1997 Insalaco Archtop Cherry
1997 Insalaco Archtop Cherry
DESCRIPTION
A few years back, I had the opportunity to purchase some gear from Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, NY—a legendary spot that’s recorded artists like Anthrax, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. During that time, the uncle of Pyramid’s owner - ready to part with his collection - offered us something special: an original 1940 D’Angelico Style B, which he had owned since the 1960s.
Inspired by that D’Angelico, he went on to build a handful of guitars under the name Insalaco. Using his D’Angelico as a blueprint, he carefully modeled the dimensions and features in his own instruments. We acquired all five remaining Insalacos, along with the original D’Angelico that inspired them.
For a self-taught luthier working on a small scale, the craftsmanship is incredibly impressive. Honestly, they sound better than many jazz guitars we’ve seen pass through our shop over the years.
Each guitar needed a bit of TLC when we got them, and our techs went over every instrument to assess and document their condition. We’ve priced them low to reflect their non-mint state—some higher than others depending on individual condition—but all of them are fully playable. These are ideal for someone with light tech or luthier skills looking for a rewarding project with real vintage mojo and a great backstory.
SPECS
Weight: 6.3lbs
Year: 1997
Condition: Good with plenty of wear and imperfections throughout. Please see all of our listing photos for a closer look
Tech Notes: This archtop guitar has been cleaned, tested, and is in solid working condition. It’s currently set up with minimal neck relief and medium action playing comfortably throughout the entire neck. Fretboard cleaned and frets polished. There is some minor wear on the frets and tentatively could use a light re-crowning to address a couple flat spots on the frets. There is a top crack under the tailpiece that is stable and was previously glue filled/repaired. Previous strap button location had been plugged/re drilled. Fretboard binding is having no issues of detachment/lift. Overall, it’s a fantastic jazz box with vintage character, ideal for someone who’s willing to put in a little elbow grease to bring out its full potential. A great value for a player or project-minded musician looking for vintage tone and feel at a fair price.
WITH THE ABOVE BEING SAID GUITAR IS BEING SOLD "AS-IS" with a price reflecting that.
Top: Solid Wood
Neck Profile: Wide Flat U
Neck Thickness: 1st: 0.84" / 10th: 0.94"
Fingerboard Radius: 10"
Nut Width: 1.75"
Scale Length: 24.625"
Upper Bout: Width 13.5" / Depth 2.75"
Lower Bout: Width 17.25" / Depth 4"
Waist: Width 11.25" / Depth 4"
Pickups: None
String Gauge: 10 - 46
String Spacing: 40mm Nut, 49mm Bridge, 10mm string to string at bridge
Tools Included: None
Please note: All measurements are taken in-house. While we strive for accuracy, slight variations may occur compared to manufacturer specifications due to the nature of hand-measuring.
Description
1997 Insalaco Archtop Cherry
DESCRIPTION
A few years back, I had the opportunity to purchase some gear from Pyramid Sound Studios in Ithaca, NY—a legendary spot that’s recorded artists like Anthrax, Joe Bonamassa, and many others. During that time, the uncle of Pyramid’s owner - ready to part with his collection - offered us something special: an original 1940 D’Angelico Style B, which he had owned since the 1960s.
Inspired by that D’Angelico, he went on to build a handful of guitars under the name Insalaco. Using his D’Angelico as a blueprint, he carefully modeled the dimensions and features in his own instruments. We acquired all five remaining Insalacos, along with the original D’Angelico that inspired them.
For a self-taught luthier working on a small scale, the craftsmanship is incredibly impressive. Honestly, they sound better than many jazz guitars we’ve seen pass through our shop over the years.
Each guitar needed a bit of TLC when we got them, and our techs went over every instrument to assess and document their condition. We’ve priced them low to reflect their non-mint state—some higher than others depending on individual condition—but all of them are fully playable. These are ideal for someone with light tech or luthier skills looking for a rewarding project with real vintage mojo and a great backstory.
SPECS
Weight: 6.3lbs
Year: 1997
Condition: Good with plenty of wear and imperfections throughout. Please see all of our listing photos for a closer look
Tech Notes: This archtop guitar has been cleaned, tested, and is in solid working condition. It’s currently set up with minimal neck relief and medium action playing comfortably throughout the entire neck. Fretboard cleaned and frets polished. There is some minor wear on the frets and tentatively could use a light re-crowning to address a couple flat spots on the frets. There is a top crack under the tailpiece that is stable and was previously glue filled/repaired. Previous strap button location had been plugged/re drilled. Fretboard binding is having no issues of detachment/lift. Overall, it’s a fantastic jazz box with vintage character, ideal for someone who’s willing to put in a little elbow grease to bring out its full potential. A great value for a player or project-minded musician looking for vintage tone and feel at a fair price.
WITH THE ABOVE BEING SAID GUITAR IS BEING SOLD "AS-IS" with a price reflecting that.
Top: Solid Wood
Neck Profile: Wide Flat U
Neck Thickness: 1st: 0.84" / 10th: 0.94"
Fingerboard Radius: 10"
Nut Width: 1.75"
Scale Length: 24.625"
Upper Bout: Width 13.5" / Depth 2.75"
Lower Bout: Width 17.25" / Depth 4"
Waist: Width 11.25" / Depth 4"
Pickups: None
String Gauge: 10 - 46
String Spacing: 40mm Nut, 49mm Bridge, 10mm string to string at bridge
Tools Included: None
Please note: All measurements are taken in-house. While we strive for accuracy, slight variations may occur compared to manufacturer specifications due to the nature of hand-measuring.
