Top-shelf materials and upgraded appointments distinguish this showstopper of an archtop from a local, veteran, lauded luthier.

Why We Love This

It is hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since Mark Campellone crossed the 30-year threshold as a builder. This 17" Custom is as impressive as the milestone it was built to commemorate. Obvious aesthetic charm aside, it's a wonderful, singular guitar.

As with all of Mark's guitars, this Custom plays beautifully, with low, easy action. The acoustic voice is substantial and and robust. Chords ring out with fullness and clarity, and single note lines leap forward with authority.

Mark pulled a striking set of "rain drop" quilted maple for the back and sides, echoed in the use of the same material for the pickguard. A natural finish shows off the tonewoods, while the ebony fingerboard and headstock overlay offer a clean canvas for Mark's keystone and deco inlay motif.

The appointments are based on his Deluxe Series guitars, with a few nice aesthetic upgrades, notably in the use of abalone for side dots, tailpiece inlay, and the striking truss cover.

This instrument comes to us in Excellent condition with some light play wear (mostly pick wear on the guard) but very well maintained. We have it strung with flatwounds—it sings in this setup—but will happily accommodate your setup preferences. The original Cedar Creek case is also in great condition.