Description

Artistic Guitars is excited to offer this truly exceptional and historic archtop. This guitar is the 18th Guitar made by Bob in 1978, Serial #1878. It is Bob’s 1st 18” and also the 1st of only 8 Supreme Models made - the Benedetto Supreme #1.

While there has been a trend toward smaller guitars, I love the 18s. They are the true art of Archtop Guitar, where the Masters strutted their stuff and introduced the best that they could make. Bob hasn’t made many 18” guitars, less than 20.

This guitar was made for Bob’s first dealer and ultimately picked up by a fine customer in Scotland, who lovingly cared for it for almost 30 years. In Bob’s words - “I used European maple back and sides and European spruce. The inset in the back is walnut left over from one of my father's cabinet jobs. The neck is also laminated with walnut and American maple. The headstock veneer is walnut also from my father's workbench. As you can see, at the time I was experimenting with F hole shape and placement. It's quite a piece”.

This instrument features a Bartolini floating pickup. The neck is a beefy but comfortable “D” contour. The 1&¾ nut allows good fingerstyle access. It's also very comfortable to play and hold, with smooth bass, and perfect string-to-string balance. It is finished in Blonde Nitrocellulose Lacquer and has retained it's excellent gloss. The condition is excellent to near mint.

Email or call for pricing.

Artistic Guitars

Artistic Guitars

1978
Benedetto Guitars
Near Mint
Blonde
Original Hard
15 Years
Call
Artistic Guitars
Gary Thomas
480-299-3790
Online Only
4:35 AM

Payment via bank wire, money order, check.

We ship generally on Mondays after payment in full has cleared bank accounts. We generally use FedEx International, FedEx Air, and FedEx Ground. However, we will use whatever service the Customer desires. Artistic Guitars packs well, and photo-graphs the packing for your added protection. We are not responsible for Finish checking when going to cold weather climates. We recommend a minimum of 1-day ambient temperature acclimatization before opening the box.

Returns are very rare but have happened. If an item is to be returned for ANY REASON, it must be approved by Artistic Guitars beforehand. Returns must be complete and in the original packaging with all accessories and complete documentation (COA’s, Warranty Card, keys, tools etc.), show no signs of wear or use. All returns will incur a 20% restocking fee (NO EXCEPTIONS). Items which are not normally stocked ("Special Orders", close-outs, previously-owned guitars, layaways, etc.) are not returnable. A 48 hour approval period may be granted on items, only if agreed to at the time of sale. New items not applicable. The Customer is responsible for all shipping charges on returned items, both to and from, and these charges as well as bank wire or transaction fees will be deducted from any refunds or credits along with any costs incurred in bringing the returned item back to it's original condition.