Welcome to D'Antone Guitars! It is a sort of 'umbrella' name under which I will be marketing both used instruments (vintage and luthier built) as well as some of my own instruments. Those who know me already know that I have been doing high end restoration on instruments for as many years as I have been building them. This has been invaluable in my own education as a builder as you come to understand the choices made by great builders going back generations and which ones have stood the test of time and also those that although they may have had a positive impact on the instruments performance in the short term, have failed over time. I have learned that you cannot be judgemental on what could be perceived as a 'flaw' because an instrument capable of making great music in the short term is just as valid as one that will last three hundred years. It's 'life' is in the 'moment' just as the music that is played on it is but I digress!
Here are some instruments that are available right now. They are all fine guitars that have crossed my path one way or another and include the occasional used instrument of my own. I haven't listed every guitar that may be available but if you are looking for something in particular, you can certainly let me know. Also for higher resolutions pictures contact me and I will happy to send them to you. I can be contacted at:
tel: 416 699 7082
e-mail: tonyds@pathcom.com
website: http://tonyduggan-smith.com/ (soon to be updated to D'Antone)
Vintage 1952 Gibson SJ-200 Acoustic Guitar #A94XX FON 5707-18.
This very light instrument is in exceptionally fine condition as well as being extremely rare. One of only 112 shipped that year, this one has a very early '52 serial number and the factory order number does not yet have the Z prefix that began in '52. The guitar features a sunburst finish, single X-braced spruce top, beautifully figured solid maple back and sides, multiple bound top and back, vibrant crown pearl inlays on a bound Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, 'mustache' bridge with pearl inlays and a large '50s neck profile that fits comfortably in your hand. There are some usual minor signs of binding shrinkage and the bordered pickguard is starting to gas in a few small spots as seen in the pictures. It has a common short back crack running from the end block, a tiny one at the heel block and a short one in the waist area. There is also a small side crack in the upper waist. All cracks have been glued and cleated. The bridge is original and features an intonated saddle using the original existing saddle slot. Overall this is an incredible vintage guitar and rare to find in this condition. It sounds fantastic with full, rich tone, plays great and comes with the original brown hard case with green lining. Also included is the rare original hang tag with the handwritten serial number and stamped for SJ-200. Perfect for the Gibson aficionado this guitar epitomizes the classic Gibson Jumbo tone and feel and would be equally at home in the hands of a player or collector. I should mention to any songwriter reading this that you will find inspiration distilled into every chord you play!
Price: $11,500US
2000 Borges Barndance
Bought from Kim Sherman at Cotten Music last year. It's a great sounding, light and resonant interpretation of a Gibson J-35, with indian rosewood back and sides and Adirondack top. With waverly tuners, bone nut and saddle and it's short scale, it's kind of a cross between a Gibson J-35 and an Advanced Jumbo. Condition is excellent, with light finish crazing (apparently due to temperature fluctuations in his old space). Very minor scuffing on the back and a tiny ding in the headstock. There's plenty of saddle - it's barely been played in the 10 years or so since it was built - and it was recently set up by Julius Borges himself. Price: $4,300US
1995 Tony Duggan-Smith 7/8 sized Archtop Guitar
Built at Linda Manzers shop during Tony's many years there, this is a unique 14 1/2" instrument with 21 7/8" scale that can be played in standard tuning or tuned up a whole tone. In excellent condition , it is a completely hand carved instrument featuring highly figured german maple back and sides, an Engelman spruce top, ebony appointments, handmade Kent Armstrong pickup and under saddle transducer. With a rich complex tone expected in Tony's instruments, this guitar is ideal either for a serious young player or anyone looking for a different tonal texture to add to their palette. Comes with hardshell case. Price: $6,300US
1929 Martin 0-18K #36XX3
Original finish with neck reset, replacement transition belly bridge (for intonation) original bar frets one small repaired top crack and new replacement Waverly tuners. This is a magnificent example both structurally and acoustically. With nicely figured Koa, it has typical wear for its age and has thankfully never been top coated. Recently seen and played at the Montreal Guitar Show by both musicians and builders it was a great vintage reference instrument amongst so many new luthier built guitars. A fabulous and surprisingly versatile guitar, it comes with new hardshell case. Price: $4,400US
