William Gagnon Composer Archtop 17" Kent Armstrong

2009 William Gagnon Composer 17" Archtop

A beautifully carved 17” archtop from the workshop of Oregon luthier William Gagnon, who is no longer taking orders. This Composer model stands out with its “bird” sound holes, in place of the more traditional F-holes.

Specs / Measurements

• 2009
• Spruce / Maple - all solid, carved, tuned
• Koa appointments, binding
• Three piece maple neck
• Koa headstock overlay, lacewood back strap
• Multiline purfling throughout
• Nitro finish
• ~1.76” nut
• ~25” string length
• ~2.23 string spacing at saddle
• 12 pole piece adjustable Kent Armstrong floating pickup, volume and hidden tone control
• Schaller tuners
• Original Ameritage hard case

Condition / Setup Notes

Excellent(+); The guitar has largely remained unplayed in its life, and looks that way. There is barely any discernible wear, it’s a very clean specimen. Currently set up with flats, string height about 6/64”-4/64” from bass to treble. There’s a bit more room to come down with the wheels, and if a significant change is desired there is much material on the saddle; but it’s playing nicely as is. Minimal relief in the neck.

***

A really beautifully made guitar, with pronounced arches and nice appointments. The acoustic sound is quite present even with flat wounds, and the Armstrong pickup sounds great plugged in. The hidden tone control is a nice design touch. A unique, rarer, full-package kind of 17” archtop from a builder whose work is not seen too often.

Thanks for looking, any questions please feel free.