightweight and well balanced, on the lap or the strap. The tap tuned X-braced soundboard produces a clear, open voice, with excellent definition and resonance, faithfully amplified by the Armstrong Handmade floating PAF pickup. Carefully maintained, the guitar is 100% original, has smooth low action over a gentle D profile neck.