Maegen Wells 2017 16” Archtop

Condition: excellent, no issues. It looks like it has been lovingly cared for.

Maegen Wells has carved out a distinctive place among today's archtop builders, and this 2017 16" model perfectly showcases why she's earned such a devoted following. There's an adventurous spirit in her work that honors the legendary builders who came before while charting her own course, particularly in her exploration of smaller-bodied instruments that feel wonderfully intimate to play.

What immediately strikes me about this guitar is how the 23" scale length transforms the playing experience. We're venturing into Gibson Byrdland territory here, where you don't have to work so hard to play difficult chord stretches. The reduced string tension creates this remarkably fluid feel under your fingers that's genuinely addictive. The unique Florentine cutaway design gives you significant access to the higher frets while adding a distinctive visual element that's just plain cool looking. Combined with the 16" body size, it becomes an exceptionally comfortable and player-friendly instrument.

Maegen's choice of sapelle for the back and sides brings its own character to the tonal palette. It's a wood that offers some of the warmth you'd expect from mahogany but with its distinct voice – a bit more focused in the midrange with excellent note separation. Paired with the Sitka spruce top, this combination delivers clarity and responsiveness that serves both rhythm and lead playing beautifully.

The craftsmanship throughout reflects the careful attention of someone who truly understands what makes an archtop sing. From the elegant Florentine cutaway to the ebony appointments, every detail feels purposeful rather than decorative. Maegen is a builder who's found her niche in creating instruments that prioritize playability and musical connection over flashy, blingy aesthetics.

For players drawn to the intimate feel of a smaller archtop with that distinctive short-scale responsiveness, this Wells represents something special. This guitar feels like a natural extension of your musical ideas rather than an obstacle to overcome.

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.