Suetin BNKA L4 15 Inch Archtop

Besides the well-known major brands, we at The Fellowship of Acoustics are also big fans of small, independent guitar makers, because their guitars always have something special to offer. We know the builder of this guitar very well, as Yuri Suetin is currently working in our own workshop!

Yuri Suetin is a Russian guitar maker who is embarking on a true musical journey from his homeland. Suetin studied instrument making at the Musikinstrumentenakademien in Stockholm, where he learned the tricks of the trade. The journey from a pile of wood to a beautiful instrument is one that only truly talented builders can undertake, and Suetin has clearly mastered this skill, judging by this magnificent archtop. Craftsmanship is evident in every detail of this guitar, from the inlaid rosette to the brass details on the fingerboard and bridge, among other things.

The inspiration for this archtop is the L4, a model produced by Gibson early in the last century. Suetin built the guitar to the later specifications of that model, with 14 frets free from the body and a neck that extends over the top with a floating neck. This top is a fascinating piece of craftsmanship, shaped entirely with hand tools, and the rest of the guitar was also created using gouging, planing, and sawing. Every step in this process was carefully considered and purposeful, resulting in a truly fantastic guitar. Just look at that beautiful sunburst!

The guitar is fully acoustic, and thanks to its X-bracing, it has a beautifully focused sound that lends itself perfectly to fingerstyle. In terms of playing comfort, this archtop is also excellent, as the guitar's 15-inch body is relatively compact, making it exceptionally light. The neck has a particularly comfortable rounded profile, and its matte finish makes it a joy to play. The guitar rewards you with a clear and airy sound with beautiful overtones and subtle bass, and the notes resonate with a long sustain.

This Yuri Suetin archtop is an unparalleled feat of craftsmanship by a highly talented luthier, and we are proud to have him working in our own workshop!

Consignment.