Danny Koentopp Custom Chicagoan, 2015

Condition: near mint with no visible wear or issues

When I first saw photos of this custom Koentopp Chicagoan, I knew immediately it was something extraordinary. But seeing it in person? That's when the full impact hit me.

The fingerboard inlay by Larry Robinson is simply breathtaking. It runs the entire length of the fingerboard, capturing an iconic cityscape in exquisite detail. This isn't just decorative work—it's genuine artistry that elevates the instrument into something beyond a guitar. The level of precision required to execute this is staggering, and Robinson's mastery shines through in every building, every window, every carefully placed piece of material.

Danny Koentopp has become one of the most in-demand archtop builders working today, with a multi-year waiting list that speaks to his reputation. Working guitarists like Bobby Broom and Ed Cherry have made Koentopp their choice, a testament to how well these instruments perform in real-world playing situations.

Danny's deep connection to Chicago provided the inspiration for this build, giving him a chance to infuse personal meaning into an instrument that bears the city's name.

When I pick up Danny's guitars, they contain the essence of the D'Angelico/D'Aquisto/Monteleone lineage—that combination of carved top excellence, refined tonal characteristics, and timeless aesthetic that defines the great New York archtop tradition.

Beyond the stunning visual elements, this is a serious player's archtop. The 17-inch lower bout provides that full, robust tone you want from a jazz guitar, while the parallel bracing gives it clarity and articulation. The Romanian spruce top paired with flamed maple back and sides creates a balanced voice—warm and woody but with plenty of cut when you need it. Danny's hand-carved ebony tailpiece and compensated bridge show his attention to the smallest details that affect tone and playability.

The neck feel is spot-on with its 1.75-inch nut width and 12-inch radius, providing comfort whether you're playing chords or running lines up the neck. At 24.75 inches, the scale length feels familiar and responsive. The Kent Armstrong floating pickup is a thoughtful choice, capturing the acoustic character of the instrument while providing clean amplification.

The flamed maple binding with single black line purfling frames everything beautifully, while details like the volume knob on the fingerrest with its inlaid four-leaf clover and hidden tone control show how thoroughly Danny thought through every aspect of this guitar. The red-brown lacquer finish brings out the figure in the maple while giving the instrument a warm, vintage aesthetic.

This Koentopp represents something truly special—an instrument where every element serves both aesthetic beauty and musical purpose, where Larry Robinson's inlay artistry meets Danny's refined craftsmanship to create something that demands to be played.

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.