Benedetto Fratello No 42.

 Exceptionally Rare.

The Fratello is Bob Benedetto's classic Jazz Archtop  -  born of a lifetime's experience.

He personally made 102 Fratellos through the 1980's and 90's, then created a small team of dedicated luthiers, working under his close personal supervision, to meet the demand for these hand carved instruments.    Each guitar made by his craftsmen has been personally checked by Bob Benedetto and only when he was entirely happy with a guitar would he put his name to it.    This fabulous instrument, built in 2004, bears his signature on the label and on the Certificate of Authenticity which comes with the guitar.

Finished in Opulent Brown it is absolutely Mint.

The Fratello is simply the best!    Stunning to look at,  inspiring to play,  it is full voiced with ringing harmonics and capable of delivering whatever a guitarist calls for.    It feels right and it sounds superb!   This is a great acoustic archtop and the Benedetto S6 floating pickup is legendary.  

This guitar has only been played lightly, with no visible sign of wear and I am happy to describe it as Mint.     Certainly it is in 100% excellent condition.    It is as new except that the strap button has been moved to the conventional body position.   The resulting exposed screw hole at the base of the heel has been filled with a 9ct solid Gold plug.  

Currently, new Fratellos are listed in the US at $27,000 and used examples like this one, built around 2004, sell at $14 - $16,000     To bring one like this into the UK would cost around £14,000 in total.    I am offering this gorgeous instrument,  complete with its original Mint TDK plush lined case and Certificate of Authenticity at what I believe to be a realistic and attractive price around 30% below it's current insured value.     Inspection welcome.

I shall be happy to discuss offers close to £9,750.