D'Aquisto 16" Deluxe Flat Top 1977, Natural

James D’Aquisto aficionados will want to see this one. Built in 1977 and signed inside on 12/23/77, this rare 16" Deluxe Flat Top features tight-flame maple back and sides, an equally tight-grained spruce top, and Jimmy’s signature inlaid at the headstock. The oval soundhole is framed in ivoroid to match the body and neck bindings, and it wears an irregular rectangular ebony bridge with a through saddle. The body is notably deep—just over 5" at the tail—which gives the guitar a powerful push and projection that really opens up under a flatpick.

The neck is chunky and substantial, with a 1 15/16" nut width that feels confident and reassuring in the hand. In spite of its capacious dimensions, this D’Aquisto responds beautifully to a lighter fingerstyle touch as well, with excellent clarity and sustain that reward nuance and dynamics.

Adding to its provenance, this guitar was once auctioned by Julien’s and includes the display case and original write-up from that sale—a remarkable, collectible example of D’Aquisto’s flat-top work that’s every bit as compelling to play as it is to behold.  Comes with an Ameritage HSC.