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after 30 years, bart wittrock finally parts with my white whale holy grail guitar. michael stevens sg les paul robin prototype. thanks, charlie!!!

ppgf

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Sep 11, 2014
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after over 3 decades of pestering, i finally have my holy grail set neck carved top guitar.

arts and crafted by american treasure, michael stevens, for bart and dave’s fledgling robin guitar brand, this true sg les paul mashup is one of one. michael stevens built this (along w/ all but two of the robin protos, including the famous srv/jimmy vaughan proto) back in “82.

 
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ourmaninthenorth

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Mar 28, 2009
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7,119
Thanks for posting this Matte, fascinating guitar.

Can you help me out with a few details?

Who is DW being interviewed by Vintage Guitar, presumably Dave of Robin guitars, business partner in the venture with Tom's brother?

In the same VG narrative the Soloist (prototype) is refered to as the Artisan - is that the name the main run came to be known by? and that it was imported, from where may I ask?
 

ppgf

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Joined
Sep 11, 2014
Messages
688
Thanks for posting this Matte, fascinating guitar.

Can you help me out with a few details?

Who is DW being interviewed by Vintage Guitar, presumably Dave of Robin guitars, business partner in the venture with Tom's brother?

In the same VG narrative the Soloist (prototype) is refered to as the Artisan - is that the name the main run came to be known by? and that it was imported, from where may I ask?
dave was indeed the cofounder of robin guitars. he sadly passed earlier this year. the guitar was originally named the soloist. when production began in japan, it was renamed the artisan. when i bought the proto from bart, i also received the full size drawings, which accompanied my michael stevens built proto to the point of manufacture. i believe that tokai was the original manufacturer.
 

ourmaninthenorth

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Mar 28, 2009
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7,119
Thanks a lot, I really do love the details in these things.

An extraordinary guitar, by an extraordinary luthier, finally in your hands.

Aren't moments like this really what this dodge is all about.

Play in the finest of health, and once again thanks for sharing the moment.
 

ppgf

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Joined
Sep 11, 2014
Messages
688
Thanks a lot, I really do love the details in these things.

An extraordinary guitar, by an extraordinary luthier, finally in your hands.

Aren't moments like this really what this dodge is all about.

Play in the finest of health, and once again thanks for sharing the moment.
thank you! this is really what it’s all about!

big up to charlie for his assistance.
 

seafood

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Jun 11, 2003
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379
wow...so great....congratulations!!!!! enjoy it and have fun!!!!!! Happy Holidays!!!!
 

seafood

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Jun 11, 2003
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i'm an old guy...so i recall the ads for these.....super cool and rare guitar!!! the blueprints are so great!!!! a holiday treat!!!! for guitar nuts!!!
 

ppgf

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Sep 11, 2014
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688
i'm an old guy...so i recall the ads for these.....super cool and rare guitar!!! the blueprints are so great!!!! a holiday treat!!!! for guitar nuts!!!
it’s an absolutely spectacular and impeccably crafted instrument.
 

ch willie

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Jun 7, 2007
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Wow that’s now my dream guitar. I love symmetrical dcs. The carve and finish make that so beautiful. Congratulations.
 

ppgf

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Sep 11, 2014
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688
this was another of the michael stevens arts and crafted robin protos.

 
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