David E. Schneider custom cutaway archtop acoustic guitar ("Artist" model), spruce and maple with pearloid overlays, Bearsville, New York, circa 2000s. Approx. 41 1/2 in. x 16 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.

Custom hand-built cutaway archtop acoustic guitar by Bearsville, New York luthier David "Dave" Schneider, branded "ARTIST" on the lower soundboard bout and bearing his internal maker's label. Schneider, who learned his craft under legendary archtop master Jimmy D'Aquisto, crafted this instrument with distinct visual flair and archtop architecture. Features a cherry sunburst-finished spruce top with bound f-holes, maple back and sides, and a multi-laminate neck. Outfitted with an intricate Art Deco pearloid headstock veneer, open-gear tuners with carved ivoroid buttons, an ebony fingerboard with diagonal-stripe block inlays, an adjustable wood bridge, and a trapeze tailpiece. Accompanied by a plush-lined hard shell case.

Handmade archtop guitars by Dave Schneider are scarce and highly regarded, especially given his direct training under D'Aquisto. Archtop players and boutique instrument collectors actively look for bench-built archtops with classic jazz-box craftsmanship, which gives this unique model great appeal.

Very Good. Well-preserved with light surface handling wear, minor lacquer checking, and superficial finish marks consistent with gentle play. Neck, body, and binding remain structurally sound with excellent neck alignment.