1997 Tippin Pearl trim D Quilted Mahogany ("the Tree")

1997 Tippin Pearl trim Dreadnought Quilted Mahogany ("The Tree") #397108

Gorgeous guitar that was built in 1997 on custom order for Frank Lucchesi, proprietor of Lucchesi Vintage Instruments which was located in Easthampton, MA. The guitar is built with exquisite quilted Mahogany back and sides harvested from "the Tree" (if you are unfamiliar with this legendary mahogany tree, google it). The mahogany is beautifully figured and has a lovely amber color. It is paired with a master grade Sitka spruce top that shows even grain and is perfectly quartered, with medullary rays or "silking" throughout the entire length and width of the top. The top nearly 'shimmers,' complimenting the back and sides beautifully, and the color has ambered nicely over 30 years. The top bracing is a traditional Martin style X pattern in the pre-war forward shifted position with a maple bridge plate. The scale length is 25.4" with a nut width of 1 3/4" and string spacing of 2 1/4" at the bridge. The neck is also carved out of figured mahogany, echoing the back and sides. The neck has a soft "V" shape. The top is inlaid with a perimeter and rosette of abalone and the fret board and headstock bear attractive art-deco style abalone position markers and decorative inlay. The tuners are open gear Waverlys. There is an under-saddle pick up (active) installed so the guitar is stage/gig ready. Though the guitar is nearly 3 decades old it has gotten very little play and is in exceptionally fine condition, almost new looking. There are no cracks, lacquer checks or significant issues. There is a very minor amount of surface pick evidence on the pickguard from light strumming/playing and one or two extremely minor surface finish dings that are so small I can't photograph them effectively and had a hard time finding them visually. There is only the slightest fret wear on frets 1 and 2 under the high E and B strings, barely visible. The guitar has excellent action, set for flat picking at 7/64" and 5/64" but with a very straight neck so it plays easily for fingerstyle as well. Lots of saddle for lowering the action if desired. Intonation is good all over the neck. The tone is spectacular and the guitar resonates for days. Very versatile but particularly good fingerstyle instrument in my opinion. Sound file available on request. Comes with the original hard shell case. Ships to US destinations only. NYS buyers add 8% sales tax. Thanks for your interest.