John Zeidler T-Style, 1982

This Zeidler is all original except for newer Schaller strap locks replaced by Zeidler. It's in very good condition for its age. There are minor dings and scratches throughout the body with some touchup by Zeidler around the input jack. Much of the imperfections I see are from the maple veneer settling into the mahogany grain. The brass hardware has some tarnishing, while the neck is quite clean with minimal fret wear. The playability is excellent.

John Zeidler was one of the finest luthiers I have known. His artistic skill and profound talents set him apart from many of his peers; his natural abilities and work ethic were extraordinary - John was a brilliant guitar maker!

Besides his being a profoundly gifted talent, I was fortunate to call him a friend. A fellow Philadelphian, I spent much time at his shop and various guitar shows over the years. In the '90s, I commissioned John to build me one of his fine archtops, and it turned out to be an absolute work of art. Unfortunately, John passed away at a relatively young age leaving quite a hole in the "what could have been" category. His instruments (archtops, acoustics, mandolins) rarely hit the marketplace and are highly valued by those who play them (ask jazz great Peter Bernstein). That's why I am so delighted to be able to offer this 1982 T- style guitar commissioned by studio guitarist Alan Slutsky.***  Not only is this a highly individualized build, it’s one of the few (if any) T-style guitars Zeidler ever created. Alan wanted John to build a guitar that covers most music genres. No doubt about it, John Zeidler nailed it with this stunning instrument.

Besides its obvious beauty and craft, this electric guitar has a tremendous voice, blistering and articulate with an enormous range of tones. Funk, country, jazz, fusion – you name it – was no problem for this beauty. This guitar passed with flying colors any musical mission I put it through.

The playability is excellent with a fast playing neck carve; very comfortable and addictive. John was a builder accustomed to putting his guitars into professional players' hands, so a great playing neck was imperative.

For those looking for something exceptional, a taste of the studio scene 1980s (note the weighty brass hardware), and built by a one-of-a-kind builder, this John Zeidler T-Style guitar should be on your radar.

***Alan "Dr. Licks" Slutsky is a session guitarist and arranger who won a Grammy for his award-winning documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown.

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.