This rare vintage archtop is a 1957 Levin Model 1 Deluxe, which was the firm's top-of-the-line offering. This stunning looking instrument has serial number 361182, one of the last examples to roll off the line with production ending in 1958. A super jumbo orchestra guitar, comparable to the Gibson Super 400 or Epiphone Emperor, the Deluxe is carved of all solid European tonewoods, (Romanian Spruce top with flamed Maple back and sides) ornately inlaid with hand-scribed pearloid position markers, and fitted with engraved gold hardware. With its massive 18 1/2" lower bout, the Deluxe is exceeded in size only by the legendary (and expensive) Stromberg Master 400.
The guitar is in really fantastic condition with only a couple of small marks to the body (see last 4 pictures). The guitar has been completely refinished – by the look of the pictures left in the case the work was carried out in the late 60s/early 70s. As can been seen in the current pictures the previous refinishing work is of a very high standard. The guitar retains the original gold finished Grover Sta-tite tuners and the De Luxe engraved tail piece. Two fantastic sounding Dog Ear P90 pickups have been added, controlled by individual volume controls and a master tone control. A solid Ebony scratch plate is a further classy addition to the guitar.
Overall it is a fantastic example of this much sought after Levin archtop guitar, coveted by players and collectors alike. Setup with a new set of flatwound strings the guitar plays very nicely and sounds brilliant both acoustically and when plugged in - comes complete with its original hard case.
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.
Customers outside of UK should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
