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M.J. Franks Sinker Mahogany Resonator Guitar #18-254R  From Franks

Constructed with denser "sinker" mahogany this guitar has gorgeous looks and tone!

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Our product photos are the actual, specific serial number for sale!

This specific item was photographed by us here in Durham, North Carolina. We are a very small team dedicated to providing you the most accurate photos possible, through our obsessive focus - individually photographing nearly everything that comes through the door. Questions about what you see? Want more information, photos, or just a friendly conversation with someone that cares and who has actually had their hands on this exact item? Contact us now!
M. J. Franks Guitars

Available for Special Order

See something you like? This item is gone, but not forever. It can be special ordered, and even customized!

We can get it fast!

Because of our special relationship with Franks we can get this as fast, or faster than anyone in the industry. In some cases, we even have preferred build slots we can offer you.

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What We Think

My, my, my!  This one talks to you.  We always love the way a woodbody resonator brings together the sweet warmth of mahogany (always a classic tonewood for a design like this) with the cone's throaty, jangly honk.  It should be no surprise then that the superlative materials used by M.J. Franks in the construction of this instrument elevate it above the rest of what's out there--just look at the Sinker Honduras hog!  There's a clarity and downright cleanliness of tone that you just don't see with guitars like this.  Fingerstyle players will immediately notice the unusually full and focused punch along with the surprising level of sensitivity.  For a slide player, the combination of unending sustain and warm, organic tone can't be beat.  With a flatpick in hand, you'll find yourself competing with everything from dreadnoughts to 17" archtops.   

Manufacturer's Description from Franks

My goal in designing this guitar was to create an instrument with the blended voice of a resonator and the sweet, rich fullness of an acoustic. Play it with a slide, pick or fingerstyle, you will be amazed with its versatility. The top, arched back, sides and neck are constructed of solid tonewoods. The triple-hand-spun Beard Legend™ Cone & Original #14™ Spider Bridge are the finest available. The cover plate and external hardware are plated brass.

M. J. Franks Guitars

About Manufacturer

Mike Franks passion for building traditional style acoustic guitars is a natural progression of his life-long love of fine woodworking. He has spent most of his life relentlessly perfecting his skills as a craftsman. Past endeavors have included professional antiques restoration, woodcarving, furniture building and the restoration of classic cars and boats. An avid pilot, Mike constructed his first full-sized airplane almost entirely of wood.

Mike fell in love with Bluegrass Music at an early age and scoured flea markets and second hand stores in his native Ohio for repairable or restorable fiddles, guitars and mandolins. After repairing and refurbishing the instruments, Mike sold or gave them to his musician friends. In later years after building his first guitar, Mike spent time apprenticing with a Master Luthier and Inlay Artist and began building guitars professionally. Mike continues to consult and spend time with other accomplished Luthiers acquiring and perfecting his skills.

An engineer by trade, Mike constructs his instruments with the belief that fine, repeatable acoustics have everything to do with solid design, choice materials and exacting construction. That is not to say that appearances are not important. To say that Mike is anal regarding the fit and finish of his instruments is an understatement. His selection of materials is as painstaking as his building style. Old-Growth Brazilian Rosewood and Master Grade Adirondack Spruce are favorites as well as Mahogany, Spruce and Koa. Mike builds about 10 steel strings and an occasional Resonator guitar per year. A majority of his customers are professional musicians.

Mike lives in Rochester Hills, Michigan with his wife Debbie and 2 teenage children. He is an instrument rated pilot and enjoys flying, bluegrass music, the Michigan outdoors and time spent with his family.

Specifications

Style: Resonator RS-12RF

Back/Sides: Sinker Honduras Mahogany

Top: Sinker Honduras Mahogany

Neck Profile: Vintage "D" Shape, Smile Volute, Gibson Style Heel

F/B Width: 1 & 3/4" x 2 &3 /16"

Bridge String Spacing: 2 & 3/16"

Binding:  Delmar Tortoise

Purfling: Bold Herringbone

Backstrip: None

Cover Plate: Classic "Fan" Style Triple-Nickel Plated Brass

Cone & Spider: Beard "Legend™” Hand-Spun Cone & #14 Spider Bridge

Sound Ports: "F" Holes

Tailpiece:  Chrome Plated  Brass

F/B Binding:  Delmar Tortoise

F/B Inlay: Large Diamonds & Squares

Special Inlay: None

Bridge Insert: Maple w/ Ebony Cap

Headstock Detail: Round Corners, Single Binding

Headplate: Indian Rosewood w/ Mother-of-Pearl Script Inlay

Tuners: Grover Rotomatic Locking – Nickel

End Pin & Strap Button: Chrome

Electronics: None

Special Finish/Stain: Gloss Nitro Lacquer Sides, Back & Neck, Gloss Nitro Top & Headplate

Case: TKL 5-Ply

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