Bill Moll Express Custom 17”

2005 Bill Moll Express Custom 17”

I look to acoustic archtops for a good acoustic sound regardless of if there is a pickup or not, and this Moll Express really delivers. With the stylings inspired by D’aquisto’s Solo, it also cuts a nice figure.

Specs / Measurements

  • 2005

  • Spruce / Figured Maple

  • ~1.77” nut

  • ~25.5” string length

  • ~2.09” string spacing at saddle

  • Kent Armstrong hand wound floating pickup

  • Schaller tuners

  • ~17” lower bout

  • ~3.125” rims

  • Original Moll flight case

Condition / Setup Notes

In considering its age, the guitar remains in excellent condition. There are signs of its 20 years primarily in the form of lacquer checks. There is otherwise very minimal signs of handling. Currently set up with string height about 5/64”-4/64”, with minimal relief. The saddle at present is resting on the bridge; while it’s playing nicely and by the numbers is also in a quite manageable place, there is room to go down and it would be possible to shave the bottom of the saddle piece for further adjustability. But, I personally have been inclined to leave it as is, because maybe it’s contributing to how good it’s sounding.

***

Bill Moll built violins in the Cremonese tradition and applied a lot of these principles to his guitars. He’s noted himself that the first objective with or without electronics, is a beautiful acoustic sound. This really comes through in this guitar. Of course it sounds great plugged in as well, and according to Moll all of his pickups were personally hand-wound by Kent Armstrong. The carving is some of the nicest I’ve seen, with deep, pronounced arches. Being an Express Custom, extra consideration was given to its material and appointments, and as is usual with Moll instruments the case itself is a Moll creation, and a sturdy one at that. It also has a rubber seal, and heavy duty twist latches. A fine archtop from one of the finest archtop makers.

$8500

Thanks for looking, any questions please feel free to get in touch.

This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.

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