JR Zeidler Jazz Deluxe Special 18" Archtop
1997 JR Zeidler Jazz Deluxe Special 18" Archtop
The pinnacle of archtop luthiery, this is an 18” Jazz Deluxe Special from the workshop of JR Zeidler. Rare to see, and especially in this condition and with the “Special” appointments. Every piece of hardware on this guitar has been finely engraved (by Zeidler himself, also a master engraver) down to the screws and the bridge thumbwheels. There are also hand-turned orbs of tortoiseshell that adorn the tuner posts and knobs, and with an end pin and strap pin crafted from the same material.
Specs / Measurements
1997
Red Spruce / Figured Maple
Fine multiply purfling and tortoise binding throughout
Bound tortoise pickguard
Tortoise accents on tailpiece, headstock overlay / backstrap
Two-piece figured maple neck
24 frets on high E
~18” lower bout
~1.83” nut
~25.5” string length
~2.28” string spacing at saddle
Finely engraved hardware (tuners, tail piece, truss rod cover, screws, thumbwheels, all) by Zeidler himself
Waverly tuners with hand-turned tortoise accents
Oil varnish finish
Original arched top gator skin case
Condition / Setup Notes
Excellent (+); The guitar remains in exquisite shape, especially in considering its age and rarity. It has not been modified in any way. There is some scuffing by the bridge base from adjustments, but there is nothing else to reasonably report. It’s set up currently with string height about 5/64” - 4/64” and playing nicely, minimal relief in the neck. There is minimal adjustment left on the treble side, but plenty of material should one want to go even lower.
***
As rare as they are in general, this one is a real treat given its exceptional condition and “Special” designation; no expense was spared, and the detail work in the engraving and tortoise parts is something to behold. I find myself saying it again, but every piece of hardware on this guitar has been engraved, down to the screws and bridge thumbwheels. It is so satisfying just to look at the detail work. In addition to the engraving, there are other fine details like in the headstock logo inlay, fine purflings, and the lines at the end of the fretboard (which, by the way, accommodates a 24th fret). The bridge and saddle assembly are also intentional, made specifically for each other with metal inserts. There is even a slight dimple in the bottom of the bridge base for superior fit to the top. It is a work of supreme dedication and skill. As if he knew this was a special one, the guitar bears a round number 150 for its “opus” number. In addition to his renown as a luthier, Zeidler was notable as one of builders invited to participate in the Blue Guitars Collection. A superlative guitar, with at once so much to say about it, but also no need for any words.
$30000
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This instrument ships for free via UPS Next Day Air to the Continental US / Payment for this instrument must be made via bank check or transfer.