Unity Archtop Value

ikbtops · #1 12-13-2011, 08:02 PM

Hi all,
I've had this one of a kind archtop in my possession for about 10 years or so.
I acquired it through a consignment deal when I worked in Kalamazoo for a great deal less than I think it's worth, and I want to get it insured/ and or considering selling soon. I'll include a few pics. It's pretty bare bones in terms of binding, and I've had the bridge and tailpiece replaced(D'Aquisto).It has a Armstrong floating pickup. It has a bit of raising on the top, a 1/2" long gash under the tailpiece and a few nicks on the top of the headstock. Otherwise, I'd call it overall in good to very good condition. The only to people to work on it are Aaron himself and Jeff Branch, a luthier here in the Michigan Here are some pics:

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Patrick2 · #2 12-13-2011, 08:51 PM

I've known Aaron Cowles for quite some time now. He's a friend. He's also a master luthier. He built me a 17" American Classic arch top back in 1994 . . . and also an 18" American Classic arch top that I picked up just 6 months ago. I still have them both and I consider them to be "crown jewles" in an extensive arch top collection.

Based upon the guitar you are showing here, being one of, as you put it, "pretty bare bones" with very few if any upgrades on it . . . . I would put it's replacement value at somewhere between $2,500 and $3,000. That would be for insurance purposes. As for the selling value of the guitar . . . probably somewhere around $1,800 to $2,000 . . . that's if you were to find someone who knows of Aaron's level of work and craftsmanship. If not, then it probably would bring a lower price if you were to sell it.

However, I would put Aaron's work up against ANY current luthier. He doesn't have the name or the notoriety of a Bob Benedetto level luthier . . . but, he's every bit as good.

Those are my opinions . . . but, they are not without knowledge and credibility on this matter.

ikbtops · #3 12-13-2011, 09:12 PM

That's about what I guessed. I'll see if I can find someone interested. Honestly, as mainly a sax player, I have no business with something this nice.
It's very lightweight and has a huge sound. I don't think he used these shaped sound holes too often.

Marty Grass · #4 12-13-2011, 10:19 PM

Aaron has built many of the classic Gibson archtops, including Johnny Smiths and Citations, during his work in the Gibson Custom Shop in Kalamazoo. He remained in Kalamazoo when Gibson moved to Nashville and he continued his first class work.

He doesn't make archtops any more. But he made some of the best.

Unfortunately he has little name recognition, so there is a small market.

Here are pics of my Unity from 1994.

Unity 100th Anniversary pictures by mgoetting - Photobucket
http://i796.photobucket.com/albums/y...g?t=1318166692

Archtop Guy · #5 12-15-2011, 04:19 PM

Is that the Unity that was shown at the 1994 show on Long Island? I remember being very impressed with it . Sitting there next to all of Ted Krauses' collection. I think I have some snap shots of it.

Marty Grass · #6 12-15-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archtop Guy

Is that the Unity that was shown at the 1994 show on Long Island? I remember being very impressed with it . Sitting there next to all of Ted Krauses' collection. I think I have some snap shots of it.

That was Ted Krauses'. It was custom built for him and has his name on the inside label. Amazing memory.

If you find the snapshots and can digitize them, I'd love to see them.

Patrick2 · #7 12-15-2011, 06:25 PM

Ted Krauss was one of "The Inner Circle" guys of the collectors in the NY area. I was at that Long Island show at the Five Towns College in Dix Hills NY in 1994. I spent quite a bit of time at his D'Aquisto Strings booth, litterally begging him to sell me either the L5CN or the Mark Lacey Imperial he had on display there at the time. He just grinned broadly and said . . . "none of these are for sale". However, I don't remember seeing this Unity there. I don't doubt that it was . . . I just don't remember it.

Mark . . . . you NEED to pay your daughter a vist. I think you will be favorably impressed and surprised!!

Archtop Guy · #8 12-15-2011, 08:57 PM

Hi Mark, My scanner is down but I'll get them done and send them to you. That show was the greatest. To bad it ended. Wonderful venue and everyone wanted to be there and was. I was there at Mark Campellone's booth. Between Ted Krause and Scott Chinery buying everything in sight and so many new luthiers Comins,Megas,Triggs,D'Aquisto,ect,ect.and the entertainment!! Just wonderful. I'll send those soon,John

Patrick2 · #9 12-15-2011, 10:29 PM

Archtop guy; agreed. Those were the best shows, for me, that I've ever been to. The late Jim Fisch tried to carry it on beyond the Five Towns College venue . . . but, it just didn't click. It was a true "arch top" show. Chinery had his entire "Blue Collection" there. Steve Howe and Martin Taylor were there signing CDs of their Chinery Collection recording there ... . John Montelleone was there carving tops and assembling guitars. It was just great. The court yard performances . . . . too many artists to list . . . but, Jimmy Bruno, Jack Wilkens, Sal Salvadore, Mark Elf, Frank Vignola, Joe Puma, Carl Barney, Jimmy Vivano, Anthony Wilson . . . . a long list of great performances. I do miss it!!

Archtop Guy · #10 12-16-2011, 08:02 AM

Patrick, I remember seeing Taylor and Howe in a photo shot probably in 20th Century Guitar with them surrounded by the collection but, I never heard the recordings. You guys forgot to mention Bucky and John Pisano. They were the best then and still are now.

Patrick2 · #11 12-16-2011, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Archtop Guy

Patrick, I remember seeing Taylor and Howe in a photo shot probably in 20th Century Guitar with them surrounded by the collection but, I never heard the recordings. You guys forgot to mention Bucky and John Pisano. They were the best then and still are now.

Steve Howe was such a gracious and considerate man. He was asked to do a couple of songs, but he declined, concerned it would cause a complete disruption of the show if he stapped on a guitar.

You're correct . . . I should have mentioned John Pisano . . . he's one of my favorites. But, there were usually too many great jazz players there to remember them all. It's too bad that show faded after Jim Fisch passed away. If I had the time to do so, I would revive it and do it every year. I'm pretty sure that I could get the players, the builders and the dealers to participate again. Everyone loved that show . . . and the show usually made money for everyone, even some of the local upscale hotels held jazz concert type performances during the evening. I remember "The Benedetto Players" doing an evening at a Marriott. Some of the local and virtually unknown players would sit in and some of them really smoked!!!

houseofcharm · #12 04-03-2012, 07:25 AM

In a hijacked thread resurrection, those were the best jazz shows ever. As mentioned, the best venue and a 'homey', intimate feel to it. I wonder if it could ever be resurrected itself in this $$ enviro?