At 16" across the lower bout, the Sadowsky Jim Hall Model captures the timeless elegance of classic vintage archtops, but it is built with thoroughly-modern precision. It is an expressive, deep-sounding jazz box that produces refined tone.
After working on and maintaining Jim's guitars for over 15 years, Roger Sadowsky designed Jim Hall's signature model to borrow from Jim's vintage D'Aquisto, but at the same time meet all of Jim's requirements as a player. Its graceful body has a single cutaway, and it is only 2-3/4" deep, so it's just as comfortable sitting across your lap as it is on a strap. Its body is constructed entirely of laminate Flame Maple back and sides. The maple top makes this guitar very different than similar archtops that have spruce tops. It is more stable and less prone to feedback, and the maple also lends more clarity and midrange focus. Nevertheless, the top and back are cut thinner than you might expect, so the guitar still retains natural acoustic response.
For electronics, the Sadowsky Jim Hall sports a single custom-wound PAF-style humbucker in the neck position. It's a great choice for this guitar because it fits the guitar's dynamic and responsive nature. Via the volume and tone controls, you're able to dial in the right sound for each setting. Plugged-in, the guitar's tone retains all of its natural acoustic character.
As for playability, the Jim Hall model boasts a manageable 24-3/4" scale length, and it has a 1-3/4" nut width, which provides extra room on the fingerboard for complex chord voicings. Carved Ebony bridge and carved Ebony tailpiece ensure the guitar is intonated properly and plays to its full potential, and an Ebony pickguard and Ebony knobs add a matching touch of elegance.
This 2006 Sadowsky Jim Hall is in excellent condition with no history of repairs or issues. It shows only minimal signs of play and use (see photos), and it is setup with extra low action and half-wound strings that have a smooth, touch-sensitive feel. It it includes its original hardshell case.