D’Angelico NYL-7 Seven String New Yorker Archtop 17"

c1999 D’Angelico NYL-7 Seven String 17” Archtop

Back in the 90s, the Vestax Corporation under the leadership of Hidesato Shiino created a line of tributes to the work of John D’Angelico. Although most of them were made with laminated woods and pressed tops, there were a very few fully hand-carved models, including this NYL-7. In addition to the carving of the top and back plates, these special guitars were outfitted with ebony tailpieces and pick guards. As rare as they are, this one is even more unique in that it is fully acoustic, with the pick guard showing that it had never been outfitted with electronics. Further, it’s a parallel-braced guitar, a departure from the X-braced tops that are much more usual.

Specs / Measurements

• c1999
• German Spruce / Figured maple, all solid and carved
• Parallel bracing
• Seven string
• ~2.00 nut
• ~25.5” string length
• ~2.51” string spacing at saddle
• 17” lower bout
• Ebony tailpiece and pick guard
• Grover Imperial tuners
• Original branded alligator skin case

Condition / Setup Notes

Excellent+. For its many years and for its rarity, the guitar remains in exceptional shape. I’m hard pressed to find a mark on it, although it’s possible something minor has been overlooked. There is some clouding of the finish on the headstock, and a shadow by the bridge base from where it was moved. The label has been lost. String height currently is about 5/64”-4/64” from bass to treble, very straight with almost no relief. Flat wounds for G, D, A, E, and a round wound low B.

***

While most instruments from the Vestax D’Angelico NYL series can be found out in the world, the NYL-7 is exceptionally rare. Aside from the even rarer Teardrop, the NYL-1 and NYL-7 were the only completely hand carved models. Even at the time they were made in the late 90s / early 2000s, their prices exceeded $10000 and if I remember correctly, only built-to-order. Rarity aside, it has a beautiful sound and is expertly crafted from the finest materials. It is perhaps because it has such a large, clear, articulate acoustic voice that it was never fitted with electronics. The parallel bracing unique to this particular guitar, gives that incisive midrange that these types of guitars have become celebrated for. Eminently suited for solo playing, with enough volume for other applications.

Thanks for looking. Any questions please feel free. 

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(For direct sales, international shipping available and no sales tax charged outside of NY)