1999 Dell'Arte Anouman?

RomanGypsyFan · October 2

I received this guitar. Is it really a Dell'Arte?

The label inside looks brand new.

I'm concerned about the cutout in the box; it's not straight like most Gypsy guitars, but slightly concave. I did find an early model from Mexico with this cutou

t. The tuners and tailpiece are replaced.

Buco · October 2

Maybe just email the makers, either John Kinnard or a person responsible for the distribution (forum won't allow to write the name). They're both still in business. The cutaway is unusual but that was early in the Dell'Arte guitars and as you say you found one like it that was made in Mexico. More unusual is no serial number. I thought they always numbered them. Compare the heel and headstock joints on yours to the others built by John. That might tell you more.

bbwood_98 · October 2

That seems pretty legit. I had a custom one made by John; it has that same fingerboard extension, and a date inside on the label as well. 2/99 would be pretty early in the company's history (they would have just shifted the production to California & john's very direct supervision). I would just find contact for the owner and reach out.