Sound Pure's Take
Condition: Used, Excellent
This guitar plays itself
The tone is lively and warm
The appointments are classy, yet understated
The Big Leaf Maple is gorgeous and it retains clarity and note separation with effortless grace
The X-brace design makes for a dynamic and articulate response
It's the kind of instrument that will serve you well in just about any context
For an American-made archtop by one of the best builders currently working, it's a steal
This one wants to go back on stage!
It's just about the most comfortable "Jazz-box" I've ever played
SP Luthier Notes: Fret Dress, Setup
From Comins Guitars
Philadelphia, PA-based luthier Bill Comins began playing guitar at an early age, eventually going on to study jazz guitar at Temple University. His initial career as a working musician and private instructor, however, would inevitably give way to a lifelong pursuit of the art of Luthiery. Over the last 20 plus years, Bill has been dedicated to refining a line of instruments with a main focus on archtop jazz guitars.
Hallmarks of Comins Guitars include precise setup work, comfortable feeling necks, a clear and round high end, punchy mids, and a “broken in” or “old wood” sound. Guided by the works of great makers past and present, Comins has devoted much attention to considering elements such as modeling and graduation of the arched plates, mass of individual components, sound-hole styling and placement, variables in geometric relationships, etc. This progression of fine-tuning has led to deep understanding of how components function in concert, and how they can be manipulated toward a desired result. What is learned from each newly created piece is brought to the next. Bill also attributes the success of his instruments to sensibilities acquired through his years of playing.
Producing a limited number of pieces per year, Bill builds custom instruments for international clientele consisting of professional and novice musicians, educators, and collectors. His work has been recognized in magazines, books, and formal exhibitions. Maintaining a one-on-one association with his customers, Bill remains mindful of each instrument’s intended use, and approaches every project with reverence.
-16" lower bout
-Sitka spruce top -X-braced
-Big leaf maple back and sides
-Rosewood binding motif
-Burl peghead face and back
-Ebony binding around fingerboard with light wood colored side dot markers
-Open-back Waverly tuners with grained ivoroid buttons
-1-23/32" nut width with c-neck
-24 3/4" scale length
-Rosewood pickguard
-Volume and tone control
-Natural finish
-Non-bound f-holes with edges chamfered
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: 48-hour audition. Program details →
You may also like
Browse Archtop Jazz Guitars →
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.