1982 Benedetto 16" Oval Hole Custom Archtop

In 1981, Leo Kottke commissioned Bob Benedetto to make him a special order design in a 16″ Archtop for finger style playing w/an oval soundhole, echoing the classic Gibson L-4 of the teens and 20’s. This example # 7782 was hand crafted by Bob in his Clearwater, Florida workshop for its 1st owner, Mr. Loren Damewood, this unique model is built w/a tap-tuned X-braced soundboard, which enhances bass response and sustain over typical F-hole models. Styled after the fashion of Bob’s renowned Fratello model, the full-depth body shows superbly bookmatched quilty flame maple on the carved back & sides. Its neck appears Mahogany w/a generous 1 3/4″ nut and nice string spacing. This wood was aged for over four decades, it lends a brilliant voice and resonance all transmitted faithfully to the amp through the coveted original DeArmond 1100 Adjustable Rhythm Chief pickup in a stunning bound ebony pickgard. The gentle D profile neck sits easily in the hand w/a smooth low action feel. She has a hand graduated spruce soundboard of exceptionally fine grain, this comfy 16″ guitar performs as brilliantly w/a pick as it does with the fingers & is a remarkably versatile instrument for any number of styles. This is in exceptionally clean shape & ready to enjoy for the next 42 years & far better to play than any larger 17″ – 18″ Benedetto model. The last photo here was of a very young Bob in his shop w/Leo Kottke’s own guitar behind him in the photo. It comes complete w/its original hard case.