Bill Frisell’s Steve Andersen Electric Archie

STEVE ANDERSEN'S BACK STORY
“In 2002 Bill and I discussed making a variation of the Little Archie he bought in the mid-1990s. The idea was to make a guitar of the same size (14” x 2“) but one more suited to live performance, particularly in loud settings. The top is carved under the f-holes but left full thickness in the center under the bridge and pickups. This greatly reduces the tendency to feed back. Bill specified Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups, an unfinished neck, and many of the cosmetic details of the guitar.

"We agreed that I would build the guitar and loan it to him for as long as he wanted to use it. He used it from about 2002 until 2005 or so. Bill told me he used it in a lot playing at the Village Vanguard in New York, as well as touring in Europe. He recorded with it, including a recording with Renee Fleming where the guitar can be heard playing solo and duo with Fred Hersch.

"Around this time Bill was moving toward playing Telecaster guitars, and eventually he returned it to me. Since then I’ve had it in the shop as a demo guitar for players who visit. I recently decided it should find a home with someone who can appreciate it."

Here is an opportunity for some fortunate individual to acquire a guitar that was owned and played by one of the finest and most unique players of our time: Bill Frisell. Yes, it is well played and rich with the warm patina of time and sweat. (I would call the condition 8/10.)

It has a depth of soul that great playing guitars achieve when they are really worked and used and loved. Yet even in spite of its provenance this guitar is full of personality. It’s like having a mini Gibson Super 400 CES with all the character that comes from a bespoke guitar made by a master luthier like Steve Andersen. The sound is exquisite and truly versatile. There is a bloom to each note that really is a hallmark of Bill's playing. Stylistically, this beauty has the inner power to go from sublime to full throttle depending on the situation. It is also just a joy to have in your hands. Lightweight (5.2 lbs.), this is one of the most ergonomic archtops I've had the pleasure to play. The unfinished neck is super comfy with a satiny smooth feel. If you are looking for that special guitar with a built in attitude and the extra spice of a uniquely special history, this just might be the guitar for you.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT ANDERSEN STRINGED INSTRUMENTS
Steve Andersen has been making guitars and mandolins for over 35 years. Since 1990 he has primarily built archtops, with a respectful eye toward the great guitars of the past, and a keen and ongoing interest in finding new avenues to explore. The Andersen workshop is known for such innovative models as the Little Archie, the Emerald City and the Gold Standard. Having built nearly five hundred instruments has given Steve a deep understanding of the multitude of variables involved in building a great guitar. In his one man shop he builds around a dozen instruments per year, which affords him the opportunity to work on just one guitar at a time.