D’Ambrosio Allegro Archtop, 2012

Condition: near mint with very little evidence of being played. A few small scuffs on the headstock and the body.

What a pleasant surprise. This is a prime example of a wonderful contemporary archtop, one that can be enjoyed by playing it acoustically as well as electrically. Truth be told, I haven't played many of Otto D'Ambrosio's fine archtops. There's a simple reason. Very few of his instruments hit the market, and those that do seem to find new homes very quickly. After playing this exquisite Allegro model, I certainly can see why. It's a great way to enjoy Otto's high-level luthier skills. His history helps understanding where his lutherie chops come from. As a young teen, he started his guitar building journey at Mandolin Bros, the legendary guitar shop in Staten Island. (What an incredible place to learn about fretted instruments!!). This was followed by apprenticeships with Flip Scipio (love Flip) and John Monteleone (love John), followed along with time spent working at Guild's custom shop. His skills being honed, he eventually opened his own shop.

The 16" Allegro that I am holding was built in 2012 with old European maple and spruce, the type of woods used in fine violins and cellos. The body is bound with cocobolo, then finished with a sweet amber tint that accents the reddish hues in the binding. The custom pickup is integrated into the pickguard for a unique and tidy look. The neck profile is right on the money; it's just as it should be. The acoustic sound is open and full and, as I mentioned above, quite pleasing. D'Ambrosio builds a guitar that satisfies all the details. Some of them small but important. They're the kind of details that bring you INTO the guitar. While not necessarily readily apparent, they draw you in, and inspire you to play. They make the guitar part of your family. If you are looking for an archtop to bring out some of your inner music muse, this Allegro just might be for you.

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.