William Gagnon Composer 17" Archtop
William Gagnon Composer 17" Archtop
A beautifully carved 17” archtop from the workshop of Oregon luthier William Gagnon, who is no longer taking orders. This Composer model stands out with its “bird” sound holes, in place of the more traditional F-holes.
Specs / Measurements
2009
Spruce / Maple - all solid, carved, tuned
Koa appointments, binding
Three piece maple neck
Koa headstock overlay, lacewood back strap
Multiline purfling throughout
Nitro finish
~1.76” nut
~25” string length
~2.23 string spacing at saddle
12 pole piece adjustable Kent Armstrong floating pickup, volume and hidden tone control
Schaller tuners
Original Ameritage hard case
Condition / Setup Notes
Excellent(+); The guitar has largely remained unplayed in its life, and looks that way. There is barely any discernible wear, it’s a very clean specimen. Currently set up with flats, string height about 6/64”-4/64” from bass to treble. There’s a bit more room to come down with the wheels, and if a significant change is desired there is much material on the saddle; but it’s playing nicely as is. Minimal relief in the neck.
***
A really beautifully made guitar, with pronounced arches and nice appointments. The acoustic sound is quite present even with flat wounds, and the Armstrong pickup sounds great plugged in. The hidden tone control is a nice design touch. A unique, rarer, full-package kind of 17” archtop from a builder whose work is not seen too often.
$7750
Thanks for looking, get in touch to place an order or with any questions.
This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.