Description

The 1976 Froggy Bottom Model J Standard 12-String, crafted for the renowned singer-songwriter Terry Lee Hale, is a guitar of remarkable character, built to match the depth and storytelling prowess of its owner. A defining instrument in Hale’s journey, this guitar became his trusted companion, shaping the intricate textures and rich sonic landscapes that underscored his evocative songwriting. Known for his raw, poetic lyricism and deeply expressive playing, Hale carved a unique space in folk and alternative Americana, where his 12-string sound became a signature element of his recordings and performances.

This exceptional guitar is built with an 1876 Vintage German Spruce top, its aged wood yielding a voice that is warm, articulate, and resonant with history. The Honduran Mahogany back and sides, paired with a Honduran Mahogany neck, provide a perfect balance of depth and clarity, delivering the shimmering overtones and lush harmonics that a 12-string thrives on. The Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth, effortless playing experience, while the Rosewood belly bridge enhances sustain and responsiveness, allowing Hale’s intricate picking and open tunings to bloom with depth and richness. Designed with a 25.25-inch scale length and a 14-fret body join, this guitar offered him both playability and projection—ideal for both intimate performances and larger stages.

Visually, the craftsmanship of this Froggy Bottom is nothing short of stunning. The MOP frog logo headstock inlay, abalone rosette and backstrip, and elegant rope purfling with a herringbone rosette showcase the artistry that went into its creation. Bound in ivoroid, every edge is meticulously detailed, while the Gotoh 510 Mini tuning machines ensure precise and stable tuning, even under the tension of 12 strings. The ebony bridge pins and end pins, adorned with MOP dots, add a refined touch, complemented by a black pickguard that subtly frames the guitar’s vintage aesthetic. Weighing 5 lb 2 oz, this instrument is as balanced and comfortable to hold as it is breathtaking to hear.

Fitted with a Sunrise pickup, this guitar was not just a studio treasure but a stage warrior, capturing every nuance of Hale’s distinctive style. Whether delivering haunting ballads or driving, percussive rhythms, this Froggy Bottom Model J Standard 12-String was more than an instrument—it was an extension of Hale’s artistry, a vessel for the stories he told, and a defining part of his musical legacy.

Other specifications include:

1876 Vintage German Spruce Top
Honduran Mahogany Back & Sides
Ebony Fingerboard
Honduran Mahogany Neck
Rosewood Bridge
25.25 in. scale length
14 frets to join body
MOP frog logo headstock inlay
Abalone rosette and backstrip
Gotoh 510 Mini Tuning Machines
Ivoroid bindings and graft(s)
Rope Purfling
Herringbone Rosette
Belly Bridge
Ebony bridge pins and end pins with MOP dots
Black Pickguard
Sunrise Pickup Included
Carbon Fiber Hoffee Custom Flight Case
5 lb 2 oz