Description
VG condition. Another great instrument from Idaho builder Lawrence Smart. 1 11/16″ width at nut. No cracks, dings, or structural issues, just some minor player wear, incidental scratches, and finish checking on the nitrocellulose lacquer. Moderate fret wear. Some areas of the back of neck have been worn to bare wood (see photos).
Beautiful Engelmann Spruce top. Quilted koa back and sides, full of character. Mahogany neck. Ebony fingerboard, bridge, pins, peghead overlay, truss rod cover, and pickguard. Cut diamond inlays in fingerboard. Body and peghead are bound with multiple wood layers showing. Rosette decorated with tasteful wooden marquetry. Flowery Abalone inlay in headstock. Bone nut and saddle. Gold tuners with ebony buttons made in “W. Germany”. Strap button professionally installed in correct location on heel. Pickup installed.
Mr. Smart is highly regarded for mainly his mandolins, but has also made some amazing guitars. This one, having had over 20 years to open up, is playing to its potential. The guitar gives a well-balanced tone with lots of color and sustain. Bright enough for flatpicking, warm enough for great rhythm, and beautiful when fingerpicked. It is well setup and ready to play.
Matt Rieger from the Lil’ Smokies demonstrates:
