Yanuziello Elle-5 Carved Archtop, 2014

CONDITION: near mint. There are a few minor pick dents and scratches on the top.

Joe Yanuziello is unquestionably one of the finest luthiers working anywhere in the world today. For the last 15 years, I've played, owned, sold and been inspired by many of his creations. His skill has always seemed boundless, crafting flat tops, resonators, electric mandolins, lap steels, and of course his world-renowned electrics in all different configurations to fit all different playing styles. That's why I am so pleased to have in the shop one of his rare acoustic archtop guitars. And what a fine hand carved archtop it is. To satisfy a client's request, Yanuziello modeled this particular build after the classic Gibson Loyd Loar 16" L5. Many fine luthiers have been inspired by the Loars from the '20s. Builders like Stephen Gilchrist and Bill Collings are known for their 16" archtops, and I have to say quite honestly that this offering can stand along side the very best of them. It is just a superlative guitar!

The acoustic quality is rich, sonorous and sublime. Though it can be readily fitted with a pickup, this guitar first and foremost is meant to be played acoustically. What I always found appealing about the vintage Gibson L5s from the late '20s and early '30s was that they were incredibly versatile. A wide range of artists from different genres found their voice in them. Artists like Maybelle Carter, Snoozer Quin, Eddie Lang, Alvino Ray, Nick Lucas and Julian Lage have been inspired by these guitars. What Yanuziello has accomplished with this stunning build is to maintain that wonderful open and powerful acoustic tone and top it off with a modern, superb playability.

And then there is the beauty of the build itself. Yanuziello is known for his impeccable luthier and finishing skills and his inspired design esthetic. Every part of the guitar is worth a second look. From the wood choice and black top to the sunburst back, from the hand-carved bridge and handmade tailpiece, to the hand made tortoise pickguard and pickguard mount, everything is touched by Joe's impeccable craftsmanship. The neck profile is a perfect medium C carve, perfect for jazz or fingerstyle playing. This is a guitar that is hard to put down.

Bottom line: if you are looking for a traditional acoustic archtop that would satisfy any musical style and is built with the highest integrity and esthetic by one of our finest builders, look no further. It's here.

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 YANUZIELLO INSTRUMENTS
It certainly doesn't take a genius to realize that guitar builder Joseph Yanuziello is the real deal. What's "the real deal" you say? When it comes to luthiers, it means someone who has built a meaningful full-time career over a long period of time, developed the craft/art/voodoo of instrument building to the highest level, carved out their own niche in an overcrowded sea of brand names, you know, the real deal! There is something about a Yanuziello that is both plain-and-simple and somehow luxurious at the same time. In fact, Yanuziello's background in design and wood/metal fabrication has served him well in producing what he would describe as "modern vintage instruments." His interest in many musical genres is reflected in the different electric and acoustic instruments he produces. "The challenge is to keep it fresh and new and a continuous learning experience...the players have a lot to do with this." - JY