Naoto Odashima Archtop 16"
2019 Naoto Odashima Archtop 16"
Naoto Odashima makes acoustically responsive archtops in Iwate, Japan, in an idyllic setting at the base of a mountain, amongst rice fields and forests. Before settling in his shop there, Odashima had a long history in guitar making that started just after high school. He has worked at ESP, is a graduate of Roberto Venn, and also spent time studying with giants in the industry like Tom Ribbecke. His extensive experience shows in his work (and his years long wait list), and his guitars represent a continuous effort to create beauty of sound. Only a light touch is necessary to get a full tone, and in this way his instruments are also very nice for finger style playing, a desirable trait in acoustic archtops.
Specs / Measurements
2019
European spruce / European maple
Karin (“Chinese rosewood”) headstock backstrap
French polished shellac finish
~4.7 lbs
~1.72” nut
~25” string length
~2.07” string spacing at saddle
Waverly tuners with ebony buttons
Kent Armstrong pickup with volume control
Original hard case
Condition / Setup Notes
Excellent(-); Since 2013 Odashima has been finishing his guitars in French polished shellac in service of the sound. This means that there is some wear in the delicate finish, but it is mostly confined to the top. The last pictures show some examples. Overall it retains its luster, and the flaws are mostly apparent in raking light. Currently set up with string height about 5/64”-4/64” from bass to treble, with just a touch of relief.
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This guitar stands out with its light weight (only about 4.7lbs!), and acoustic responsiveness. While archtops typically benefit from the use of a pick, this guitar takes only the lightest touch to produce sound, and is one of those archtops that also excels in finger style playing. Visually, the guitar has elegant lines through and through, from the body to the tail piece and f-holes. The back carve is also quite unique and refreshing, with a feeling of a deep concavity around a wide perimeter before the arch forms; the influence of Ribbecke is palpable here, and you may spend a lot of time just exploring the carve in raking light. Material choice is nice as well, Euro spruce and Euro maple. Especially the maple is a nice departure from the domestic maples more typically used, and nicely figured at that. Elegance is the main thing here, with both a refined look and sound. With a years long wait list, his work can be hard to come by.
$7500
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This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground to the Continental US.