Artinger Carved Top Sidewinder

My journey with Matt Artinger began 25 years ago at a Philadelphia guitar show, where he emerged as a wunderkind luthier whose talent was immediately apparent. Since then, I've had the privilege of collaborating with Matt on numerous build projects both as a player and dealer, watching his craftsmanship evolve into something truly extraordinary.

When I first laid eyes on this Carved Top Sidewinder at the 2025 Artisan Show, I was absolutely captivated. There's something about this instrument that evokes Trey Anastasio's aesthetic while maintaining Matt's distinctive voice as a builder. The silhouette makes a bold statement without sacrificing an ounce of playability or tone.

The neck carve deserves special mention – it nestles into your hand with the familiarity of an old friend, making long playing sessions effortless. The semi-hollow Claro walnut body provides exceptional resonance and striking visual beauty, perfectly complemented by the carved top that adds both depth to the appearance and complexity to the sound.

Sonically, this Sidewinder delivers exactly what discerning players seek – clear, woody articulation with just enough hair on the notes to give them character and presence. The Lollar Imperial low-wind humbuckers provide remarkable dynamic range, offering everything from pristine cleans to snarling overdrive when pushed. The addition of series/split/parallel switching transforms this guitar into a veritable tone laboratory without overwhelming the player with unnecessary complexity.

What truly distinguishes this instrument is Matt's innovative approach to hardware. The proprietary handmade ebony and aluminum tune-o-matic bridge isn't just visually striking – it provides precise intonation adjustments that ensure every note rings true across the entire fingerboard. Paired with his one-off tailpiece design, the guitar achieves a perfect balance between traditional inspiration and forward-thinking innovation.

The flame maple binding with its black/white/black purfling creates a subtle yet sophisticated border that frames the natural beauty of the Claro walnut. Matt's finishing work allows the wood's natural character to shine through while providing protection that will ensure this instrument's beauty for decades to come.  This Artinger Carved Top Sidewinder stands as a remarkable achievement in boutique guitar building. It represents not just the culmination of Matt's journey as a luthier but a genuine advancement in electric guitar design – a modern classic that feels immediately familiar yet excitingly new.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.