I just got these photos from the Benedetto shop in Savannah, GA. Bob Benedetto is working on a new Gypsy jazz guitar. It's similar to the previous Vignola model: Selmer body size, 25" scale, and X braced. But has a more traditional round sound hole reminiscent of the old Couesnon guitars.
The first one will have a back and side made from African
Beli Wood, spruce top and mahogany neck. Since it is one of Bob's originals
it will probably retail at $40,000.00 plus. The regual production version will be made of traditional spruce and maple.
Comments
My guess is $18K-$22K depending on the woods. If you want one I'd just go and grab one of the two Vignola models at Mandolin brothers, both for less then $10K. Once those are a gone you'd have to pay double for one of these new ones. There were only about 12 Vignola models ever made so they're pretty rare.
15-6993 Benedetto (used, c. 2006) (hand made in Corona, CA, USA) Frank Vignola Standard, #164, near mint with original TKL 5-ply faux alligator covered deluxe hard shell case
15-6994 Benedetto (used, c. 2006) (hand made in Corona, CA, USA) Frank Vignola Deluxe, #175, near mint with original TKL 5-ply faux alligator covered deluxe hard shell case with a thermometer/hygrometer inside.
This is the one-of-a-kind Gypsy-style guitar Bob just finished. The neck is top is European spruce top, African Beli wood back and sides, Spanish cedar neck, fine line maple and fiber binding, ebony fretboard, bridge and tailpiece, abalone-cedar-reconstituted stone inlay of headstock.
Spanish cedar has been used for years for neck wood by Spanish clasical and flamenco makers and favored by many American builders. Martin guitar now uses it for necks in place of Mahogany on many models