Atkin L-1 (2012)

The Atkin L-1 is a handcrafted boutique parlor guitar from Canterbury, England – created by Alister Atkin and his small team as one of the most authentic reinterpretations of the legendary 1926 Gibson L-1 worldwide. Each instrument bears Atkin's handwritten signature on the label inside the soundhole. Among professional blues and fingerstyle guitarists, the Atkin L-1 is considered a reference instrument in its class, comparable to Collings, Huss & Dalton, or Santa Cruz.
This 2012 example is a sought-after collector's item for purists: classically seasoned Sitka spruce top without thermal pre-treatment, high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer without artificial aging – after more than ten years of natural maturation, the guitar sounds and looks exactly as an instrument that has truly been played should. Those who dislike the relic look and baked tops, and instead prefer organically matured instruments, will find a rare opportunity in this early Atkin example. The sound is fantastic. Fishman pickup installed. Comes in a non-original case.

Materials and Construction

• Top – Solid Sitka Spruce (Classically Seasoned, Non-Thermally Treated): Traditionally dried tonewood – after over ten years of natural aging, the top has truly undergone its maturation process and consequently sounds open and played-in.
• Back & Sides – Solid Mahogany: Light, warm, and resonant – in combination with the aged spruce top, it creates a full, three-dimensional sound with surprisingly strong dynamics for such a small guitar.
• Bracing – Pre-War Scalloped X-Bracing: Historically modified for more warmth, bass foundation, and tonal depth – without losing the typical growly pre-war character.
• Finish – High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Gloss), Vintage Sunburst, Not Artificially Aged: Paper-thin nitrocellulose lacquer without factory relic treatment – naturally aged and darkened over more than ten years. Genuine patina instead of artificial hairline cracks.
• Parlor Body, 12-Fret, Scale Length 632 mm: Compact L-1 body style with neck joint at the 12th fret. The 632 mm scale length delivers more definition and projection than ultra-short parlor scale lengths, but plays significantly softer than a standard western guitar.

Specifications

Body Shape: Parlor (L-1 style), 12-Fret
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce (Classically Seasoned, Non-Thermally Treated)
Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
Bracing: Pre-War Scalloped X-Bracing,
Scale Length: 632 mm
Nut Width: 45 mm
Finish: High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer (Gloss), Vintage Sunburst
Made in: Canterbury, England (2012)

The sale is subject to differential taxation in accordance with § 25a UStG (used goods/special regulation). A separate statement of VAT is not permissible.