1987 Thomas Humphrey "Violin Guitar" CD/MP (ex Fisk, Teicholz)

At first glance, this would not appear to be an example of a "Millennium" model by Thomas Humphrey, and yet it is! Only with aesthetic features normally found on instruments in the violin family - including the violin scroll for the head shape and two f-holes instead of a round soundhole. This "one-of-a-kind" instrument was originally commissioned by Eliot Fisk, its first owner. It was also later owned by Marc Teicholz, and it was with this instrument that Marc won the GFA competition in 1989. Aesthetic considerations aside, the structural details of the revolutionary "Millennium" design are present in this instrument including the elevated fingerboard and curved bridge design, and because this guitar lacks a soundhole, the fingerboard extends long enough to accommodate 22 frets - players of arrangements will appreciate the ability to reach a singing high D-natural on the top string. This example from 1987 has the trademark quality of tone known to Humphrey lovers - a powerful, "hollow" and very focused sound which makes these instruments particularly well-suited to the concert stage where added projection is welcomed by audience and player alike. It has a cedar top and as its violin appearance would almost , it has beautiful flamed maple for the back and sides. Truly unique (even by Thomas Humphrey's standards), this is an eye-catching and great-sounding guitar with an interesting history and great provenance.