Benedetto Custom 7 String Archtop

Robert Benedetto is widely acknowledged as today's foremost maker of archtop guitars. Over a prolific 50 year career, he has personally handcrafted nearly 1,000 instruments, including 500 archtops. "My roots are in jazz guitar. It's been my love and my focus since day one." He made his first archtop guitar in 1968. His reputation grew as he crafted guitars for noted players Bucky Pizzarelli, Chuck Wayne, Joe Diorio and Cal Collins, and later, Johnny Smith, Jack Wilkins, Ron Eschete, Martin Taylor, Howard Alden, John Pizzarelli, Andy Summers, Jimmy Bruno and Kenny Burrell (collectively known as "The Benedetto Players"). His guitars appear on countless recordings, TV & film soundtracks, in videos, books, magazines, museums (including the Smithsonian Institution) and concerts worldwide.

When it comes to archtop guitars the name Benedetto is legendary. I have personally owned several of these fine instruments and have always enjoyed my time hanging with Bob both at numerous guitar shows and at his shop in East Stroudsburg, PA. Back in the '90s Bob was a one man shop. Each of his guitars was crafted personally by the man himself. They were truly one of a kind instruments tailored to each individual player.

This current offering was one of those special Stroudsburg era guitars and was created for a wonderful professional guitarist. What makes this particular 7 string so special is that it is a duplicate of the one that Bob made for none other than the great Bucky Pizzarelli.  

This is just a fabulous playing and sounding 7 string; truly one of the best that has ever crossed my path. Featured on many videos and recordings, this elegant Benedetto is a well played and loved guitar. With 20 years of music in her she has the well warmed patina of a finely done relic with assorted dings and dents throughout the body and some finish wear at the cutaway. The back of the neck is really clean with just some dings around the headstock area. The sound is warm, rich and smooth - check out the videos - and is truly satisfying both electrically and acoustically.

I am a big fan of this guitar and if a 7 string archtop is something you've considered you should absolutely give this Benedetto a whirl. It is definitely worthy!

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.