Mayfield Instrument Number 129 - Guitalin VBE-1

Only 1 available. Once sold, this listing will show "Sold Out".

Up for sale is Mayfield Instrument Number 129 - Guitalin VBE-1. This is a slightly updated version of the mid-to-late 1960s basic head design. VBE stands for "Very Basic Edition", which is simply a name designation for the series. It has been constructed with the same attention to detail as all guitalins from Number 123 onward.

Guitalin 129 is constructed with a top made from redwood lumber harvested in the 1920s from a 1300 year old tree in Crescent City, California. That is all we know of its history, but that would place the tree's infancy to around the middle of the 7th Century. It possesses very striking knot patterns that have been bookmatched. This is not your typical tight-grained redwood, but the knot patterns make it a very striking piece of art. Prior to guitalin Number 124, all previous Mayfield Instruments dating back to 1962 were kept by the family, given to friends, or sold privately by Lyle Mayfield or by his grandson, Nathan Smith. This is a rare opportunity to own an authentic Mayfield Instrument with modern structural updates, while preserving the original dimensions, specifications, look & sound first introduced by Lyle in 1962.

About Mayfield Instrument Number 129 - VBE-1:

Materials Used -

• Top: Ancient Redwood from Crescent City, California
• Sides: Black Walnut
• Back: Black Walnut
• Neck: Cypress & 1920s Oak Cliff White Oak
• Fretboard: Wenge
• Head Veneer Plates: American Cherry
• Tailblock: Antique Dallas, Texas White Oak from Oak Cliff
• Bridge: Katalox (Mexican Royal Ebony)
• Finish: Traditional, antiqued shellac with satin rub and hard carnauba wax coating. 

What's Included:

Every new Mayfield Instrument comes with a customized protective hard case, additional strings, stringing guide, care instructions, and any spur-of-the-moment accessories or materials deemed worthwhile. Additionally, Nathan is always available for troubleshooting and maintenance recommendations over-the-phone, via direct message or email. The instrument will be shipped with reduced string tension, bridge removed, and placement of bridge marked for easy installation. This doubly-ensures safe transport without damage to top. A link will be sent to a quick tutorial on installing the bridge and bringing the instrument safely up to pitch. Please inquire for a bridge-placement gauge, which can be ordered for an additional, nominal fee, for future bridge placement accuracy.

Pricing: $200 discount for local pickup with code "LOCALPICKUP". FREE OVERNIGHT FEDEX SHIPPING FOR CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES BUYERS. Includes appropriate insurance, referencing the sale price, and signature requirement for delivery. Close contact will be kept with buyer throughout the shipment process. Processing time will be no longer than 3 business days from the date of transaction to ensure secure packaging for your long-awaited dream folk instrument! If purchased on a Friday, it will not be taken to our Fedex facility until Monday, in order to avoid having it sit in a hot facility over the weekend. I regret to inform that international insurance is not obtainable through Shopify, so I cannot offer shipment at this time outside of the USA. If you happen to be traveling to Texas, perhaps we can work something out. ONCE THE PACKAGE IS IN HAND, PLEASE WAIT 24 HOURS FOR THE PACKAGE TO ACCLIMATE TO YOUR HOME BEFORE OPENING.

Disclaimer: Though meant to look slightly antiqued and worn like a 1960s original, minor defects in the texture of finish may become evident, as shellac is softer than most modern finishes and never completely cures. It does however become very hard. Tips for maintaining the satin look and wax coating will be included in the care instructions for the guitalin.