Atkin The Forty Three - J43 - Baked Adirondack Spruce & Mahogany

The Atkin Forty Three – J43 is a soulful, slope-shouldered powerhouse that channels the rich heritage of wartime acoustics with unmatched authenticity and tone. Topped with torrified Adirondack spruce and paired with warm, resonant mahogany back and sides, this guitar sings with woody depth, punchy mids, and sparkling clarity—perfect for everything from old-time Americana to modern roots music. Finished in Atkin’s age-toned relic gloss nitrocellulose with a perfectly executed sunburst, the J43 looks and feels like it’s lived a thousand songs, right out of the case.

Alister Atkin, the mastermind behind Atkin Guitars, has built a global reputation for crafting instruments that don’t just emulate the vintage greats—they rival them. Working from his workshop in Canterbury, England, Atkin has spent decades studying golden-era acoustics, applying his deep knowledge of guitar history with a fiercely meticulous, hands-on approach. His guitars are revered by collectors, session players, and touring musicians alike for their incredible responsiveness, character, and road-worn aesthetic that feels instantly familiar.

The Forty Three features pre-war scalloped bracing for maximum projection and dynamics, while its 24 7/8" scale length and smooth 16" fingerboard radius make it exceptionally playable. A satin-smooth mahogany neck is topped with a Santos rosewood fretboard and paired with a matching bridge, adding rich, complex overtones and refined feel. Tasteful cream binding and a subtle cream rosette nod to classic style, while the Atkin decal and banner logo on a maple headstock overlay bring vintage vibes with a touch of flair. Weighing in at 4 lb 4 oz and housed in an Atkin black case, the J43 is an inspiring tool for serious players—an instrument that speaks volumes, crafted by a luthier who’s become a legend in his own right.

Other specifications of The Forty Three include:

Top: Baked Adirondack Spruce
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Backstrip: None
Neck: Mahogany
Truss Rod: Two-Way (Soundhole Adjust)
Headstock Overlay: Maple
Logo: Atkin Decal with Banner
Fretboard: Santos Rosewood
Bridge: Santos Rosewood
Rosette: Cream
Purfling: None
Binding: Cream
Bracing: Pre-war scalloped
Lacquer Finish: Age Toned Relic Gloss Nitrocellulose - Sunburst Top
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Tuners: Nickel Gotoh
Side Dot Fretboard Markers: Cream
Fret Markers: Mother of Pearl Dots
Case: Atkin Black
Body Length: 21 1/8"
Body Depth: 4 7/8"
Lower Bout Width: 16"
Total Length: 41"
Scale Length: 24 7/8"
Fingerboard Radius: 16"
Nut Width: 1 3/4"
Bridge Spacing: 2 1/4"
Weight: 4 lb 4 oz
Serial Number: 3582

For more information about the Atkin The Forty Three, please contact us.