Moonstone Steve Helgeson 000 Brazilian
2015 Moonstone Steve Helgeson 000
An absolutely over-the-top 45-inspired 000 from Steve Helgeson of Moonstone Guitars. In addition to being a gifted luthier, Helgeson was also an accomplished inlay artist as on display here. This guitar is a celebration of the best materials, from wood to shell.
Specs / Measurements
2015
Redwood / Brazilian Rosewood
Brazilian Rosewood pyarmid bridge, fretboard, headstock overlay
Spanish cedar neck
Spalted rosette
Figured koa binding
~1.81” nut (compensated)
~25.5” string length
~2.25” string spacing at saddle
“45” inspired top, side, back borders in abalone
Inlays in mother of pearl / abalone
EVO Gold frets
Waverly tuners snakewood buttons
Original faux gator Cedar Creek arched top case
Condition / Setup Notes
Excellent(+); The guitar is in beautiful shape and retains its luster, with only light wear to be found in raking light. Set up nicely at the moment with string height about 5/64” - 4/64” from bass to treble, with minimal relief.
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There is a sort of maximalist glory going on with this guitar. The inlays certainly catch the eye first, but foundational materials are of the highest quality. The Brazilian rosewood selected for this guitar is fabulous, and while I can’t verify it I imagine the redwood is also one of the storied and monikered varieties. The shell is such a vibrant and deep blue. The neck, Spanish cedar, an ode to vintage Martin. The frets too are nice, EVO gold, no longer available. The dragons, of course, must be mentioned. There is some additional detail going on here as well, with the dragons being composed of inverted color schemes, with the dark and light accomplished by the contrasting use of abalone and mother of pearl. It may be easy to get lost in the visual abundance, but once in hand its good sound and playability come to the fore, and that’s the impression it will leave.
$7500
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This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.