Many are surprised to find that some of the best Selmer Maccaferri style guitars in the world are not built in Paris, but rather in the far north of Finland by the skilled luthier Ari-Jukka Luomaranta. Made famous by the legendary Swedish guitarist Andreas Oberg, AJL guitars have found their way into the hands of Gypsy jazz guitarists worldwide. AJL is known for his meticulous attention to detail, deep knowledge of traditional building techniques, and replica hardware which is second to none.
This is AJL's most popular model to date, the XO which features a special heat treated Thermotimber spruce top that simulates the tonal qualities of vintage instruments. The result is a guitar which looks and sounds like a mature sixty-year-old instrument.
The design is pure Selmer, with a 15 3/4" body, 670mm scale, spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and a walnut neck with the traditional grafted headstock. This guitar is outfitted with AJL's beautiful vintage tailpiece and closed tuners. The interior is lacquered and the top features a heat bent pliage.
AJL certainly succeeded in making this instrument sound "old" as it has the clarity and dryness that one rarely hears in new instruments. Not often do I hear a new guitar that produces the strong, clear fundamentals that this one does. If you're looking for an instrument with definition and punch, than this is it.
This guitar comes with one of AJL's amazing ultra slim, ultra strong flight cases. It's so small you'd hardly believe the guitar could fit in there...and is so strong that Andreas can stand on it with out damaging the guitar inside (I'm serious, he tried it). Additionally, a padded nylon AJL case cover is also included which provides additional protection and a shoulder strap for ease of transport.
This guitar was built just last year and has only a few hours of playing time on it. Other than some very light fret wear, it looks completely new. It is nicely discounted and is generally a nice deal as French made guitars with similar features easily run over $6K.
This is the CASH price...add 3% if you'd like to pay with a credit card. Add 4% for international credit card orders.
Brand | AJL |
Year | 2017 |
Model Number | Model 503 XO |
Serial Number | 2116 |
Sound Hole | Oval |
Fret Neck | 14 Fret |
Condition | Mint |
Size | 15 3/4" |
Scale Length | 670mm |
Nut Width | 1 3/4" |
Body Depth | 3 7/8" |
Top | Spruce |
Back and Sides | Brazilian Rosewood |
Neck | Walnut |
Fingerboard | Ebony |
Binding | Ebony |
Finish | Antique |
Tailpiece | AJL Gold |
Tuners | AJL Gold |
Action | 2.8mm |
Strings | Argentine 1510 |
Case | AJL with Travel Cover |
Pickup(s) | None |
Truss Rod | Yes |
Weight | 4.15 lbs |