For Sale: 2002 Sobell Model 1, Brazilian/German, Gotoh 501 tuners (LOWER PRICE + TRADE OPTIONS)

bdm0509 · #1 05-07-2017, 12:35 PM

Hey all-

Well, time marches on, and it's time for me to let my lovely Sobell Model 1 go. As many of you saw, I chose this guitar over a Franklin (detailed with a sound comparison thread). I added some video, although apologies for a poor-ish recording.

The guitar is exceptionally clear, and I've loved playing it over the last 6-8 months. But I recently purchased a new guitar from Peggy White, which has pushed the Sobell aside, largely because of my touch and current repertoire. So the Sobell is going to have to go for sale. I just don't keep guitars I don't play, and the White covers me for now. I love the Sobell and have been mulling this over for nearly three weeks, but feel this is the right call.

About the Sobell

Anyway, the Sobell is a rare find in America, as many of you know, and if you enjoy clarity, ringing fundamentals, and sustain for days, you'll love this Sobell. Additionally, I've upgraded the older Gotoh tuners for new 510s, which look and feel great and really add something to the aesthetic; of course, I checked with Stefan and he encouraged the change. The original tuner holes and screws holes were used so there is no way to tell these weren't original.

Price: Now lowered to $9,900, including PayPal fees (if used by buyer) and insured ground shipping via FedEx to anywhere in the US.

Basic Specifications

2002 Sobell Model 1
Brazilian Rosewood 3-piece back
Brazilian Rosewood sides
German Spruce top
1 3/4" nut width
2 1/4" string spacing
Hiscox Lite Artist Case

I'll probably be consigning this with a dealer in the next few weeks, but while I'm working those details out, I'm going to list the guitar here. If it sells, all the better; if not, that's OK, too. Of course, I'd prefer to do business with AGF members, so I'm hoping this catches someone's interests.

Trade Options

I'd also consider partial trades; a traditional Martin OM (such as an OM-28 authentic) or a well-established traditional builder (think Circa) would get you partially, or in the case of a Circa, possibly all the way there. I'm pretty limited here, though; I in particular would insist on the vintage 1 3/4" (or 1 25/32") nut width and 2 5/16" or 2 3/8" string spacing and traditional appointments. Still, if this is you, reach out!

The dealers I've spoken to would list this guitar at significantly more; $12-13,000 or more! If you're interested, I'd suggest reaching out.

Pictures

The arch is VERY distinct, to the feel and the eye, from almost every angle.

Feel free to PM me or email me at brett.m-at-me.com

Thanks all!

Transylvania · #2 05-07-2017, 12:51 PM

Simply for clarification, the arch you describe, is that something built into the instrument, or the result of something else? I had wonderful opportunity to spend about 2 hours listening to a Sobel up close and personal at a recent Darrell Scott performance. Simply a gorgeous tone.

bdm0509 · #3 05-07-2017, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transylvania

Simply for clarification, the arch you describe, is that something built into the instrument, or the result of something else? I had the wonder opportunity to spend about 2 hours listening to a Sobel up close and personal at a recent Darrell Scott performance. Simply a gorgeous tone.

Hey there-

The arch is a unique feature of Stefan's instruments. There are a few other builders who do something similar but it's absolutely intentional. Good question :-)

Yes, they're very very unique, bold, beautiful instruments. It really helped refine my playing and come back to better valuing the fundamental.

Thanks
Brett

dharwin · #4 05-07-2017, 08:53 PM

Man oh man do i wish i was in the market! This is pretty much my dream guitar. GLWS

Diamondave · #5 05-07-2017, 09:12 PM

Sobell builds supper impressive instruments, very classy.... GLWS!

bdm0509 · #6 05-08-2017, 06:51 PM

Beautiful Brazilian rosewood...

bdm0509 · #7 05-09-2017, 03:20 PM

Just a note... you might be surprised what serious offers I'd consider (no trades, but cash or PayPal deals) to move this quickly. Ask and you never know what you might receive :-)

Thanks
Brett

bdm0509 · #8 05-10-2017, 01:59 PM

Another look at this beauty, on sale here for just a few more days before its off to consignment. Get a deal now while you can; reach out if you have serious interest.

I love Stefan's binding. I know Laurent Brondel uses something that has echoes of this, but the Sobell is still totally unique.

bdm0509 · #9 05-11-2017, 05:24 PM

This guitar is with my tech right now getting a complete inspection, fresh setup, and sight lowering of the action on the bass side. The result? Several hundred dollars of additional work by a top-notch tech and professional player... all included in the sale price of this guitar.

You won't find a better deal on a guitar if this caliber.

bdm0509 · #10 05-12-2017, 04:17 PM

Up on a Friday for someone who loves a special guitar...

Peace · #11 05-13-2017, 07:17 AM

Something to consider...

It is now next to impossible to get a Brazilian Rosewood Sobell into the USA.

Sobells are outstanding guitars. This one will surely appreciate in value....

Just a thought...

barcafan · #12 05-13-2017, 12:07 PM

another thing to consider -

artistic photos are cool and all, but I'm sure a buyer would maybe like full shots of the guitar- meaning full top/back photos, pegged, etc. I have no clue how nice the top or back are at this point. just a thought-

Bryan-

bdm0509 · #13 05-13-2017, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peace

Something to consider...

It is now next to impossible to get a Brazilian Rosewood Sobell into the USA.

Sobells are outstanding guitars. This one will surely appreciate in value....

Just a thought...

Very true... I'm surprised this one hasn't been snapped up. I've actually had significant interest overseas from multiple people who wish they could get it into their countries.

-Brett

bdm0509 · #14 05-14-2017, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barcafan

another thing to consider -

artistic photos are cool and all, but I'm sure a buyer would maybe like full shots of the guitar- meaning full top/back photos, pegged, etc. I have no clue how nice the top or back are at this point. just a thought-

Bryan-

Bryan... ask and you shall receive!

These are the originals from Mike Joyce. I'll post some with the new tuners soon as well.

bdm0509 · #15 05-15-2017, 06:47 AM

Finally, I've uploaded some iPhone photos from a few weeks ago when the tuners were replaced with new (and much improved) Gotoh 510s, with Stefan's blessings and instruction regarding the old tuner holes.

Thankfully, since the old tuners were also Gotohs, the holes lined up perfectly and you cannot tell there's an issue.

I can't think of another upgrade aside from a good setup that I've ever felt made such an immediate and appreciable difference in the playing experience.

Plus, I just think the guitar looks way better, and in line with Stefan's current instruments, with all the mojo of a 15 year old guitar.