The meteoric rise of Brian Applegate has been phenomenal.  Bitten by the luthier bug in 1997, Brian was able to convince Jim Olson (www.olsonguitars.com) to let him "help out" around his shop.  Thus began Brian's apprenticeship under Jim where he learned his craft deeply and quickly.

 

There are few luthiers today in the same league as Brian...Jim Olson and Kevin Ryan among them.  Brian designs and builds his instruments with an unparalleled passion for acoustic and artistic perfection.  His desire for nothing but the best are incredible!  Like both Jim and Kevin, Brian has embraced technology and innovation where it improves the quality of the art.

 

This is an absolutely stunning guitar.  The Brazilian Rosewood takes your breath away.  I have owned dozens of guitars over the years including a number of Ryans and Olsons.  None can compare to this.  This has been my “keeper” guitar and I am only reluctantly selling it because I am buying a new guitar from Brian with a Venetian cutaway.

 

The top is the clearest and tightest of Adirondack spruce -- very rare and expensive.  In fact is it so scarce the folks at Luthiers Mercantile Exchange are no longer able to supply it (Link to LMI Description of Adirondack Qualities). 

 

The inlay work is beyond description.  Using three different types of abalone (mother of pearl) and blue paua Brian created a masterpiece that elicits aahs every time it comes out of the case.

 

The Brazilian front and back headplates are framed with beautiful inlay and cap one of the most legendary necks on the planet built by Jim Olson and Brian in Jim Olson's shop.  The five piece design is made of Honduras Mahogany, flamed maple, and Brazilian Rosewood; this is "The Neck" benchmark for all others.

 

Rounding out the amazing woods and inlays are other special appointments such as the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, Brazilian Rosewood Bridge, Brazilian Rosewood bindings, and a Fishman Matrix 1 under-saddle pickup for those who will perform with Nymphy.

 

The tone is so incredibly clear you would swear the sounds this guitar makes could only be made in heaven.  Think of the best acoustics you have ever heard played fingerstyle and you will have the right image.   From the softest brush of a finger to enthusiastic strumming this guitar just sings sweet, clear and loud.  No hint of breakup no matter the volume.  No harsh highs, muddled mids, or strangled lows – just pure vibrating bronze strings over resonating wood!

 

 

 

This guitar is especially significant for a number of reasons.

 

The first is that Brian built this guitar to be his "best of the best" show piece.  He incorporated the absolute best woods, appointments, and construction in this guitar to show the world what Applegate guitars was capable of.

 

The second is this is a sentimental guitar to both Brian's family and ours.  The figurehead on the headstock if both beautiful and flirtatious.  Brian's wife named her "Nymphy" and the name has stuck.  My family has the same emotional attachment to her.

 

The third is the sacrifice Brian made in selling her to me.  Brian would still have this guitar if he hadn't had the need to buy a new hi-powered laser cutter to allow him to create even more delicate and intricate inlays.  Brian used the proceeds from the sale of Nymphy to buy a critical piece of equipment for his shop.

 

Brian is going to kill me for selling this guitar...I am perhaps more her foster parent than her owner.  But with kids in college and a new guitar en route I have to make some choices.  New this guitar would cost well over $14,000 plus tax and shipping.  The Buy It Now Price represents a significant discount from the new price…and the guitar is in new condition.  Current lead time from Brian is over 12 months and I bet Brian would be hard-pressed to build another like this again.

 

For medium resolution versions of the photos please clike here: Link to Nymphy Photos.  High resolution 8 megapixel versions of the listing photos this guitar are available if you send me your email address.  Please note each photo is roughly 3-4MB in size.

 

 

  

* SHIPPING WILL BE VIA INSURED CARRIER.

* PAYPAL FOR THE FULL AMOUNT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN THREE BUSINESS DAYS OF CLOSE OF AUCTION OR THE SELLER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO RE-LIST OR SELL THE ITEM TO THE NEXT HIGHEST ACCEPTABLE BIDDER.

* SELLER RESERVES THE RIGHT NOT TO SELL TO BIDDERS WITH MULTIPLE NEGATIVE COMMENTS OR LIMITED PURCHASE HISTORY.

* THIS ITEM IS FOR SALE IN OTHER VENUES.  THE SELLER RESERVES THE RIGHT TO END THE AUCTION EARLY IF THE ITEM SELLS BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS.

* THE ITEM IS SOLD “AS IS” WITH NO EXPLICIT OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES. 

* THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ITEM FOR SALE IS AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE BUT MAY BE SUBJECT TO ERRORS OR OMISSIONS.  THE “WEBSITES FOR MORE INFO” ARE SIMPLY FOR REFERENCE AND DO NOT REFER SPECIFICALLY TO THE ITEM FOR SALE.