In the early 1990s remakes of the classic D'Angelico New Yorker were commissioned to be done by master archtop luthiers. Three of these were made by Jim Triggs, who had recently left his position as head of the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville to build instruments independently. If you don't know, Triggs was hired by Gibson firstly to restore the reputation of the legendary F5 mandolin. Triggs also applied his expertise with archtop, f-hole instruments to Gibson's archtops.
The details of this 18 inch guitar are meticulous and the woods are some of the finest available. The carved, tap tuned top is made with extremely high grade spruce and has x bracing, just like the cutaway New Yorkers made by John D'Angelico. The back, sides, and neck are made with the highest grade flame maple. Handmade mother of pearl inlays adorn the headstock and ebony fretboard.
The tailpiece is the most detailed, accurate reproduction you will ever see. The engraving work is a sight to behold. The reproduction pickguard was crafted by none other than Ron DeMarino who has worked on guitars for many high profile musicians, including doing John Lennon's guitar work in the 1970s (see pic of the back of the pickguard).
The finish looks great and has light checking throughout the top and back, some of which can be seen in the photos that were taken at an angle. They are very had to see unless lighted at an angle. If you look closely at the headstock, you will see that there has been some separation of the finish around the tuner grommets. The pickguard has light scratches from play.
The nut width is a full 1 3/4", and the neck is a full C, similar to a typical 50s Gibson neck, but slighly larger. The frets are in excellent condition with very little wear.
The guitar is currently strung with a 13s set of Thomastik Infeld Swings flatwound strings. The guitar plays beautifully with action that can be set very low with no buzzing at any of the frets.
The original tweed TKL case with padded case cover is included.
International customers can contact me for shipping quotes.