Steve Andersen Vanguard Archtop, Preowned

I've always appreciated Steve Andersen's thoughtful approach to archtop building. He sources his wood directly from Pacific Northwest woodcutters, knowing exactly where each piece grew and when it was cut. That kind of attention matters, and you can hear it in his instruments.

This Custom Vanguard 16" has been with its owner since 2012 and shows the kind of care you'd hope for in a well-loved instrument. It's in excellent condition and plays beautifully.

What strikes me most is how Steve balances the inherent brightness of an archtop design with the warmth that modern players prefer. He's built nearly 500 instruments over 30 years, developing an intuitive sense of how wood selection, top thickness, and arching work together. This particular example showcases that understanding. The Engelmann spruce top delivers the warm sound with overtones that Steve favors, while the western maple back and sides add clarity and punch.

The neck carve reminds me of a D'Aquisto profile—so inviting that it's hard to put down. The aesthetic here is all about the wood itself. The light violin finish lets the carefully selected tonewoods speak for themselves, and the built-in pickup retains all the acoustic character while delivering that classic jazz sound Wes Montgomery made famous.

This is my kind of archtop—a superbly crafted instrument by a gifted builder (I wish he would come out of retirement). It's more than just a fine guitar. It's an elegant tool to bring your jazz lines to life.

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.

ABOUT ANDERSEN STRINGED INSTRUMENTS
Steve Andersen has been making guitars and mandolins for over 35 years. Since 1990 he has primarily built archtops, with a respectful eye toward the great guitars of the past, and a keen and ongoing interest in finding new avenues to explore. The Andersen workshop is known for such innovative models as the Little Archie, the Emerald City and the Gold Standard. Having built nearly five hundred instruments has given Steve a deep understanding of the multitude of variables involved in building a great guitar. In his one man shop he builds around a dozen instruments per year, which affords him the opportunity to work on just one guitar at a time.