The Atkin L36 is, of course, a 12-fret guitar (with the body joint at the 12th fret) – and that makes a decisive difference. This moves the bridge position into the acoustic sweet spot of the body: even the lightest touch sets the top in motion, the response is immediate, and the tone is full and musically balanced.
The top made of baked Sitka spruce performs like a played-in vintage instrument – thermally treated, structurally stabilized, and sonically "warmed up." Complemented by a mahogany body, hand-scalloped pre-war bracing, and a subtle light-relic nitrocellulose finish that not only looks good but feels that way, too: organic, tactile, and vibrant.
The 24 7/8" scale length sits between classic short-scale parlor length and full scale – enough tension for intonation and dynamics, enough comfort for hours of sessions. Bone nut and saddle, nickel Kluson tuners, Santos rosewood fretboard and bridge: everything is well thought out, nothing is accidental.
The name "Thirty Six" says it all: 1936 was a key year for the parlor guitar – that was when it became the instrument of American folk and blues. Atkin takes this tradition seriously and continues to build on it consistently in Canterbury, England – with hand, heart, and mind.
This guitar is suitable for fingerstylists and blues players, including those with smaller hands (43 mm nut width), who are looking for a compact body with an expressive tone – and who know what matters.
Specifications
Top: Torrified Sitka Spruce
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Headstock Overlay: Walnut
Logo: Atkin Banner Decal
Truss Rod: Two-way adjustable (soundhole)
Fretboard: Santos Rosewood
Bridge: Santos Rosewood
Rosette: Black/White/Black
Body Depth: 4 3/8" (approx. 111 mm)
Lower Bout Width: 14 3/4" (approx. 375 mm)
Scale Length: 24 7/8" (approx. 632 mm)
Fretboard Radius: 16"
Nut Width: 43 mm
Binding: Aged Plain Ivoroid
Bracing: Pre-War Scalloped
Pickguard: Hand-finished Tortoiseshell Celluloid
Finish: Light Relic Thin Nitrocellulose
Nut & Saddle: Bone
Tuners: Nickel Kluson
Fret Markers: Mother of Pearl (MOP)
Case: Atkin Case
More about the manufacturer: atkinguitars.com