2026 Benoit Lavoie 16.5” Archtop

This is a very special build from Canadian luthier Benoit Lavoie, a 16.5” archtop exhibited at the Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival. Aside from its extraordinary sound, the back is carved from a single piece of exquisitely figured bubinga. It also features a Ken Parker style neck joint, which allows for quick string height changes, under tension.

Specs / Measurements

• 2026

• Adirondack spruce / One-piece quilted bubinga

• “Small quilt” figured maple neck

• ~1.77” nut

• ~25” string length

• ~2.23” string spacing at saddle

• Ken Parker style adjustable neck

• Violin edges

• Side sound port

• Slotted headstock

• Floating Kent Armstrong Pickup

• Original hard case

Condition / Setup Notes

New; This guitar has never been owned and the condition reflects this, but it was displayed at a show and may display the slightest signs of handling. Current string height is about 5/64” to 4/64” from bass to treble, but easily adjusted under string tension with the provided hex wrench. Just a touch of relief, also adjustable.

***

One of the most inspiring instruments I’ve had the pleasure of handling. It’s one of those guitars that the stunning visual design can be fully appreciated, because the sound is there, both acoustically and amplified; it is the full package. Perhaps the star of the show is the one-piece quilted bubinga back. Exceptionally figured, a single span of wood this nice is a true rarity. As a design feature the Parker-style neck joint is also prominent, which in addition to allowing quick string height changes maintains a consistent neck feel in the higher registers. I can’t say enough about this guitar, but will conclude by noting that the luthier’s work is in high demand, and commissions carry about a two year wait time.

$18020

Thanks for looking, get in touch to place an order or with any questions.

This instrument ships for free via UPS 2 Day Air to the Continental US.

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