Sound Pure's Take

Condition: Used, Excellent

Collector grade magic from a living legend of archtop luthiery.  It's almost folly to even try to describe the level of quality we're talking about here.  The lines and curves of the entire instrument, the endlessly deep and status quo-eviscerating voice, the genuine comfort and deceptively inviting feel in general--words just don't do it justice. We'll lean on this: Superlative.

This is the ultimate in 7-string perfection, and it is truly an honor to have this instrument in our inventory. Up until now, it has been pampered in a private collection. The Buscarino 7 String features wood that is truly “master grade” and produces a huge warm sound that must be heard to be believed. Its acoustics are truly awesome. The oval hole design (originally conceived of by Orville Gibson on his first archtop guitar) allows for maximum volume and projection. The warmth of this cedar is simply unbelievable. It's grain and tone epitomize the symmetric potential of nature. The rosewood is as regal and rich as it comes, imbuing every note in this guitar's wide frequency range with delicate overtones.

Master Guitarist Craig Wagner's Reaction:

I remember that guitar fondly, so much so that the signature model guitar John Buscarino is getting ready to build for me is an oval hole archtop based on that very guitar. I always loved the sound of an oval hole archtop and you don't see them too often. The first one I remember hearing was Howard Alden's old Bennedetto that he played in the '90s (which I loved), but John took it to the next level with the carved cedar top and the rosewood back and sides. Its tone was bright, punchy and dark all at the same time, and loud too; it was warm but with that almost Maccaferri-esque kind of snap to it - and that was all before you even plugged it in! So yes... I guess I vaguely remember that guitar.

SP Luthier Notes: Fret dress and setup

From Buscarino Guitars

A guitar's primary function is usually measured in musical terms: its ability to produce precise notes, chords, and passages on demand. Consistency is the ultimate test of its perfection. But to the Master luthier and craftsman John Buscarino, this is only a beginning. John is one of the few luthiers working today; a solo artisan handcrafting guitars suited to each customer's personal needs. His instruments are prized not just for the beautiful sounds they produce, but also as the cherished possessions they inevitably become. Guitar player Steve Morse considers his Buscarino guitars "treasured works of art," as do many of John's customers.

John is unique among today's guitar builders in that he apprenticed with not one but two master luthiers. The first was Augustine LoPrinzi, from whom John learned the finer points of building classical guitars.

John later worked with famed archtop builder Robert Benedetto, spending years perfecting the woodworking skills that today make him a master luthier in his own right.

John has created hundreds of exquisite guitars using proven methods passed down over generations. He constantly refines these time-tested techniques, taking each to new levels of perfection in mastering the art of lutherie.

Model
Virtuoso 7-String Oval Hole
Serial
CAP1069904
Body Wood
Rosewood
Top Wood
Western Red Cedar
Cutaway
Single Venetian
Neck
3-Piece Bird's Eye Maple
Nut Width
2 11/16"
Body Width
17"
Body Depth
3 3/8"
Side Port
Hand Carved Fleur de Lis
Finish
High Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Purfling
Red/Black
Fingerboard
Cocobolo
Tailpiece
Cocobolo w/Virtuoso Inlay
Rosette
Oval with Snakewood Inlay and Mother of Pearl Ribbons
Scale
25"
Number of Frets
22
Headstock
Burl Veneer
Bridge
Cocobolo
Tuners
Schaller w/Snakewood Buttons
Pickups
Custom Acoustic Bridge Pickup
Case
Calton Custom Fitted Fibreglass #15821

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

Try Before You Buy: take it home, commit only when it's right. Program details →

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

Sound Pure is a working studio in Durham, NC — a 1,000 sq ft live room and two pro control rooms. Book a session to audition gear in a world-class acoustic space before you buy.